Dorchester Council Holds First FY25 Budget Hearing; Health Officer Provides Seasonal Public‑health Update

The Dorchester County Council convened the first public hearing on the proposed FY2025 budget at its May 14 meeting. Finance Director Karen Tolley recapped the budget presentation given at the May 7 meeting and noted two follow-up hearings: May 21, 2024 (second public hearing) and May 28, 2024 (legislative public hearing/adoption). The hearing this evening received no public comments and was closed.

Dorchester County Health Officer Roger Harrell provided a seasonal public-health update, reporting on COVID trends, mosquito- and tick-borne disease prevention, summer heat relief options, H5N1 (avian influenza) awareness, drive-thru supply events, and youth action-council activities. Harrell thanked the Council for the opportunity to serve the County and discussed potential partnerships to use a Mobile Integrated Carry Unit to reduce non-emergency 911 calls and EMS volume.

During public comments, resident Phil Cecil raised a sewer connection matter for property on Mimosa Drive, saying construction is ready to begin but the sewer connection and permit approval are pending; Interim County Manager Jeff Powell replied that infrastructure has not been completed. Terry Robbins thanked the Council for approving tennis tournaments and said proceeds will be used to resurface the Busick Tennis Courts.