A $126,777 check from lawmakers and a presentation on the proposed Center for Global Markets were two of the economic development-related items before Orangeburg County Council on Monday, the first day of Industry Appreciation Week.

State Sen. John Matthews, who presented the check, noted the relationship between economic development and infrastructure. The money is to be used for economic development-related infrastructure in the county, although a specific project has not yet been identified, County Council Chairman Harry Wimberly said.

By staying focused, officials can make Orangeburg a model county, Matthews said, noting that he’s seen the county grow from least developed to moderately developed over the past 10 years.

Wimberly said the effort shows what happens when government entities work together.

According to Matthews, Orangeburg County knows where it’s going and how to get there.

“I represent five counties and I work with county councils and local governments and 21 municipalities,” Matthews said. “In this county, we are on the same page.”

In other economic development business, council received a presentation on the proposed Center for Global Markets, the new name of the project previously identified as the World Trade Park and Education Research Center.

The CGM is an economic development project created by the South Carolina World Trade Center. Its mission is to improve the state’s economy through enhanced trade, education and research, including a focus on the Interstate 95 corridor. Both Orangeburg County and South Carolina State University are participating in a study to determine the project scope and potential locations within the county.

Robert Ray of Angle Technology Group, the United Kingdom-based firm hired to conduct the $97,400 feasibility study, and one of his associates read the 16-page report to council verbatim.

Council took no action on the recommendation to proceed with the project, including the $100,000 set up appropriation and the estimated phased-in cost of $1 million a year for operations.

“Orangeburg County could benefit, but it’s going to cost,” said Councilwoman Janie Cooper. She also questioned why the regional Lower Savannah Council of Governments was not included in the study.

Barbara Dilligard, the county consultant, said a number of foundations have been approached to help with funding. The concept, she said, is that “smaller funding leads to larger funding.”

“Everybody is holding steady until after this election because no one knows what’s going to happen,” she said.

In other business, council:

n Received an update on reassessment from Deputy Administrator Marion Lloyd and from Sandy Houck of the S.C. Department of Revenue.

Reassessment notices are scheduled to be mailed to county property owners by Oct. 1. With a 90-day appeals period in place, council urged taxpayers to examine the reassessment notices.

n Gave final third reading to an ordinance establishing an infrastructure financing agreement for a $6 million convenience store/service station. Henry’s SOC station, on U.S. 301/601, will employ at least 50 people.

n After amending the agenda, approved an amendment to an agreement between the county and the town of Branchville concerning the penny sales tax project that will provide water to Branchville and the Cattle Creek areas. The amendment provides clarification to agreement language, as requested by the Rural Development division of the Department of Agriculture.

n Passed a resolution designating Sept. 15-20 as Industry Appreciation Week.

n In closed, executive session, discussed an economic development matter concerning a prospect and a personnel matter about an undisclosed position.

n T&D Government Writer Tucker Lyon can be reached at tlyon@times anddemocrat.com or at 803-533-5545.

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