The Sumter County Board of Commissioners creates the position of County Marshall
Published on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, 21:57
- Javaris Terry speaks to the board of directors about the use of the fairground.
The Sumter County Board of Commissioners met on August 13. Javarise Terry appeared before the board. “At this time I am a regular citizen and not a law enforcement officer, but I wanted to address the board regarding the upcoming fair from October 30-3.”
Terry mentioned that the fairgrounds are already being used. “This time it is during the election season, and that is why the election authority has also rented the fairgrounds.”
He suggested a solution: “We only wanted to use the outside courtyard and not the interior of the building, which the election committee used.”
Terry also mentioned schedule changes to the fair. “We’re normally open until five, but since the election committee will be there until five, the fair won’t open until six.”
He also mentioned security: “We will pay a certified proxy to work with the Election Committee during this time to ensure that people enter and exit the fairgrounds.”
County Administrator Doug Eaves also spoke about the creation of the new position of county marshal. He spoke about how Terry had informed him of the position. “Mr. Terry brought it to our attention that if we were to create the position of county marshal in place of building codes, we have the opportunity to have an additional weapon in our arsenal to enforce building codes as a certified law enforcement officer. This is an ordinance that was drafted by Miss Hooks to create this position. It was reviewed by the Sheriff.”
He spoke about the role. “The county marshal would assume all law enforcement functions, including all county ordinances. He would also have law enforcement functions and work under the cover of the sheriff when necessary.”
Sheriff Bryant commented, “I have no objection. Of course, it’s the best of both worlds.” He mentioned that the county marshal does not have to wait for the police to arrive when a criminal violation occurs.
Jones asked Eaves, “Is there a raise?”
Eaves responded, “That wasn’t really discussed.” Eaves noted that that was the board’s decision.
Waddell commented: “It just gives him the authority to act or enforce the law when necessary.”
Waddell made a motion, which was seconded by Reid and passed unanimously.
