City of Cayce City Manager Tracy Hegler has stepped down from her role after a four-hour executive session on the July 17 council meeting agenda. 
Hegler has served Cayce as city manager since December 2018 and was praised at the council meeting for her experience and knowledge. The agreement was a mutual agreement between the city and Hegler and comes on the heels of Cayce Police Chief Chris Cowan leaving to join USC’s School of Law. 
Mayor Pro Tem Tim James commended Hegler on her service. “I want to point out that not many people can pull a team together like Hegler,” he said, going on to thank her for leaving her “fingerprints on Cayce for many years to come.” 
Councilman Byron Thomas thanked Hegler for having patience with him as a newly appointed councilman.

Mayor Elise Partin closed up the circle of thanks pointing out that there are many new businesses coming to the city which illustrates Hegler’s leadership. 
“We created a culture where employees want to come. We retain the best and recruit the best,” Partin said. “We’re lucky to have had Chief Cowan and lucky to have Chief Grant. [Hegler has] done an amazing job of keeping things going. She’s not missed a beat. She’s helped us do what we do well … with a high quality of life. It’s an honor to work with you.” 
In Hegler’s departure, Deputy City Manager Jim Crossland will serve as Interim City Manager until council appoints a new city manager.  
Agreements passed 
In other news, council discussed and approved Harvest Systems as the vendor to bring an alerting system to Cayce’s fire department station. With a budget allotted for $60,000, the cost for installing the system plus one year of maintenance comes under budget at $52,540.19. 
The new system is also compatible with Lexington County fire services and works within the annual budget.  
The council also approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Town of Springdale for improvements on Airport Boulevard Corridor. The project is fully funded by Midlands Business Leadership Group and a project manager will be provided on behalf of the project.  
Two projects are identified for the agreement which include Airport Boulevard Gateway and Fort Jackson Gateway. 
Ordinances 
Two ordinances related to zoning were also passed by council.  
Ordinance 2024-08 amending article 6 was changed allowing for RS-4A (residential single family district) which will include single family residences. This opens up additional housing options that don’t exist now which could include duplexes.  
An ordinance was also passed for property at 800 Lexington Ave. allowing for RS-4A. It was previously considered RS-3 and formerly a grammar school in Cayce.  
In other news 
Hegler stated a grants manager will start the week after the council meeting was held. The manager comes with 15 years of experience.  
Cayce Cool Down organized by the events committee is set for July 27 at Granby Gardens Park from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. This is a free, family event. 
A prescription drug take-back event is happening Aug. 3, held by the Cayce Fire Department and a back-to-school bash is set for July 27 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. The back-to-school bash is sponsored by Cayce’s police department.