At last night’s Horry County Solid Waste Authority Board meeting, Jan Bitting asked the board to consider giving employees a 3% cost of living allowance. Bitting is the Finance Director for the organization.
The organization’s website states: The SWA provides Horry County with the assurance of a fully integrated solid waste management plan; which includes landfill management, education, recycling, and state-of-the-art technology. The landfill property (on SC Highway 90) is carefully monitored and regulated to ensure safety. A public education department is dedicated to conserving resources and saving landfill space through strong recycling programs for residents, businesses, and schools.
Later, during a round table discussion the board decided to immediately approve the measure.
After the meeting, Horry County resident, Amelia Woods reached out to MyrtleBeachSC News stating she believed the vote was taken illegally.
Said Woods, “While the idea of a cost of living raise for the SWA employees may be a noble and compassionate idea, it should not be too difficult for the SWA to follow the FOIA law when voting on it. The SC Freedom of Information Act requires that votes may only be taken on items that are on the agenda and properly advertised. Items discussed during the round table discussion portion of the agenda should not morph into a motion and a vote.“
We spoke with our legal editor, who did state that only items on the agenda can be voted on during a board meeting.
However, we were told that this was likely an oversight. The matter can simply be put on the agenda and approved at the next board meeting.