COVID-19 updates: Sumter playgrounds to close; Recycling no longer sorted at curb; County Council meeting to be streamed live

All City of Sumter and Sumter County playground equipment at all parks is being closed because it has not been sanitized. According to city officials, parks will remain open, but residents are asked to exercise precaution and practice social distancing while outdoors.

• Do not use parks or trails if you are sick or exhibiting symptoms
• Observe the CDC’s minimum recommended social distancing of 6 feet from each other at all times
• Follow CDC guidance on personal hygiene when visiting parks or trails
• Be prepared for limited access to public restrooms or water fountains
• Share the trail and warn other trail users of your presence and as you pass each other.

Starting Tuesday, March 24, City of Sumter sanitation crews will not be sorting recycling by hand at the curb during pickup. Bag your recycling items and place them in the same container as your regular trash until further notice.

Sumter County Council’s meeting slated for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24 will be livestreamed over Sumter County Government’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAHjiqzPaonQ9LFS2kO37tA. You can also log onto www.youtube.com and search for Sumter County Government. Public comments will be eliminated, and only those with a direct connection to the agenda item should attend. Social distancing guidelines as per state and federal recommendations will be strictly followed. Sumter County Sheriff’s Office deputies will provide security and will allow limited access to the Sumter County Courthouse.

Summary Court Chief Magistrate B. Keith Griffin wants the public to know a dropbox has been set up for payment of all criminal tickets issued by the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, South Carolina Highway Patrol and Sumter Police Department. The dropbox is in the main parking lot facing Summary Court at 190 E. Canal St. Residents are strongly encouraged to pay tickets online at https://publicindex.sccourts.org/sumter/onlinepayments/ or through www.sc.gov.

Summary Court has been closed to the general public, but Judge Griffin wants to make citizens aware that acceptance of filings and payments – including bonds – and emergency hearings are still ongoing. The only filings Summary Court will accept in person are for restraining orders. Regarding the posting of bail bonds, Judge Griffin is requiring that all bondsmen contact the court in advance regarding releases for payment. Bond hearings shall be conducted twice daily unless otherwise noted.

If you have questions, please call:

• SUMMARY COURT: (803) 436-2280
• CLERK TO COUNCIL: (803) 436-2107

All Sumter County buildings are closed to the general public. Sumter County Judicial Center and Summary Court are open only for special exceptions.

• Clerk of Court: (803) 436-2227

The Register of Deeds Office will be open on a limited basis with service by appointment only.

Register of Deeds: (803) 436-2177

Sumter County Treasurer Carolina Richardson would like to encourage the public to please use www.sumtersctax.com.

• Auditor: (803) 436-2136
• Assessor: (803) 436-2115
• Treasurer: (803) 436-2213

The Voter Registration and Elections Office is open to accept filings only.

• Voter Registration/Elections: (803) 436-2310, (803) 436-2312 or (803) 436-2313
• Non-emergency calls to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office: (803) 436-2775

If you have questions, please visit www.sumtercountysc.org and find the respective department or office.