Sumter County Council approves second reading of private-roads policy by 5–2; third reading set for Sept. 23

Sumter County Council on Sept. 9 approved second reading of Ordinance 25-1034, which adopts revised procedures and policies for county private roads. Councilmember Carlton B. Washington moved the measure, Councilmember Tasha Gardner-Greene seconded, and the motion carried by a 5–2 vote.

Councilmember Washington reported that third and final reading is scheduled for Sept. 23, 2025. He said county staff will, after final adoption, work on establishing the requirements a roadway must meet to be considered for transfer of ownership to the county for emergency-services access.

The minutes show differing positions on the measure (reflected in the 5–2 vote), but do not record individual roll-call votes in the text. Public comment during the meeting included questions and objections from residents about private rural roads and a proposed consent requirement for deeding private roads to the county.

Why it matters: The policy sets procedures for how private roads may be managed or accepted by the county, and it links acceptance to emergency-services access criteria; the outcome may affect maintenance responsibilities and property-owner obligations in rural areas.

What happens next: The ordinance will return for third reading on Sept. 23; if passed, staff will prepare the technical requirements and processes for road transfer.