News Flash

The Georgetown harbor is cleaner and safer thanks to a major collaborative cleanup that removed nearly two dozen abandoned and derelict vessels from its waters. Some had been there for years, not only acting as a source of pollution, but a safety hazard for boaters.

The effort — a partnership between Georgetown County, the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), state legislators, and the nonprofit Wounded Nature – Working Veterans — has removed more than 20 vessels from the harbor since work began last summer. Divers from SCDNR returned to the Georgetown Port today to finish hauling out the remaining wrecks. The boats were deposited on the site of the county-owned Georgetown port, where staff with the County’s Public Services Department will remove them to the landfill.

The operation represents one of the most significant waterway cleanups in the region's recent history, and officials say the environmental and safety benefits will be felt for generations.

"What we're witnessing here today is far more than just the removal of abandoned boats," said SCDNR Director Tom Mullikin. "It's an act of environmental stewardship and maritime responsibility."

The stakes extend well beyond aesthetics. As vessels decay, they release fuel, oil, battery acid and other hazardous materials into surrounding waters and sediments. Fiberglass hulls break apart over time, releasing microscopic fragments that can be ingested by shellfish and enter the food chain. Mullikin noted that 24% of South Carolina families rely on well water — aquifers that can be contaminated by pollutants leaching from sunken vessels nearby.

"These are carcinogens," Mullikin said. "These are hazardous materials that are left to deteriorate in our waters, and we're not going to have it in South Carolina."

The ecological significance of the harbor's shallow waters is hard to overstate. One oyster filters 50 gallons of water per day, and the marshes and estuaries surrounding Georgetown support commercial fisheries, recreation and ecosystems that define the Lowcountry's coastal heritage. State Sen. Stephen Goldfinch, one of several legislative leaders who championed legislation enabling the cleanup, called the harbor's restoration a point of community pride.

"Coming from me, a native here, I want you to know I am proud of what DNR and the county have done," Goldfinch said. "I am proud of what the veterans and what Rudy and what all of you have done to support Georgetown."

Georgetown County Council Chairman Clint Elliott echoed that sentiment, crediting the success of the operation to the range of partners who came to the table — and stayed.

"This is the Georgetown way," Elliott said. "When something needs doing, we don't wait around — we figure out who needs to be at the table and we get it done."

The human effort behind the cleanup has been substantial. SCDNR's dive team — led by a diver colleagues affectionately call "Tarzan" for his willingness to work in the darkest, highest-current waters — rigged, pumped, and recovered vessels that had sat deteriorating for years. Georgetown County funded crane services and waived landfill disposal fees. Community member Sandy Tiller donated use of a barge. Coastal Crane contributed a significant discount on equipment.

Wounded Nature – Working Veterans, the 501(c)(3) national nonprofit that has removed more than 250 abandoned vessels from South Carolina waters since its founding in 2010, provided essential manpower and operational expertise. Founder and CEO Capt. Rudy Socha — a Marine veteran and licensed boat captain — was direct about the scale of the work still ahead statewide, even as he celebrated what the Georgetown team accomplished.

"We still have three million pounds of trash out there on our coastlines that we need to fund to get rid of," Socha said. He noted that each small sailboat removed from the harbor represents 8,000 to 9,000 pounds of material — and that the work of removing sunken and submerged vessels far exceeds what a typical beach sweep can accomplish.

The effort also carries financial weight. Mullikin noted that in-kind labor and nonprofit contributions to the Georgetown cleanup alone exceeded $100,000 in value — resources that government could not have supplied on its own.

Proposed state legislation would require boaters to carry liability insurance, and a separate bill would establish an annual $3 fee to fund future derelict vessel removals. Those measures, advocates say, are essential to sustaining cleanup efforts beyond what partnerships and goodwill can support alone.

For now, as the final vessels are removed from what Mullikin called "one of the most beautiful ports in the world," the harbor is cleaner, safer and better positioned for the future — including a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dredging project planned for next year.

"Every abandoned boat removed from our waters is one less source of pollution, one safer channel for our mariners, and one more step toward protecting the health of South Carolina's people, wildlife, and coastal ecosystems," Mullikin said.

###

Georgetown County is excited to welcome Carla Harvey, P.E., as the newest member of its executive team. An experienced engineer and longtime public servant, Harvey joined the staff this week as the new Director of Public Services. She succeeds Ray Funnye, who retired this summer after leading the department for more than three decades. 

Harvey brings to Georgetown County nearly two decades of experience in local government. She most recently served as an engineer for Colleton County, where she worked for nearly a decade. Before that, she spent nine years in Berkeley County managing its Capital Project Sales Tax program. 

A Mount Pleasant native, Harvey received both a bachelor’s degree and master’s in civil engineering from Clemson University. She said she has always been drawn to public service work, and Georgetown County has been on her radar for several years. 

