Sumter County Board of Commissioners create position of County Marshall

The Sumter County Board of Commissioners met on August 13th. Javarise Terry came before the Board. “At this particular time, I am a regular citizen I am not code a enforcement officer, but I wanted to address the board on the upcoming fair for October the 30th through the 3rd.”

Terry mentioned that the fairgrounds were already being used. “This particular time, it will be happening during the election season, and so the elections department has the fairground rented as well.”

He mentioned a solution. “We wanted to only utilize the outside yard and not utilize the inside of the building which the election board was using.”

Terry also mentioned schedule changes to the fair. “Usually we open until five o’clock, but since the election board will be there until five, the fair will not open until six.”
He also mentioned security; “we’re going to pay a certified deputy to sit with the elections board during that time to ensure that they get in and out of the fairgrounds.”

County administrator Doug Eaves also talked about the creation of a new position of County Marshal. He talked about how Terry had brought information to him about the position. “Mr. Terry brought to our attention the fact that because he is a certified law enforcement officer that we have the capability to give an extra. . .an extra weapon in our arsenal to code enforcement if we were to enact the County Marshal’s position as opposed to code enforcement. This is an ordinance that was drafted by Miss Hooks to put that position in place. It was reviewed by the Sheriff.”

He talked about the role. “The County Marshal would do all the code enforcement functions, to include all the County, enforcing all the County ordinances, they would also have the law enforcement capabilities working under the guise of the Sherrif as required.”

Sherrif Bryant commented. “I don’t have any objection. Of course it’s the best of both worlds.” He mentioned that the County Marshal wouldn’t have to wait for law enforcement to arrive if a criminal violation occurred.

Jones questioned Eaves. “Does the pay increase?”

Eaves replied; “that wasn’t really discussed.” Eaves noted it would be the Board’s decision.

Waddell commented. “It just gives him that authority so that he act, or enforce the law, if he needs to.”

Waddell made a motion, seconded by Reid, passing unanimously.

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