Batesburg-Leesville Mayor Faces Ethics Complaint Over Water Decisions

News Summary

Batesburg-Leesville Mayor Lancer Shull is under investigation by the South Carolina State Ethics Commission for potentially unethical decisions regarding the town’s water supply. Allegations suggest that Shull may have conflicted interests in closing the town’s water plant and obtaining water from a commission he serves on. This controversy has divided community opinion as residents await a hearing set for Thursday, where further details of the claims will be discussed.

Batesburg-Leesville Mayor Faces Ethics Complaint Amid Water Commission Controversy

In the cozy little town of Batesburg-Leesville, Mayor Lancer Shull is under the microscope as he faces an ethics complaint that has stirred up quite a buzz in the community. This situation has caught the attention of the South Carolina State Ethics Commission, and it’s set to be discussed at a hearing this Thursday at 9:30 a.m. in Columbia.

The Allegations

So, what’s all the fuss about? The heart of the matter lies in the mayor’s relationship with the town’s water supply. The complaint suggests that Shull may have been pushing to close Batesburg-Leesville’s own water plant and instead seek water from the Joint Water and Sewer Commission, which he happens to be a part of. Sounds a bit fishy, right?

This inquiry didn’t come out of nowhere. Town council members Steve Cain and Shirley Mitchell are behind the complaints, which highlights Shull’s involvement in decisions that could benefit him personally. After a narrow vote back in January 2020, where the council decided to remove Shull from the water commission, he didn’t take it lying down. Even though he voted against his own removal, he allegedly pressured two council members to change their votes at a special meeting just days later.

The Reappointment Drama

Fast forward to January 21, 2020, and Shull was reinstated with a 7-2 vote. But the plot thickened! Critics argue that Shull should have recused himself from any votes concerning the Joint Water and Sewer Commission due to *state law*. The finger-pointing doesn’t stop there; he’s also accused of conducting meetings tied to the commission and voting in ways that benefit himself.

The Water Purchase Vote

In a surprising twist, on March 9, 2020, the Batesburg-Leesville Town Council voted to purchase water from the very joint water commission that Shull is involved with, even though the town has its water plant. Of course, Shull voted in favor of this deal. What’s more, the *$20 million contract* awarded to Hazen and Sawyer caught everyone’s attention, raising eyebrows about how the mayor is navigating his dual roles.

Concerns Over Sewer Expansion

Furthermore, another layer to this unfolding drama centers around Shull’s vote to approve a sewer expansion project that encroaches on Batesburg-Leesville’s own water district. Critics highlight that the town could service this project without any help, which makes it even more confusing for the residents.

What’s Next for the Mayor?

Interestingly, while Shull doesn’t pocket any cash for his commission role, he does receive reimbursement of $250 per month for expenses. His legal team is arguing that these per diem payments don’t count as a financial benefit, which creates a gray area about whether he needs to step back from certain votes.

Shull has reasoned that previous complaints of a similar nature haven’t led to any allegations of wrongdoing, branding the current accusation as a politically charged attack against him. It’s clear that the residents of Batesburg-Leesville are all ears as they wait for the outcome of the upcoming hearing.

Community Reaction

The atmosphere in Batesburg-Leesville is certainly charged, with community members divided on the mayor’s actions. Some are rallying in support of Shull, believing that he’s being unfairly targeted, while others aren’t shy about voicing their skepticism regarding his transparency and decision-making processes. Everyone seems to have an opinion, and as the ethics hearing draws near, all eyes will be on the mayor and what’s next in this evolving story.

As Batesburg-Leesville gears up for what promises to be a fascinating hearing, one thing is for sure: the town’s future hinges on the outcomes of Shull’s actions and whether or not he’s been truly serving their best interests.

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Additional Resources

• ABC Columbia
• Wikipedia: Ethics in Government
• The State
• Google Search: Batesburg-Leesville mayor ethics complaint
• Post and Courier
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Ethics
• Greenville Online
• Google News: Batesburg-Leesville ethics hearing