Are Conservation Funds Being Used As Intended?

Members of the Dorchester County Conservation Commission allege the money raised for conservation is not being used as voters intended when they passed a 2010 bond referendum. 

They said some uses go against the "spirit" of the referendum. 

Commissioners addressed Dorchester County Council during its regular meeting Tuesday. At the crux of the issue was the Aug. 5 vote that obligated $850,000 of the referendum money to develop ball fields, tennis courts and other facilities near the St. George courthouse. 

"Our single concern is that the language of the referendum does not allow for the spending of bond funds on the construction of recreational facilities. It should be used solely for the purchase of land for the purpose of conservation, the purchase of land for the purpose of an active or passive park, or the purchase of the protection of land by means of conservation easements," Commissioner Mike Dawson said.

But not all agree with their charge. 

Councilman Jay Byars addressed their concerns after the meeting to Patch.

"The language states the money can be used for property improvement so the public can actually use it," Byars said. 

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Fellow Commissioner Howard Bridgman echoed Dawson's sentiments.

"Just think about what might be possible if you did, in fact, dedicate the balance of these funds to working with folks like us and other conservationists to leverage," Birdgman said. "Put the lock on the balance of the money."

The original language reads:

Shall Dorchester County, South Carolina be authorized to issue general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $5,000,000, for the purpose of protecting and improving land and water by purchasing land from willing sellers on a voluntary basis in order to

• protect drinking water sources;
• protect forests, wildlife habitat, and natural areas;
• reduce flooding;
• provide parks;
• preserve historic buildings and sites;
• protect scenic views;
• provide new recreational trails for walking, hiking, and biking; 
• and improve the water quality of rivers, lakes, and streams

subject to annual audit.

Conservation Commission meets next 10 a.m. Oct. 4.