Staying Connected: Key Greenville County Meetings & Updates This Week
Councilman Blount’s Newsletter 3-4-25
Upcoming Greenville County Meetings
Stay informed about local government decisions by attending or tuning in to this week’s Greenville County Council and Committee meetings.
Monday, March 3
Planning and Development Committee 5:00 PM
Location: 301 University Ridge, Greenville - Committee Meeting Room
Tuesday, March 4
Roads, Infrastructure, and Public Works Committee 4:00 PM
Location: 301 University Ridge, Greenville - Committee Meeting Room
Committee of the Whole 4:45 PM
Location: 301 University Ridge, Greenville - Committee Meeting Room
County Council Meeting 6:00 PM
Location: 301 University Ridge, Greenville - Council Chambers
Community Meetings
Monday, March 3
Dunklin Fire Rescue District Meeting 6:00 PM
Location: 11353 Augusta Road, Honea Path
Wednesday, March 5
Greenville County Workforce Development Board | Youth Committee 9:00 AM
Location: Training Room - 1st Floor, Greenville Family Court, 350 Halton Rd., Greenville
Greenville Area Development Corporation Meeting 12:00 PM
Location: 301 University Ridge, Greenville - Suite N-4300
Thursday, March 6
Evaluation Team Meeting - RFP# 25053 | Avigilon Equipment Services 9:30 AM
Location: 301 University Ridge, Greenville - Suite N-2400
From the Office of Councilor Kelly Long
KeLong@greenvillecounty.org
1-864-410-6172
A Family in Need After a Devastating Fire
This past week, a terrible fire off Highway 290 in Greer/Taylors completely destroyed a family’s home. It was a heartbreaking loss, but I want to take a moment to thank the incredible first responders who worked together to fight this fire and keep it from spreading. Firefighters from multiple districts answered the call, including:
Greer Fire Department (Battalion 41, Engine 41, Engine 42, Engine 97, Tower 41)
Taylors Fire Department (Battalion 81, Engine 81, Engine 82, Engine 83, Rescue 81)
Lake Cunningham Fire Department (Battalion 43, Engine 43, Tender 43)
Piedmont Park Fire Department (Engine 62)
The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office was also on scene blocking traffic, and Greenville County EMS was standing by in case of medical emergencies. This was a tough fire, made even harder by limited water supply in the area, but these crews worked tirelessly to bring it under control.
Now, we have a family in our community who has lost everything. The Ratenski family made it out safely, but they are facing a long road ahead. Greer and Taylors are giving, caring communities, and I know we will step up to help them through this. Whether it’s donating, cooking a meal, or just offering support, every little bit will make a difference.
Please keep this family in your prayers, and if you’re able to help, I know they would be grateful. Thank you to all our firefighters and first responders for your hard work, and thank you to our community for always being there for one another.
Wildfires in South Carolina
Over the past 48 hours, South Carolina has experienced a surge in wildfire activity, with more than 100 fires igniting across the state. Notably, a significant blaze in the Carolina Forest area of Horry County led to evacuations, underscoring the severity of the situation. 
In response to these dangerous conditions, Governor Henry McMaster issued a statewide burning ban, emphasizing strict enforcement. He stated, “You can and will go to jail for starting a fire outdoors in South Carolina. Period.”  
Protecting Our Community
Given the current conditions, it’s imperative for Greenville County residents to:
• Adhere to the Burning Ban: Refrain from any outdoor burning activities until the ban is lifted.
• Maintain Property Safety: Clear dry vegetation and debris from around your property to reduce fire hazards.
• Stay Informed: Monitor updates from local news outlets and official channels for the latest information on fire conditions and safety recommendations.
Local Resources Available
For assistance and information, Greenville County residents can access the following resources:
• Greenville County Emergency Management: Offers updates on local emergencies and preparedness tips. Visit HERE
• South Carolina Forestry Commission: Provides information on wildfire activity and safety guidelines. Visit HERE
Hurricane Helene Cleanup Nears Completion
Greenville County is nearing the end of its debris collection efforts following Hurricane Helene. As of February 28, 2025, over 1,084,000 cubic yards of debris have been collected—a monumental task that showcases the dedication of our cleanup crews and the cooperation of our residents.
Final Sweep and Road Status
This weekend, contractors are conducting a comprehensive sweep to address any remaining debris. Residents can monitor progress through the Debris Collection Closeout Map. In this map, green lines indicate roads that have been cleared and closed out, while red lines signify roads still in progress. Once a road is marked as closed out, no further collections will occur, except in specific cases.
Guidelines for Debris Placement
With spring approaching, there’s an increase in regular yard maintenance. It’s crucial to note that only original storm-related debris is eligible for collection. Newly generated “green” debris from routine yard work does not meet FEMA’s criteria for Hurricane Helene cleanup and will not be collected. Residents and contractors are responsible for disposing of such debris appropriately.
Reporting and Final Collection Date
If additional collection is needed in areas already serviced, or if there are debris-related safety concerns on county-maintained roads, please contact us at debris@greenvillecounty.org. All debris collection operations will conclude on March 15, 2025.
