New Year, New Goals, New Council

Councilman Blount’s Newsletter 1-5-25

Happy New Year, Greenville County! As we step into 2025, I’m filled with optimism and determination to continue serving as your County Councilman. A new year brings fresh opportunities to reflect, refocus, and recommit to the values that drive good governance—transparency, accountability, and accessibility.

This newsletter is my way of keeping you in the loop about the work happening on behalf of District 19 and all of Greenville County—giving you a platform to share your thoughts, ideas, and concerns. Whether it’s about improving public access to information, advocating for clearer communication, or ensuring that your voice is heard in council decisions, I am here to make sure local government works for you to the best of my ability.

In this edition, I’m sharing some resolutions for 2025 that I believe will make a meaningful impact in how we engage and empower residents across Greenville County. I’m also including winter weather safety tips, updates on Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, and important information about upcoming leadership elections on County Council.

Thank you for allowing me to serve as your representative. I invite you to subscribe and stay connected as we navigate the year ahead together. Let’s make 2025 a year of progress, collaboration, and positive change for everyone in Greenville County!

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New Year’s Resolutions for Transparency and Accountability in Greenville County

Transparency and accountability are cornerstones of good governance, and I believe 2025 is the year to double down on keeping the public informed and involved. Here are some resolutions I’d like to see us achieve:

1. Improve Public Access to Information:

• Develop an easy-to-navigate online portal with up-to-date information on County projects, budgets, and meeting agendas.

• Post detailed minutes and video recordings of all Council meetings promptly.

2. Bring Back More Time for Public Input:

• Increase the time allocated during Council meetings for citizens to directly address their concerns, share feedback, or ask questions about County matters.

• Ensure these sessions are well-publicized and welcoming, giving everyone in Greenville County a platform to be heard.

3. Boost Budget Transparency:

• Publish an interactive, user-friendly version of the County budget online, so residents can easily see how funds are allocated and spent.

• Include detailed explanations of large expenditures or controversial projects.

4. Strengthen Accountability Measures:

• Implement a system for tracking progress on County initiatives and sharing updates with the public.

• Set clear timelines and milestones for major projects and report on any delays or challenges.

5. Enhance Communication Channels:

• Expand the use of newsletters, social media, and text alerts to keep residents informed on County news and services.

• Launch a “Council Q&A” series where residents can submit questions and get direct answers from council members.

Now it’s your turn! What resolutions would you like to see for improving transparency, accountability, and communication in Greenville County?

Share your ideas in the comments of the newsletter, and let’s work together to make local government more open and accessible for everyone!

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Winter Weather Update and Safety Tips

Greenville County residents should prepare for a mix of cold temperatures, rain, and potential snow in the coming week. Now, I’ll be the first to admit that I am no Chris Justus, so be sure to check local weather forecasts regularly for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

With the potential for snow and icy conditions at the end of the week, now is the time to plan ahead. Let’s work together to ensure everyone—our neighbors, pets, and community—stays safe and warm.Here’s what to expect and how to stay safe:

Weather Highlights for the Week

• Sunday: A chance of rain (45%) with temperatures dipping into the mid-20s overnight.

• Monday: Higher chances of rain (75%), so plan for a wet day. Overnight lows remain below freezing.

• Thursday: Expect a cold day with lows around 20°F. Bundle up if you head outdoors!

• Friday & Saturday: A significant chance of snow (55%) both days, with temperatures hovering near freezing. Prepare for potential icy conditions and hazardous travel.

Enhanced Safety Tips for Cold Weather

1. Help Vulnerable Neighbors:

• Check on elderly neighbors and relatives daily. Verify they have heating, food, and necessary medications stocked up for the week. Offer assistance with grocery shopping or picking up prescriptions if needed.

• If someone’s home heating fails, encourage them to seek temporary shelter at a warming center or community facility.

2. Support the Homeless Community:

• Greenville County non profits often sets up warming shelters during extreme cold. Keep an eye out for announcements about these locations and share this information with those in need.

• Consider donating items like gloves, blankets, socks, or non-perishable food to local shelters. Even small contributions can make a big difference.

3. Keep Pets Warm and Safe:

• Bring pets inside when temperatures drop below freezing. Even outdoor animals should have insulated shelter, extra bedding, and access to fresh, unfrozen water.

• When walking pets, avoid salted sidewalks or streets, as it can irritate their paws. Wipe their paws after walks to remove salt and ice.

4. Be Prepared for Snow and Ice:

• Keep at least a three-day supply of essentials like food, water, batteries, and medications in case snow or ice disrupts travel or causes power outages.

• Avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. If you must drive, carry emergency items in your car, such as a flashlight, blanket, bottled water, and a fully charged phone.

5. Protect Your Home:

• Prevent frozen pipes by letting faucets drip slowly when temperatures plummet. Pipes in unheated areas, such as basements or crawl spaces, should be insulated.

• Ensure your heating system is in good working order. If you use a space heater, keep it at least three feet away from anything flammable and never leave it unattended.