“I’ve always been interested, and the right opportunity finally came along,” she said. “Ray Funnye had reached out to me on several occasions through APWA (American Public Works Association) networking, but the timing was never right. This time it was. I see this as a great opportunity for advancement in my career. Georgetown is growing, and it’s going to be great.” 

In her previous roles, Harvey supported numerous public works initiatives, but she is most proud of projects that delivered immediate and visible improvements for residents. Dirt-to-pavement conversions, she said, remain among her favorite accomplishments. 

“It sounds weird, but I enjoyed dirt road paving the best,” Harvey said. “Taking a two-rut road and giving residents something they’ve never had—less mud, fewer potholes, a real road—there’s so much reward in that. I’m very much instant-gratification driven, and those projects give you that. The same is true for streetscape projects. Taking an ordinary street and making it a destination point is incredibly fulfilling.” 

Harvey also brings experience with capital project sales taxes, something that will be highly relevant as Georgetown County implemented its own voter-approved Capital Project Sales Tax earlier this year and is in the very early stages of beginning those projects. She noted that communities with large visitor populations, like Georgetown County, stand to benefit significantly from this revenue model. 

“All those visitors who use your resources but don’t contribute to the local economy—they help pay for major improvements through a sales tax,” she said. “Your residents will benefit, but the cost burden is shared much more broadly.” 

Harvey said she believes Georgetown County is entering a pivotal chapter, driven by growth from both the Charleston and Horry County regions and by the upcoming redevelopment of the Georgetown waterfront. 

“I feel like Georgetown is in a pressure cooker right now,” she said. “You can see growth coming down from Horry County and up from Charleston. The waterfront redevelopment is going to be a huge asset and could change the face of Georgetown. In the next five years, I think this will truly become a destination point.” 

On a personal level, Harvey is mother to two teenage sons—one a year-round travel baseball player, the other an avid competitive bass fisherman. Most of her free time is spent at ball fields, on lakes or traveling for tournaments. 

“When we’re not at the ball field, we’re on the water,” she said with a laugh. “That’s our life, and this area is perfect for that.” 

Harvey said her first week has been warm and welcoming, and she is excited to get to know the staff and the broader community. 

“I’m a public servant,” she said. “I do what I do because I love working with people and improving the communities I serve. My goal is to make wherever I am better for my family and for everyone who lives here. That’s what drives me.” 

Cekra, Inc., a private contractor for the S.C. Department of Transportation (SCDOT), will begin rehabilitation work on the Highway 17 southbound bridges over the Santee river next week. Construction is scheduled to begin Monday, Oct. 27 and last about six months.

The project includes rehabilitation of both the North and South Santee River bridges along the southbound lanes of Highway 17 in Georgetown County. Cekra will perform the work and implement traffic control measures throughout the duration of the project.   

Motorists traveling between Georgetown and Charleston should expect periodic lane closures and possible delays during construction. Crews will be active in the area preparing for these closures and other work activities.

Beginning Oct. 27, the speed limit on the bridges will be reduced to 35 miles per hour whenever lane closures are in place.   

Drivers are urged to use caution when traveling through the work zone, follow all posted signage, and allow extra travel time when passing through the affected area.

Recycling and composting are about to get a little less complicated for Georgetown County residents, thanks to a pair of upcoming workshops hosted by the county’s Environmental Services Division.

Staff Environmentalist Maureen Mulligan said the sessions are designed to help residents better understand what belongs in recycling bins—and what doesn’t—and to introduce simple ways to reduce waste through household composting.

“Educating residents on sustainable development and resource management is one of the main objectives of my position,” Mulligan explained. “We’re really trying to encourage people to recycle properly, but also to start composting at home.”

Sorting Out the Confusion Around Recycling

The first session, “Know Your Recyclables,” will take place at multiple locations and times: 

•  Nov. 1 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Waccamaw Library, 41 St. Paul Place, Pawleys Island
• Nov. 10 from 1-2 p.m. at the Southern Georgetown Library, 4187 Powell Road, Georgetown
• Nov. 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Carvers Bay Library, 13048 Choppee Rd., Hemingway

 A previous session took place in October at the Georgetown Main Library. Mulligan said the goal of the programs is to clear up misconceptions about what can and can’t be recycled.

“We’ve been having issues with contamination,” she said. “People mean well, but sometimes we get things like food waste mixed in with plastics or aluminum, or even nonrecyclable items like hoses and storage bins. Just because something is made of plastic doesn’t mean it’s recyclable.”

Mulligan noted that the county primarily accepts plastics labeled with a 1 or 2 inside the recycling triangle, such as water and soda bottles, milk jugs and detergent containers. Those materials can be resold, helping offset processing costs. Items labeled with numbers 3 through 7, however, should unfortunately be placed in the trash.

“When in doubt, throw it out,” she said. “Wishful recycling—putting something in the bin because you hope it’s recyclable—just adds to our costs because we have to sort it out later.”

Plastic bags are another major issue. They tangle machinery at recycling facilities and should never be placed in mixed recycling bins. However, Mulligan said residents can now drop off clean, dry plastic film—including grocery and bread bags—at all county recycling centers.

