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"There is a law on the books that governs us like we've never been governed before. Orangeburg County now has a zoning ordinance in all unincorporated areas of the county."

Those were the words of Orangeburg County Council Chairman Harry Wimberly Monday after council unanimously gave final third reading to the county's first zoning ordinance.

The response from the audience was applause.

The ordinance, Wimberly said, will "take effect at 8 a.m. in the morning ... or, when the county opens for business in the morning."

Councilwoman Janie Cooper reiterated comments she'd made previously.

"This is not a perfect document, but it is a great start," she said. "Zoning was not pushed. We took our time. ... The Planning Commission had meeting after meeting in different parts of the county. So, Orangeburg County citizens were informed. ... They were well-informed, whether they attended the meetings or not. We did make it clear. It's not something we kept in secret."

Prior to the session, County Administrator Bill Clark explained that the ordinance, "will not affect any current uses of property. All present and existing conditions are 'grandfathered' in. The ordinance will apply only to new uses that commence after the final reading takes place."

Since the development of a zoning ordinance has been discussed for some time, Clark said, he doesn't expect those who buy or sell property to see much of an affect.

"In addition, we're one of the last to come along into the application of zoning regulation," he said. "Municipalities, state agencies and private covenants and restrictions have been involved in zoning and land use activities for decades. In most cases, I think buyers of property will be comforted by knowing what types of development can and cannot go on adjoining property."

In addition, Clark said that no new employees will be needed to implement the new ordinance. The work will be handled by the community development staff under the supervision of Deputy Administrator Harold Young.

According to Clark, the text of the ordinance and the zoning map are posted on the county's Web site and are available for public review 24/7. For specific questions, he said, Young can be contacted at 803-533-6160.

In contrast to the concerns raised by two environmentalists prior to second reading, several farmers and landowners spoke out in favor of the ordinance and the exclusion of the Four Holes Swamp overlay district. The district was dropped after landowners said it was too restrictive.

Michael Shuler said that, had the overlay district been left in the ordinance, it would have "taken private land that's been in my family for 100 years." He thanked council for, "doing what the majority of landowners in the overlay wanted."

Barry Hutto called the removal of the overlay district a "wise decision" all of his neighbors approve.

Barry Berry read a letter from Bowman farmer Landy Weathers thanking council for not allowing the opposition of a few to thwart the work of the majority.

Also, Dan Hutto thanked council for listening to the landowners in the area. Federal and state laws are already in place to protect the Four Holes Swamp, he said.

Council also heard from Rabbi Dale Sengelman, who asked for a six-month moratorium; and Jeanette Jeffrey, who said she felt county residents were well informed on zoning and that the issue should move forward.

In other business, council:

* Was introduced to Howard Jackson, the new director of elections and voter registration. The Orangeburg native has a bachelor's degree from South Carolina State University and a master's degree from the University of South Carolina. He was previously employed at Claflin University. Election Commission Chairman Rut Thomas made the announcement.

* Passed a resolution appointing Councilman Johnnie Wright to serve as a commissioner on the Lake Marion Regional Water Agency board. Wright, who is the chairman, has served on the board for the 13 years since it's been in existence. County Administrator Bill Clark and Councilman Johnny Ravenell will serve as alternates.

* Adopted the budget calendar for the 2008-2009 fiscal year. Budget hearings are scheduled to be held May 5-19, with first reading set for the 19th. Second reading and a public hearing will be on June 16, followed by final third reading on June 23. The new budget goes into effect July 1.

* Appointed Billy Joe Armstrong to fill a vacancy on the Santee District Fire Department Commission.

* Received for the 19th consecutive year the ce.jpgicate of achievement for excellence in financial reporting, the highest honor from the Government Finance Officers Association.

* Received as information, concerns with the sheriff's office raised by Billy DuBose, whose property has been broken into 18 times during the past year.

He complained that one of the few arrested walked free after the deputy in the case, who is no longer employed by the county, didn't show up for court. As for the other cases, he said, a deputy who was taken off traffic detail wrapped up the cases within 24 hours by stating there was nothing to follow up. In another incident, he said, there were arrests, but his large collection of guns was never found.

Also, Jeffrey questioned how many criminals have been let go because the sheriff's office didn't send deputies to court. She also complained the sheriff didn't return her calls.

Wimberly explained that Sheriff Larry Williams has been made aware of the concerns.

* Received as information, questions from Mamie Washington on who to see about getting roads in her Westwood Subdivision paved.

* In closed, executive session, discussed an update on an unspecified economic development issue, and received a legal briefing and discussed a contractual matter concerning the Regional Medical Center bond issue.

T&D Government Writer Tucker Lyon can be reached at tlyon@timesanddemocrat.com or by calling 803-533-5545.

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