6. Watch for Black Ice:

• If venturing outside, walk carefully on icy sidewalks and steps to prevent falls. Wear shoes with good traction or use ice grippers if available.

• Black ice on roads is especially dangerous because it’s hard to see. Drive cautiously and avoid sudden braking or sharp turns.

7. Stay Informed:

• Sign up for weather alerts and updates from local authorities or reliable news sources.

• Follow updates from Greenville County’s emergency management team for potential closures, shelter information, and safety advisories.

By preparing ahead of time and looking out for one another, we can ensure everyone—our elderly, homeless, pets, and fellow neighbors—stays safe and warm during this winter weather.

If you notice someone in immediate need of assistance, contact local resources or emergency services for help. Together, we can weather this cold snap with resilience and care!

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Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Greenville County continues its dedicated efforts to clear storm-related debris from county-maintained roads. The debris collection process is ongoing and is expected to continue at least until the end of the month.

Debris Placement Guidelines:

• Location: Place hurricane-related debris on the right-of-way in front of your property—the area extending from the street to the sidewalk, ditch, utility pole, or easement. Ensure debris does not obstruct the roadway.

• Avoid Placing Debris Near:

• Fire hydrants or mailboxes

• Under power lines or low-hanging branches

• Vehicles, fences, drainage ditches, storm drains, transformers, utility poles, or meters

Debris Collection Details:

• Schedule: Crews are operating seven days a week, with over 50 trucks dedicated to this effort. Multiple passes will be made on all county-maintained roads throughout the month.

• Debris Types Accepted: Only disaster-generated vegetative debris, such as loose vegetation, trees, and limbs, will be collected. Bags of trash, furniture, construction debris, and other non-vegetative materials will not be picked up.

Identifying County-Maintained Roads:

• County roads are marked as “A-R” followed by a four-digit number (e.g., J0029). To verify if your road is county-maintained, visit www.gcgis.org.

Additional Drop-Off Sites:

For residents preferring to dispose of vegetative debris themselves, temporary drop-off sites are available at:

• Blackberry Valley Road: 409 Blackberry Road, Greenville, SC 29617

• Enoree (Eastside): 311 Anderson Ridge Road, Greer, SC 29651

These sites are for residential use only; contractors and dump trailers are not permitted.

Reporting Debris Piles:

If there are debris piles on your street or in your neighborhood that require attention, please email debris@greenvillecounty.org to report them.

Residents are urged to exercise caution when handling debris and to ensure all materials are appropriately placed for collection. Your cooperation is essential to facilitate a swift and efficient cleanup process.

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Greenville County Council: Welcoming New Members and Preparing for Leadership Elections

As we begin 2025, Greenville County is set to celebrate new beginnings with the installation of council members and the election of council leadership. These events mark an important moment in shaping the direction of our community for the upcoming term.

Installation Meeting on January 6, 2025

The Greenville County Council will host its Installation Meeting on Monday, January 6, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers (301 University Ridge, Greenville, SC). This event will formally swear in newly elected and re-elected members, recognizing their dedication to serving the community.

The Honorable Charles B. Simmons, Jr., will administer the Oath of Office to the following council members:

• Kelly Long, District 18

• Steve Shaw, District 20

• Curt McGahhey, District 21

• Frank Farmer, District 22

• Liz Seman, District 24

• Ennis Fant, District 25

• Garey Collins, District 27

I want to congratulate these individuals for their commitment to Greenville County. Their leadership will help guide critical decisions and foster growth throughout the region.

For those unable to attend in person, the meeting will be streamed live at greenvillecounty.org/livestream.aspx. You can also access the full agenda for the meeting here.

Chair and Vice Chair Election January 7, 2025

On Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 6:00 PM, the Council will reconvene to elect the Chairman and Vice Chairman for the upcoming term. This meeting is crucial, as it will determine the leadership team that will guide the council’s priorities and actions in 2025.

This meeting will also take place in the Council Chambers, with a livestream available for remote viewers at greenvillecounty.org/livestream.aspx. The agenda for this meeting can be found here.

Stay Connected

As Greenville County embarks on this new chapter, we encourage all residents to stay engaged. Your support and input are vital to our collective success. For more information about council meetings, updates, and other county news, visit www.greenvillecounty.org.

Let’s join together in welcoming our new leaders and supporting them as they work to make Greenville County a better place for all!

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As we embark on this new year together, I am more committed to helping foster a Greenville County that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and meaningful engagement. Your input, ideas, and support are invaluable as we work to build a stronger, more connected community in 2025.

Whether it’s addressing challenges, celebrating successes, or tackling the issues that matter most to you, I’m here to listen, advocate, and act on your behalf. I encourage you to share your thoughts in the comments or reach out directly—your voice is essential to shaping the future of our community.

If you haven’t already, subscribe to this newsletter to stay informed about the latest updates, initiatives, and opportunities to get involved. Together, we can make 2025 a year of progress and positive change for Greenville County.

Thank you for trusting me to represent you. Here’s to a year of collaboration, innovation, and success for everyone in our community. Let’s make it a great one!