Composting for Cleaner Air and Healthier Soil

The second program, a Composting Workshop, will be Saturday, Dec. 6 from 11:30-12:30 p.m. at the Carvers Bay Library, 13048 Choppee Road, Hemingway. Participants will learn how to turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich compost instead of sending them to the landfill.

“About a third of all waste in the United States is food waste,” Mulligan said. “When food decomposes in landfills, it does so without oxygen and produces methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas. Composting allows that material to break down naturally, reducing methane emissions and producing something useful.”

Participants in the composting class will receive a free five-cubic-foot compost tumbler to take home, made possible through a grant from the S.C. Department of Environmental Services.

Looking Ahead

Beyond these workshops, Mulligan hopes more residents will take advantage of the free landfill and recycling facility tours the county offers. “Before I worked here, I never gave it much thought,” she said. “But once you see how much waste we generate and how quickly our landfill is filling up, it really changes your perspective.”

The county landfill is currently the highest point in Georgetown County—and space is running out. “Even if you don’t care about the environmental side of it, there’s a major financial cost to expanding,” Mulligan noted.

Those interested in scheduling a facility tour can call 843-545-3452 for details or to register for upcoming workshops.

Starting today (Tuesday, Sept. 23), the intersection of W. Myrtle Road and Hazel Avenue is closed to through traffic for approximately 10–14 days as crews move into the next phase of the Andrews Drainage Improvement Project. The work will deliver important upgrades to reduce flooding and improve stormwater management along W. Myrtle near Cedar Avenue.

Detours

• From S. Morgan Avenue: Take Cedar Avenue north to W. Main Street near the Andrews Recreation Center.
• From Aspen Street (County Road S-22-129): Go north on Pope Street, then left on W. Hemlock to reconnect with Aspen Street.

Local Access

Residents along the project route will retain full access to homes and driveways. Travel beyond Maple Street will be limited during the closure.

Detour signs and traffic markers are in place to guide drivers around the work zone. Thank you for your patience as we make this important investment in Andrews’ future.

View the road closure site plan

Georgetown County, in partnership with the Town of Andrews, is making steady progress on a major drainage improvement project aimed at enhancing stormwater management and reducing flooding in Andrews.

Crews have completed vegetation clearing in the outfall corridor and are now focused on grading, trench excavation, and installation of upgraded storm drainage infrastructure. Outdated ditches are being decommissioned and replaced with modern piping and junction structures to improve system capacity and ensure long-term performance.

Erosion control measures are also in place, including the use of seed, sod, and matting to stabilize exposed soils and protect local water quality.

In the coming weeks, residents can expect to see survey control markers and selective vegetation clearing in areas between South Hazel Avenue, Hemlock Road, and West Pine Street. Temporary removal and replacement of fencing within the easement areas will also occur as part of the work.

The intersection of W. Myrtle Avenue and the drainage easement is currently an active construction zone. Intermittent truck traffic and heavy machinery operations are expected. Residents are urged to obey all safety signage and flaggers.

The County thanks residents for their patience and cooperation as it works to improve Andrews’ stormwater infrastructure and overall community resilience.

For more information, contact the Georgetown County Public Services Department’s Capital Projects Division at 843-545-3438.

View the full public notice from the Capital Projects Division

For more than 30 years, Ray Funnye has been a steady hand guiding Georgetown County’s largest department, and a quiet force helping shape the community he calls home. As he prepares to retire at the end of August, his impact is visible not just in roads, buildings and stormwater projects, but in the lives of people — colleagues, residents, and the hundreds of youth whose futures he has helped nurture.

A Georgetown County native, Funnye was the county’s first – and thus far only – Public Works Director. His last day is slated to be Aug. 29, with retirement drop-in open to the public tentatively scheduled for Aug. 22. He will leave behind a legacy of transformational leadership and a pair of shoes that will be near-impossible to fill.

“The time has come for a new chapter in my life,” Funnye shared from his office on Screven Street. “These past 33 years in Georgetown County have been nothing short of extraordinary. I could never have imagined the range of opportunities I’ve been given through my service to the County. It has truly been a blessing.”

He uses his own career path as a hiring tool these days. 

“When I interview candidates, I often say, ‘Look at me—I’m a living example of the opportunities that exist right here in Georgetown County,’” he shared. “I began my journey here, and that’s something I believe is especially important for young people to see and believe in.”

Funnye grew up on a small farm in the Plantersville community of Georgetown County. He attended Savannah State University, where he earned a degree in civil engineering technology, then went directly to Atlanta, where he had a successful career in design and construction management. During that time, he helped construct the first Georgia Dome, along with train stations and track systems for Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority.

He came to work for Georgetown County in 1992, after moving back home for family reasons with his then-fiancée, Queen Dease. 

He started as a plans examiner in the Planning Department. Now, he manages a $22 million departmental budget, $90 million in capital and road projects, and more than 120 employees across multiple divisions.

