Gilbert’s Ambitious Goals Stall as Population Growth Lags
In the small town of Gilbert, nestled in Lexington County and just a stone’s throw away from Columbia, community leaders have been wrestling with some big dreams amidst a stagnant population. With just under 600 residents and plans that have been clouded by financial concerns, the town is facing some unexpected challenges as they aim to establish a local police department and revamp historic buildings.
Struggles of Establishing a Police Force
For the past couple of years, Gilbert has been making tentative steps towards establishing its own police department. Mayor John Reeder and the town’s council believed that having local law enforcement could bolster the community, especially with new developments springing up around them. Despite the optimistic vision, the financial feasibility of funding a new police force has caused many to pump the brakes.
This spring, after consulting with a representative from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy, the council received a stark warning: trying to launch a police department could potentially bankrupt the town. Fears of overwhelming costs began to circulate, leading to a pause on the ambitious plan for the time being. As things now stand, the annual town budget, approved recently, hinges on an income of around $271,775. The hefty expenses tied to operating a police department, even a part-time one, began to look unfeasible.
Trying to Make Ends Meet
It hasn’t been just the budget that has posed problems for Gilbert’s ambitions. The town had previously acquired a used police car for around $15,500, but it sat unsold for two years as they struggled to find a buyer. Recently, they managed to sell it at auction for only $6,750, taking a substantial hit to their finances.
Despite the setbacks, Mayor Reeder hasn’t thrown in the towel. In fact, he’s optimistic that local businesses are stirring up the community’s enthusiasm. A petition is making its rounds through various businesses advocating for the establishment of a local police presence to enhance services provided by the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. The community seems eager for progress, with Reeder mentioning that help could be readily available from local retired officers willing to step in part-time.
A Vintage Renovation Project
In addition to the police department plans, Gilbert’s leaders are also invested in revitalizing an old bank building across from Town Hall. Acquired back in 2018, the building is viewed as a key asset for the community. Initial renovation plans hoped to wrap up by the new year. However, after beginning work in July, they’ve faced a few roadblocks. A recent county inspection prompted the need for additional insulation, adding an unexpected $4,000 to the already tight $75,000 renovation budget.
Although Reeder described the costs as manageable compared to other estimates that soared as high as $150,000, it has nonetheless shifted their timeline. As of now, the facade of the building is mostly unchanged, with one of its front doors remaining broken. The mayor shared that with the right partnerships with contractors willing to offer deals, they remain hopeful completion could be achieved before the year ends.
Looking Ahead
In addition to the bank, the town owns another building that used to house the iconic Rainbow Dairy Bar back in the 1970s. With plans for renovations there too, just how those spaces will be utilized remains undetermined, but possibilities include relocating Town Hall or even renting out the bank building to generate additional revenue.
While the dreams for a brighter future in Gilbert are currently overshadowed by budget constraints, the determination of its leaders to push through these obstacles remains evident. The mayor concluded with optimism, saying, “I think we’re going to save a lot of money, and plus, we’re saving the building.”
Though growth may be slow, Gilbert is on a journey, showcasing the resilience of small-town America as they navigate their challenges head-on.
