District 5 Board Chair Claims Kim Murphy May be Ineligible to Hold Seat

Lexington-Richland 5's board chairman is questioning whether one of the board's seven members is eligible to serve the county she currently represents.

Chairman Robert Gantt said board member Kim Murphy may not be a resident of Richland County, which would result in Murphy being unqualified for the seat.

Gantt said he received information about Murphy's residence in October.

He contacted the Office of Research and Statistics of the State Budget and Control Board to request the office make a determination on whether Murphy's property resides in Richland or Lexington counties in December.

Three of the seven members of the board serve Richland County. Those members are Murphy, Gantt and Ed White.

The other members serve Lexington County: Jondy Loveless, Beth Burn Watson, Ellen Baumgardner and Jim Turner. 

Gantt said he told the board of the office's response to his inquiry, which said Murphy's property was in Lexington County, during an executive session Monday night.

Murphy, however, said she pays taxes and files to run for office in Richland County. She has lived at her home for the last 12 years. 

Murphy said she was unaware of the issue and was going to look into the matter first thing Tuesday morning. 

If there is an appeal process, Murphy said, she's likely to appeal. 

If not, she said, she will "do the right thing."

Gantt said he expects Murphy will resign if she is indeed a Lexington County resident.

If there is a dispute, Gantt said, the district — through its legal counsel — would refer the matter to an independent party.

Stay with Patch as more information becomes available.