“At the time, I understood that Georgetown County didn’t offer the same level of financial opportunity as places like Atlanta, Charlotte, or the Virgin Islands,” Funnye said. “But what it did offer was something far more meaningful—the opportunity to return home and play a role in the growth and development of the community that raised me. That opportunity was a gift. In hindsight, I believe I was meant to be here. Georgetown is where I could make the greatest impact, and for that, I am sincerely grateful.”

When Opportunity Knocks

Funnye had been on the job for about 18 months when Gordon Hartwig, the county administrator at the time, approached him with an opportunity. He recalls working at his desk when Hartwig came walking by.

“He said ‘I’ve got this plan. I'm going to change Roads and Bridges to Public Works. I want you to lead it.’” Funnye remembers.

That moment marked the beginning of a decades-long journey during which Funnye would shape, lead, and ultimately reimagine Georgetown County’s public infrastructure operations. The early years were not without challenges—particularly as a young professional stepping into a well-established environment. Earning the trust of long-tenured employees, some of whom had been with the County for decades, required patience and persistence. For example, introducing new practices—like continuing with indoor assignments instead of ending the workday when it rained—challenged longstanding norms. Understandably, changes like these were initially met with resistance, but they marked the start of a cultural shift toward greater efficiency and accountability.

The department and Funnye’s responsibilities grew over the years to include everything from the original “Roads and Bridges” to solid waste, environmental services, fleet services, capital projects, stormwater management, facilities, mosquito control, and even the Georgetown County Airport. At one point, it also included Parks and Recreation, which is when it was renamed to Public Services.

Components have come and gone over the years. Some Funnye was surely happy to see taken back off his plate. But every new addition was greeted as an opportunity, no matter how much work, mastery of new information, or trouble it brought with it.

The airport, which fell under his purview for about 15 years was a particularly interesting challenge. It took a lot of research, but Funnye is ultimately responsible for much of the transformation of the Georgetown Airport into its current form as an important component of economic development in Georgetown County and something the county can be proud of. He helped build hangars and a new terminal building, improve taxiways, add a fixed-base operator and more.

“One of the most significant outcomes of this project was our ability to bring Georgetown County into the 21st century with a modern, welcoming facility,” Funnye said. “Now, when people arrive by air—particularly prospective investors—their first impression of Georgetown reflects the progress and professionalism of our community. We recognized that investors don’t arrive by Greyhound bus; they fly in. It was essential to create an arrival experience that accurately represents the County’s potential and character. I believe our new airport accomplishes that—it presents Georgetown County with the dignity and appeal it deserves."

An accredited agency

From the long-ago “Roads and Bridges” department that sent staff home when it rained, Funnye has built – literally and organizationally – an internationally-accredited agency with a forward-thinking mindset. One of Funnye’s proudest achievements is having his department receive accreditation from the American Public Works Association.

Georgetown County Public Services first received APWA accreditation in 2011. It was the result of a rigorous process that required extensive improvements to policy, procedures and operations.

“Initially, we were about 40% compliant,” Funnye said. “But we put in the work. Accreditation gave us a way to evaluate our policies and procedures and put into place operating standards more representative of a professional organization." 

Part of that professionalization was his creation of the department’s Career Improvement Program (CIP), which provides a structured path for employees to grow their careers and move into leadership roles.

“We sit down with folks and ask, ‘What are your goals? Where do you see yourself going?’” Funnye explained. “If someone wants to remain a truck driver, our goal is to help them become the safest, most efficient operator possible. But if they aspire to become a crew chief, section supervisor, or even a division manager, we’re committed to supporting their growth every step of the way. Our mission is simple: we want our people to succeed.”

Over the years, many of Funnye’s team members have gone on to successful positions elsewhere – becoming directors themselves, starting their own businesses or just “moving on to do great things.” Funnye said that has been one of the best things about his career.

Funnye’s leadership was also driven by a deep concern for safety and well-being. He developed an active safety culture to protect his employees — many of whom operate heavy equipment and work in physically demanding conditions. He still recalls the heartbreak of one employee whose career was cut short by an accident on the job.

“It doesn’t take much for something catastrophic to happen,” he said. “Our people come to work to provide for their families. I want them to be able to go home to those families every day.”

Throughout his tenure, Funnye led or had a hand in nearly every major infrastructure initiative the county undertook. That includes the long-range Capital Improvement Plan (also known as Visions), expansion of solid waste services, the launch of stormwater and capital project divisions, and an environmentally conscious shift to non-toxic mosquito control methods. The growth of the department — and its reach — mirrored Funnye’s own philosophy of always pushing forward.

It Takes a Village

But Funnye’s contributions didn’t stop at the gates of the Public Services compound. His impact on the broader community is equally significant.

