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Batesburg-Leesville Mayor Lancer Shull Faces Ethical Dilemma

Residents of Batesburg-Leesville are closely monitoring the mayor's ethics hearing.

News Summary

Batesburg-Leesville’s Mayor Lancer Shull is at the center of an ethics complaint linked to his decisions in the Joint Water and Sewer Commission. Scheduled for a hearing on February 20, 2025, concerns arise over his alleged involvement in decisions that could impact the town’s financial health. The case examines potential conflicts of interest as Shull defends himself against accusations of trying to influence votes benefiting his interests.

Batesburg-Leesville Mayor Lancer Shull Faces Ethical Dilemma!

In the small yet vibrant town of Batesburg-Leesville, a storyline is unfolding that has residents buzzing with both concern and curiosity. Mayor Lancer Shull finds himself at the center of an ethics complaint that revolves around his role in the Joint Water and Sewer Commission of Lexington County. As the South Carolina State Ethics Commission gears up for a crucial hearing on this matter scheduled for Thursday, February 20, 2025, let’s dive into the details and see what this all means for the town.

What’s the Scoop?

So, what exactly is the fuss about? Well, Shull is accused of making important decisions about the water commission, even though he should have stepped back and recused himself from those votes. The town council’s previous decision to remove him from the commission—by a narrow vote of 5-4 on January 13, 2020—didn’t sit well with Shull. In fact, he actively worked to sway the opinions of two new council members to get reinstated, and just eight days later, he successfully returned to the commission with a vote of 7-2.

Decisions that Spark Controversy

Once back in the commission, things took a turn. On March 9, 2020, Shull and five other council members decided to purchase water from the Joint Water and Sewer Commission. This raised eyebrows since the town had its own water plant, established in the early 1960s and formerly supplying both Batesburg-Leesville and the nearby Ridge Spring community. The agreement resulted in a whopping $20 million contract with Hazen and Sawyer, but many locals were left scratching their heads, as there was no bidding process involved.

Concerns from Council Members

Council member Steve Cain highlighted that the decision to close the town’s water plant and rely on an external source could severely impact the town’s financial health. The concern is that taking such a step might be harmful not just for the town’s treasury but for the residents who rely on a steady and affordable water supply.

The Ethics Complaint

The heart of the ethics complaint includes serious allegations against Shull. He faces three counts for violating ethical guidelines—specifically for trying to influence governmental decisions in which he held an economic interest and for failing to recuse himself from pertinent votes. Interestingly, Shull receives a monthly reimbursement of $250 for his expenses tied to his work at the commission, but he does not take a salary. Nevertheless, he maintains that these reimbursements shouldn’t count as an economic incentive that would require him to step aside during votes.

Claiming No Wrongdoing

As the hearing date approaches, Shull staunchly defends himself, asserting that previous complaints against him had politically motivated roots. With ongoing discussions surrounding his perceived conflicts of interest, it remains to be seen how the ethics commission will respond and what the implications could be for the future of Batesburg-Leesville. Will this become a pivotal moment for the town, or is it just another chapter in its local governance saga?

Looking Ahead

As residents of Batesburg-Leesville await updates on this unfolding drama, it’s hard not to wonder how it will shape the future of local governance. Will Mayor Shull continue to steer the ship, or will this ethics complaint lead to new leadership? One thing’s for sure: the people of Batesburg-Leesville will be watching closely.