Pickens County SC Live Stream

The Pickens County SC County Council held a work session on May 18, 2026, focusing heavily on public safety staffing and capital budget matters. The Sheriff presented detailed concerns about chronic understaffing in the Sheriff's Office and detention facility, highlighting that staffing levels have not increased in line with population growth and that current staffing ratios lag behind regional and national averages. He requested a long-term commitment from the council to gradually increase staffing and to adjust employee pay steps to better reflect years of service and experience. The council discussed these issues, acknowledging the need for incremental improvements. Additionally, the council reviewed capital budget plans for fiscal year 2026-27, including a $4 million taxiway rehabilitation at the airport, investments in public works equipment such as dump trucks and trailers, ambulance fleet upgrades, and police vehicle replacements. The Medic One facility replacement project was also discussed, with procurement activities including a request for qualifications and selection of a construction manager at risk underway, aiming for firm contract pricing by early June. The meeting concluded with a motion to enter executive session for contractual and legal matters related to county facilities.