Twenty years ago, he and his wife Queen founded The Village Group, a nonprofit based in Plantersville. Its mission: to equip youth with the tools to build a sustainable community through college and career readiness, cultural education, and economic development. Its values — harmony, habitat, health and history — reflect Funnye’s lifelong commitment to giving back.

“I look at myself as a conduit — someone who connects kids to the resources that are right in their own backyard, but they might not even know exist,” he said.

The Village Group hosts after-school programs, summer enrichment camps, and mentorship opportunities for underserved youth. It has grown steadily over the past two decades and recently celebrated its 20th anniversary and surprised Funnye with a tribute ceremony featuring community leaders and colleagues.

“I do this work for the children,” he said. “Some families simply need a bit more support—and we strive to provide that, to give them a fighting chance at a brighter future.”

Even in retirement, Funnye won’t be slowing down. He plans to dedicate more time to growing the Village Group and its programs. His current goal? Raise $6 million to expand the organization’s facilities and reach.

Ray and Queen raised their own children in Georgetown County, and today he’s a proud grandfather of three. His sons work in construction and his daughter is an epidemiologist based in Houston.

As he prepares to hand the reins to a new director — one who has yet to be named — Funnye says he’s proud of the team he’s helped build and confident in their ability to carry the department forward. He plans to stay available to support the transition in any way he can.

When asked what advice he’d give to the next generation, his answer is simple and generous — just like the man himself.

“It’s never just about you,” he said. “There’s always enough to share—whether it’s your resources, your time, or the knowledge you’ve gained along the way. There’s always an opportunity to give something back.”

And after 33 years of giving — to his team, his neighbors, and the next generation — Ray Funnye’s name will remain synonymous with service in Georgetown County.

“I’m deeply grateful to the residents of Georgetown County for entrusting me with the opportunity to serve all these years,” he said. “It has been the honor of a lifetime, and I will always cherish the legacy we built together. As I step into this next chapter, I encourage others to continue investing in our community—lead with integrity, serve with heart, and never stop believing in what Georgetown can become.”

Read out latest newsletter at  https://www.gtcounty.org/Archive.aspx?ADID=501.

On July 1, Georgetown County implemented the first in a series of annual increases to landfill tipping fees. The per-ton fee increased by $1 on July 1 and will increase by $1 annually over the next two years. The fee will then increase by $1.50 annually in 2028 and 2029 before moving to an annual 3% increase.

 The updated fees will help align the cost of disposal with actual expenses.

The tipping fee schedule is as follows:

This fee adjustment applies to both solid waste and construction & demolition debris. Beginning in FY29, tipping fees will be adjusted annually by 3%.

For more information, contact Georgetown County Environmental Services at 843-545-3463 or email jdorsey@gtcounty.org.

The Georgetown County Capital Projects Division will begin administering Phase 2 of a drainage improvement project in the Town of Andrews this week. This phase of the project includes clearing and grubbing, installation of a storm drain system, utility work, grading and paving.

The drainage improvements will involve the demolition of sections of the existing drainage system and the construction of a larger, more efficient system. The new system will begin with the primary outfall ditch north of the Hwy. 521 Bypass. The existing drainage ditch will be cleared, filled, and sections piped to connect to the proposed outfall ditch. New drainage pipes and stormwater structures will be installed along Myrtle Road to Pine Street.

Additionally, the project includes the replacement of roadways and concrete driveways, the construction of a gravel access road, and the relocation of water mains, sewer force mains, underground gas mains, and telecommunications infrastructure.

As the project progresses, updates will be provided to the public regarding work zones, lane or road closures, and any utility interruptions. Updates will be available at gtcounty.org, but workers will also send some communications directly to impacted residents.

Our staff appreciates your patience and understanding throughout this process and are committed to completing this project safely and efficiently while being mindful of property owners’ needs.

If you’ve been swatting more than usual lately, you’re not alone — mosquitoes are out in full force across Georgetown County right now, and yes, some of them are disturbingly large! Our hardworking teams in the Mosquito Control and Stormwater Department are well aware of the problem, and they’re doing everything they can to bring relief to affected areas.

What We’re Doing

Our staff is currently out in the field every day (and some nights), targeting mosquito populations where they’re worst. That means if you’ve called the office and haven’t gotten an answer, it’s because they’re right where we all want them — actively working to reduce mosquito numbers. The team is checking every voicemail, but due to the high volume of calls, they may not be able to return each one right away.

To address the surge:

• Spraying has been doubled in high-problem areas.
• Weekend sprays are being added.
• Targeted spraying in North Santee is underway following recent flooding that created a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.

A Few Things to Know

If you see one of our trucks out on the road, please don’t try to flag it down. Our crews follow specific routes and safety procedures and unfortunately cannot spray on private property. But rest assured, their efforts are aimed at the areas that need it most.

Help Is Coming

Mosquito season can be miserable, but we want residents to know that help is on the way. Our team is committed to making outdoor life in Georgetown County enjoyable again, and of course preventing mosquito-borne illnesses — just bear with us a little longer as we battle the buzz!