I want to express heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Hesha Gamble, Assistant County Administrator for Engineering & Public Works, for her exceptional leadership in overseeing the monumental task of debris removal following Hurricane Helene. Her dedication and expertise have been instrumental in coordinating the collection of this debris, and I can attest to many times that she acted quickly and proficiently!
For the latest updates, take a look at the Debris Collection Closeout Map
Greenville County Parks and Rec
In a growing community like Greenville County, parks and recreation services are vital for enhancing our quality of life. They offer spaces for physical activities, which improve health, and provide areas where neighbors can connect, strengthening community bonds. Access to parks has been linked to reduced stress and anxiety, contributing to better mental health. By participating in local recreational programs, we not only enrich our own lives but also foster a more vibrant and connected community. 
Greenville County’s Parks, Recreation & Tourism department offers various programs and events for residents of all ages. Here are some upcoming opportunities:
Spring Sports Registration
• Registration Deadline: March 10 
• Sports Offered: Soccer, Basketball, and Softball
• Details: These programs are designed to be both competitive and enjoyable, encouraging community participation.
Adult Basketball League
• Spring 2025 Season
• Registration Period: February 1 – February 24
• Season Start Date: March 11
• Team Fee: $310
• Referee Fees: $30 per team per game
• Details: Open to players of all skill levels, this league provides a structured environment for competitive basketball.
Adult Soccer League
• Spring 2025 Season
• Registration Period: February 1 – February 24
• Season Start Date: March 2
• Team Fee: $385 (weeknights); $315 (Sunday)
• Referee Fees: $20 per team per game
• Location: Southside Park 
• Details: This league offers a structured environment for adults to enjoy soccer competitively.
Adult Softball League
• Spring 2025 Season
• Registration Period: February 1 – March 10
• Season Start Date: March 24
• Team Fee: $360
• Umpire Fees: $30 per team per game
• Divisions: Men’s Open and COED Open, catering to various skill levels.
Youth Hockey Programs
• Junior Tigers Learn to Play Hockey
• Upcoming Session: March 3 – April 21
• Registration Deadline: February 24
• Eligible Ages: 4 – 14
• Details: This program focuses on fundamental hockey skills, including skating, puck control, passing, shooting, and positioning.
Upcoming Events
Kids Night Out: Bunny Sock Hop
• Date & Time: April 11, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
• Location: Brutontown Community Center
• Details: An evening event inviting children from various programs and the community for fun activities.
The Foot Solutions Greenville County Smash | Spring 2025
• Dates: April 25 – April 27
• Location: East Riverside Park 
• Details: A pickleball tournament open to adults aged 18+ of all abilities, offering a fun weekend of competition.
Tails & Trails 5K
• Date & Time: May 3, 8:30 am – 11:00 am
• Location: Conestee Park
• Details: Participants can race the trails or enjoy a casual stroll with their dogs in this pet-friendly event.
For a full list of activities and info from our Parks and Rec, click HERE
Councilman’s Corner: Where Your Tax Dollars Go and Why
As we head into budget season, I want to take a moment to talk about something I hear all the time: “Why don’t we just move money around to pay for what we need?”
It’s a fair question. If you see money being spent on a new park or tourism-related project while roads are in rough shape, it’s natural to wonder why we aren’t using that money differently. But here’s the reality—most of the money the county collects is already spoken for the moment it comes in the door.
Each tax fund has legal restrictions on how it can be spent. Property taxes keep emergency services running, while hospitality and accommodations taxes are specifically for tourism-related projects. That means even if we wanted to, we legally cannot take those dollars and throw them into road paving or public safety.
This isn’t just a Greenville County thing—it’s how county governments across the state are structured. The idea is to create accountability, so every dollar has a clear purpose and isn’t shuffled around without oversight. That’s good in some ways, but it also makes budgeting complicated, especially when growth outpaces infrastructure.
So, what’s the solution? For one, we need to take a hard look at whether developers and outside businesses are paying their fair share. Right now, there are no countywide impact fees on new developments, meaning existing property owners are bearing the financial burden of rapid growth. If we want better roads, infrastructure, and public services, we need to have a real conversation about who is paying for it and how we ensure that new developments contribute to the resources they rely on.
Budget season is when these discussions happen, and I believe the public deserves a seat at the table. That’s why I’m breaking this down now—so that when we talk about county spending, we’re all working with the same facts. If you have questions or ideas about the budget, let me know. These conversations shape the future of Greenville County, and they’re too important to sit out.
As always, I appreciate you taking the time to stay informed and engaged with what’s happening in Greenville County. I encourage you to attend or tune into this week’s county meetings, stay informed about community events, and keep the dialogue going. If you ever have questions, concerns, or ideas, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Wishing you a blessed and prosperous week ahead in Greenville County!
Open space protection is important. It helps us maintain the quality of life that we enjoy here in Gvl Co. To do that I think Gvl Co should have first right of refusal on properties up for tax sale versus going to out of town organizations that collect properties in order to make a profit. Protecting these properties our quality life, our infrastructure, and our cost of living.
Councilman Blount,
I think we should definitely have impact fees on new development, especially if the developer is out of state. So many developers are profiting from their development while we tax payers are burdened with the infrastructure costs associated with the development.