During his State of the County Address held at the County Complex on February 1, Williamsburg County Supervisor Stanley Pasley said the county has faced a tough and challenging year economically while absorbing revenue cuts from the state, but he said the $26 million budget has been maintained.
Pasley said that despite the fact that Williamsburg County is ranked third in the state in unemployment, the Economic Board is working on 11 new projects that could yield 785 jobs for the county. One project that is coming to fruition is Truss, a company that creates manufactured wood products. Truss will begin construction of its facility in Salters in November. The business is expected to bring 25 to 50 jobs. The county has also benefited from $80 million in grants, which have allowed, for example, two new ambulances and equipment for EMS, the addition of six firefighters and five fire trucks, 12 county transit vehicles and industry recruitment projects. In addition, Pasley is expecting over $80 million in stimulus funding will be awarded to the county by March which will allow for capital improvements.
However, the county is currently addressing a possible $600,00 revenue shortfall and Pasley said there might be a millage increase just to maintain basic services. Additionally, Williamsburg Technical College has requested a millage increase from 6 mils to 12 mils to cover its operational and maintenance budget and council is exploring solid waste disposal options that include hauling waste to Lee County landfill. If the Lee County option is passed, millage increases are estimated to reach anywhere from 7 to 12 mils. To determine how millage increases affect taxpayers, Pasley gave examples using homes valued of $50,000 and $100,000. A six-mil increase for a home valued at $50,000 would translate into a $12 increase per year and $24 for a $100,000 home. Combining the college and an estimated 9 millage for the Lee County landfill option could cost the taxpayer owning a $100,000 home, $34 per year. With that, Pasley expanded his discussion of the landfill issue. “It is important that we don’t lose focus on what we believe is fundamental and truly determining the best solution to our solid waste disposal future,” said Pasley. “We must control the destiny of our solid waste without mortgaging the financial stability of the county.”
Pasley also tackled rumors that the previously proposed landfill site in the Morrisville/Nesmith Communities was still under consideration. “For the record,” stated Pasley, “Let me be very clear and factual. The Morrisville/Nesmith site nor any site in Williamsburg County is being considered for a landfill location.” He declared that any option considered would provide a process for input. “It is still our desire in committee, that before any final action regarding our solid waste disposal options are taken by council, will afford the citizens an opportunity to have your voices heard.”
The county and the Williamsburg School District have partnered with Francis Marion University for a rural area leadership Institute. The satellite facility will be located at the Chavis building in Hemingway and will house nine county offices and 11 agencies. The county is also finalizing a capital improvement plan that will include renovating the courthouse and the construction of a public service facility.  
Though the county is not directly involved in health care, Pasley felt it necessary to address the issue. Pasley said according to 2009 Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) statistics, heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes were among leading causes of death for Williamsburg County residents. The county also ranks fifth in the state for AIDS cases and sixth in the state for HIV cases. He asked that citizens take a more proactive and conscious effort to improve this serious situation.
In closing, Pasley reminded citizens to be part of the census count. “The amount of population determines the amount of Federal dollars that the county receives,” he said. “It is extremely important that you make sure everyone is counted.” The supervisor also put forth two requests on behalf of himself and council. First, he asked that citizens pray for the military, in particular the National Guard Unit of Hemingway, who will be heading to Afghanistan this month. The other request was to consider the people of Haiti. “We are going to sponsor a relief drive to assist in the earthquake that occurred in Haiti,” said Pasley. “We’re asking that all our county residents, businesses and agencies participate in this process.”
The collection point for donations will take place at Council Chambers on February 19 and February 22 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tax-deductible donations will be forwarded to the Red Cross. “We ask that you reach in your hearts and participate in order that we can send much needed relief to the folks in Haiti.”