For more information on our mosquito control efforts, or to request service in your area, visit gtcounty.org/mosquitoes.

Georgetown County Public Services recognized three of its most outstanding employees today during a luncheon to honor staff. Sharon Moultrie was named Public Services Employee of the Year, Karan Cokley received the Professional Achievement Award, and Rodney Butler received the Customer Service Award.

Employee of the Year

The Public Services Employee of the Year award was created to recognize a team-oriented individual who embodies professionalism, customer focus and work quality. Sharon Moultrie, Operations Supervisor in the Public Works Division, has been with the county for more than 30 years and is consistently a standout employee. 

“She has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the Department of Public Services and county policies and procedures,” said Jacob Nesmith, Public Works and Construction Services Manager, who presented the awards.

Moultrie supervises more than a dozen employees who are responsible for maintaining county-owned roads and rights-of-way all across Georgetown County. The duties of this team include pothole repair, bush-hogging, motor grading, ditch maintenance and more. 

Moultrie has a great rapport with the employees, but still holds them accountable on a daily basis, Nesmith said. “She has a ‘get the job done’ attitude while advocating for employee camaraderie. When it’s time to celebrate an employee or show employee appreciation, she goes above and beyond.”

Professional Achievement Award

Karan Cokley, a motor grader operator, has come up the ranks with several promotions over the years. He is now classified as an “HEO III,” the highest level a heavy equipment operator can achieve in this agency. 

Cokley spends his days grading dirt and slag roads throughout the county. He has a Class A commercial driver’s license and operates other heavy equipment as needed.

“He puts a lot of effort into grading his roads and they are always graded with quality,” Nesmith said. “He is always willing to help out wherever needed, is a team player and is willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done.”

Beyond that, Cokley always shows up with a smile and good attitude, making him a pleasure to work with. It’s a combination that made him a natural Choice for this year’s Professional Achievement Award.

Customer Service Award

The Customer Service Award is given annually to a Public Services Employee who goes above and beyond in the name of service and professionalism in dealing with county residents. Rodney Butler, an MS4/Watershed Specialist with Georgetown County Stormwater, was selected as this year’s winner.

Butler has been described by colleagues as a consummate professional and has become a “go-to person in his department for dealing with the public,” Nesmith said. “His friendly attitude and demeanor have kept more than one resident from making a bad choice during a stormwater crisis.” 

Butler is instrumental in the Stormwater Division’s obligations to education and public outreach.

“He is truly committed to improving the lives of everyone in Georgetown County,” Nesmith said.

Georgetown County swept the awards portion of this year’s S.C. American Public Works Association conference, taking home three prestigious honors.

Georgetown County won Project of the Year for Phase 1 of its Brick Chimney Road project, GIS-Centric Asset Management System of the Year, and received a special recognition from the Association’s Lowcountry Branch for serving as host for the regional Backhoe Rodeo for the last 20 years.

“These accolades are a testament to the dedication, hard work and excellence of our entire team,” said Ray Funnye, director of the Georgetown County Public Services Department, which houses Public Works. “These awards would not have been possible without the unwavering support and collaboration of staff in our Public Services Department and county government in general. Their dedication to public service and commitment to excellence have been instrumental in our achievements. I am immensely proud of these accomplishments and look forward to continuing our work together to achieve even greater milestones.”

Brick Chimney Road Project

The Brick Chimney Road project was designed with three phases and the goal of connecting Highway 701 with Highway 17 Alt. to alleviate traffic in downtown Georgetown and surrounding residential areas. Phase 1 was completed last summer and included paving Brick Chimney Road, which was previously a gravel road and in constant need of grading, no matter how often work was performed. The first hard rain would undo all staff’s efforts.

“Before the project began, everyday drivers had a long, slow and dusty ride with loose rock on Brick Chimney Road,” Funnye said. “In addressing multiple problems, Brick Chimney road improvements serve as a gateway project to the overall goal of connecting US Route 701 to US Route 17 Alt. by turning Brick Chimney Road into a four-lane road that will have trucks and travelers bypass downtown Georgetown, residential areas and a railroad.”

Phase 1 of the project consisted of paving 2.4 miles of roadway from Johnson Road to Browns Ferry Road, along with realigning the intersection of Brick Chimney and Browns Ferry roads. The intersection now has a 90-degree angle and allows for safer crossing with the additional improvement of new right- and left-turn lanes. The intersection was also designed to avoid disruption to Santee Cooper’s utility poles and minimize wetland impacts.

Davis & Floyd was selected to engineer and design the project. Coastal Asphalt was contracted for construction. Georgetown County Public Works served as project manager.

The project progressed well until about 10 months from expected completion when it was discovered that there were utility conflicts near the intersection. This caused delays as it involved coordination of numerous agencies. The project also involved a unique environmental challenge as Brick Chimney crosses IP Canal, a waterway that supplies International Paper company and Georgetown County. Water flow could not be disrupted during construction and water quality had to be maintained.

