At its Dec. 13 meeting, Lexington County Council approved more than $575,000 to bolster local nonprofits and $4.7 million to show employees their value, with all of the money coming from what its American Rescue Plan allotment.

The nonprofits funded were the Midlands Fatherhood Coalition (at $175,000), the Big Red Barn Retreat (at $175,000) and the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission, which didn’t get the full $519,052 it requested, but did get the $225,469 it sought to compensate employees for the 20% reduction in pay they took during the COVID-19 period.

Council also approved the $4.7 million to fund bonuses to “signal to county employees that they are appreciated and valued, wants to note and salute the loyalty of the county’s workforce, and wants to retain the county’s workforce in what is a very challenging job market,” said Jessica Imbimbo, the county’s public information officer.

All of these moves will be funded by the $58 million in federal recovery funds the county received.

All of the votes were unanimous, save for the votes to approve funding for the Fatherhood Coalition (which, per its website, “offers education and services uniquely tailored for fathers trying to rebuild their lives and their families”) and the Big Red Barn Retreat (which, per its website, “offers integrated practices, training and programs that allow [soldiers and first responders] to thrive”), with Debbie Suffers voting no. She questioned the dollar amounts being allocated and if they correspond correctly to how much these groups were impacted by COVID.

Council Chair Scott Whetstone said the body will continue to entertain and discuss more of the funding requests it received from 35 organizations in September, which they will address in the new year.

“All this money goes to very deserving and good causes,” he said.

West Columbia, Cayce to add 40+ riverwalk signs

West Columbia and Cayce will soon add more than 40 wayfinding signs to their connected riverwalks.

The cities announced in a release that state Sen. Nikki Setzler and state Rep. Micah Caskey secured more than $150,000 through a state Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Grant to pya for the various signs.

“The signage leads Riverwalk goers to various places throughout both cities, including shops and restaurants in the River and River Arts Districts and historical stops along the Riverwalks,” the release states. “Between the two cities of West Columbia and Cayce, there are over 13 miles of lighted, paved pathways, and wooden boardwalks along the Congaree River.”

The first four signs were installed at the West Columbia Riverwalk Park and amphitheater and the Lyles Street Trailhead to the Cayce Riverwalk, with the remaining signs set to be installed along the riverwalks in the coming year.

“These signs will help folks navigate through the Riverwalk and find all the great attractions in the River District of West Columbia and Cayce,” West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles is quoted.

“This project connects the Riverwalk to the Cayce River Arts District and more,” Cayce Mayor Elise Partin is quoted. “The natural beauty and accessibility of the Riverwalk is vital to our region.”