There were no injuries or accidents during the project. The county has also acquired the necessary right-of-way to allow for widening of the roadway to four lanes at some point in the future when warranted.

Georgetown County was also awarded the 2023 S.C. Asphalt Pavement Association Quality Pavement Award for design and construction administration for this project.

GIS-Centric Asset Management System

Residents requesting assistance from the Georgetown County Public Services Department are likely familiar with this system, though they may not realize it. Whether requesting road repairs, drainage work, mosquito control or one of the many other issues the department handles, online requests are now all submitted through the county’s GIS-centric Asset Management System.

Georgetown County Public Services recently took on the task implementing the system as way of improving its level of service and as a replacement for an outdated work order system that hadn’t kept up with advances in technology. The county’s previous asset management system was cache of spreadsheets, data systems and Geographic Information System (GIS) data that was not centralized.

The new system encompasses strategic planning and activity monitoring aimed at optimizing asset performance.

Georgetown County’s equipment – or assets – continue to increase along with the county’s population and staff workloads. Personnel, however, have not increased, which means the county needed to find a way to increase efficiency to maintain its level of service. Its new GIS-centric Asset Management System achieves that. The system expanded the existing GIS system and leveraged it to incorporate geospatial technology within asset management. Essentially, the system uses mapping and technology to help the county prioritize activities, and allocate staffing and equipment more efficiently.

Members of the public can request service from the department via the county’s website and a platform that connects to the asset management system. Residents can easily report issues and request services – including exact coordinates and photos – and provide feedback, as well as track the status of requests they have submitted and receive updates on the resolution of reported issues.

The system has allowed the county to achieve substantial cost savings, estimated at $110,000 annually.

“Each of these awards is a remarkable achievement and serve as proof of the dedication, innovative spirit and exceptional commitment to customer service of our incredible team,” said County Administrator Angela Christian. “Their achievement is a direct reflection of the passion and professionalism our staff brings to their work every day. I am immensely proud of each team member and their relentless pursuit of excellence in serving our community."

###

Georgetown County broke ground on the site of a new 85,000-square-foot detention center today. Expected to open in February 2027, the new jail will be located near the existing facility on Browns Ferry Road, which opened in March 1996.

The new jail will be 85,800 square feet – an addition of about 15,000 square feet compared to the current facility. It will have 256 beds, including 51 in a women’s wing, with the potential for up to 500 beds. The project has a $65 million price tag and also includes construction of two other structures on the site: a 3,205-square-foot morgue and a 4,535-square-foot building for the Sheriff’s Re-entry program, which focuses on recidivism and preparing inmates for success after their release from jail. 

“This groundbreaking signals a new era for public safety in Georgetown County,” said County Council Chairman Louis Morant. “A lot of thought and discussion have gone into the purpose and design of this facility. We want to look beyond a sole purpose of incarceration. We want to look at rehabilitation, at transforming those who are incarcerated into productive citizens of our community. Thanks to the Sheriff’s Re-entry program and other programs implemented by the Sheriff’s Department, we are already accomplishing this. This facility will give us the space for enhancement of these programs.”

The Sheriff’s Re-entry program was launched in 2007 with a focus of giving qualifying inmates the skills needed to make a fresh start once their sentences have been served and avoid the pitfalls that lead so many back to jail. It has a nearly 100% success rate. 

This is only the sixth jail to be constructed in the county’s long history since the first jail opened in 1769 on the corner of Broad and Duke Streets. That building also served as the courthouse and billeting for British soldiers.

Sheriff Carter Weaver briefly reviewed the history of the county’s jails during his remarks at the groundbreaking, working his way to present day and the future facility. 

“This will be a state-of-the-art facility that addresses not only the needs of the inmates, but the safety and work environment that our corrections officers need,” Weaver said. “The facility has been designed to stand the test of time so we can hopefully get back to the trend of operating such a facility for next to a century.”

The county’s first jail lasted until 1845 and the second lasted from then until the 1950s. 

“We’ve planned, we’ve reviewed, we've redrawn, we've added, we've taken away. We've done all of that as part of this process, and now, finally, we’re at this point,” said County Administrator Angela Christian. “We’re going to have a top-notch facility that will serve Georgetown County citizens for years to come. This could not be done without Team Georgetown. There are lots of folks that are behind the scenes that are present and will be here every day to make this happen. We are so excited and we thank you for these hours that you're going to spend in the hot sun making sure that this facility will stand the test of time.” 

Todd Davis, vice president of Mosely Architects, the firm selected to design the jail, recalled having the first conversations about the facility all the way back in 2009 with Sheriff Lane Cribb. Bret Estridge, executive vice president of M.B. Kahn, construction manager for the project also spoke about the years of planning that have gone into the project and its complexity.  

The jail will sit on a 50-acre public safety campus, about half of which will be dedicated to the current project. A new Emergency Operations Center and 911 center may also eventually be built there.

Georgetown County has been awarded $500,000 in federal funds to begin a cleanup effort that would transform properties marred by environmental issues into usable community spaces.

The funds come in the form of a Brownfields Assessment grant from the Environmental Protection Agency. These grants can be used by communities for the purpose of inventorying and assessing brownfield sites, as well as conducting planning activities, developing site-specific cleanup plans and engaging community members in the process. The county received the maximum award amount and plans to begin seeking public input this autumn on sites that should be considered for rehabilitation.

Sites that could qualify include those contaminated with asbestos, old fuel tanks or other pollutants and hazardous substances. Those could include abandoned schools, factories and a range of other sites.

“The idea is to have community participation in deciding where we might want to focus some cleanup efforts and get input on places people are aware of that could be repurposed and refurbished for the overall benefit and wellbeing of the community,” said Maureen Mulligan, an environmentalist and training coordinator in the county’s Environmental Services Division.

Plans are to host community information and input meetings throughout the county, so residents in all reaches of Georgetown County can be involved. This inclusive approach will help ensure the voices of those who have lived and worked around neglected sites are heard.

The contractor for the project, Terracon, has already been selected and Mulligan is eager to get started.

“The cool thing about the assessment grant is it’s the first step toward potentially getting multiple millions in federal dollars for cleanups and improvements,” Mulligan said. “They especially are wanting to focus on historically ignored communities. And it really encourages community buy-in, so it’s not just us coming and telling people what we want to do; it’s finding out what the interests and priorities are for the community.”

Mulligan said she hopes to have a kickoff meeting with Terracon and the EPA set up within the next month so she can begin the process of scheduling public information meetings.

Georgetown County residents will hopefully see fewer mosquitos around their homes this summer. The Georgetown County Mosquito Control Division is employing more spray truck drivers this year, and it’s also trying out new methods of mosquito elimination that are so far proving to be more effective. Even better, these new methods are also better for the environment. 

Mosquito Control has ditched the old chemicals it once sprayed up and down the county’s roads and replaced them with a new organic product that is advertised to be safe for wildlife, pollinators and people. More repellent than poison, it’s on the Environmental Protection Agency’s Minimum Risk Pesticides list and uses natural ingredients including lemongrass, cedarwood, garlic and rosemary. Effects from application can last up to two weeks.

“It has some big advantages over the chemicals we used in the past,” said Roban Mears Jr., who manages the county’s Mosquito Control operations. “The product we used in the past, you spray it and it kills what’s flying, then dissipates.”

If it didn’t dissipate, it would continue to poison anything it came in contact with, including other insects, wildlife, pets and people. 

“Once it dissipated, that was it. You didn’t get any more effect from it. It killed what it touched and didn’t hang around. These new products have residual effects, so they keep working.”

The results are promising so far. Requests to Georgetown County Mosquito Control are down significantly this year over the same period in previous years. Whereas dozens of calls used to come in every day, there have been fewer than 10 a day this month. Mears said he believes this is due to a variety of steps Mosquito Control has taken this year, including the switch to a longer-lasting product that can work in between sprays. 

The county is also able to spray more often thanks to the addition of a new spray truck and two new drivers. The county now has a total of five part-time spray truck drivers and four tucks. It also filled two full-time staff positions in the division.

“We’re able to cover twice the area now that we were able to cover in the past,” Mears said. “We have a total of 41 spray routes. There’s no way we could hit them all every week, but now they can each get sprayed at least once every two weeks.”

The spray trucks got upgraded equipment this year too. This includes new sprayers that work more efficiently and are easier for the drivers to use. There’s also new software that provides better tracking of vehicle location and speed. This means Mears can see exactly what route the trucks have traveled, what speed they were traveling at and when the sprayer was turned on or off. 

A new drone was also added to the Division’s arsenal and allows staff to treat areas it couldn’t reach otherwise, such as over open water and wetlands.

Many of the changes made this year have been in the works for some time now. Staff spent about two years researching before it settled on the new spray product. The division’s leadership was eager to find a more environmentally friendly option, but it had to work as well as the old chemicals. The product that was ultimately selected had mostly been used by individual homeowners and never on a larger scale with a spray truck. The county worked – and is still working – closely with the manufacturer to refine the formula and mix ratios for large scale use.

“We’re still tailoring it, but it seems to be working well,” Mears said.   

The Mosquito Control Division uses a number of methods to track the mosquito population in various areas and determine which areas most need spraying. These include resident request, landing counts and checking mosquito traps. This year, the county also introduced qualified observers, who are trained to report on mosquito populations in their neighborhoods. The information these observers provide is generally more detailed and accurate than that from general resident reports. 

Increased public education on mosquito control is also one of the county’s goals this year. Mears and his staff are happy to talk with community groups about mosquito control efforts and how residents can help keep mosquito populations under control on their own properties. 

For more information, including this week’s spray route, visit our Mosquito Control page.

Residents who need to request mosquito spraying may do so at our online request page or by calling (843) 545-3615.