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“By the time it all came together it was too late to change anybody’s minds.”
'(County Council) never came to us and the Greenville County legislators hung us out to dry.'
Wryley Bettis
Councilman (District 5)
'(County Council was like) 'us against them. It seems to me that this was predicated on misinformation.'
Jay Arrowood
Councilman (District 1)
'It’s important at this point to shift our focus and work with the recreation department and tell our citizens they are going to get something for their taxes.'
Mayor Rick Danner
'I don’t recommend legal action until we hear from our city attorney.'
City Administrator Ed Driggers
Danner said he did acquire support from Stringer, Allison and county councilman Joe Baldwin. Sen. Tom Corbin (Dist. 5) was asked for support but voted for the legislation three times. Corbin is from Travelers Rest, one of Greenville county’s two smallest cities (Fountain Inn is the other) with agreements with the recreation district and their residents pay district taxes.
“It’s important for our community to know that this is not an issue we created, cordoned or enabled,” Danner said. “From the day Ed and I found out there has been no more hopeful opponent (to the legislation) than I have been.
“We met individually with members of the Senate and House to work for a solution. It has not been transparent,” Danner said.
Danner and Driggers said, using the same vernacular with defeat all but certain, they saw the opportunity, “to make lemonade out of lemon.”
Danner said every part of the process “was handled by the letter of the law. It’s important at this point to shift our focus and work with the recreation department and tell our citizens they are going to get something for their taxes.
"I am a big proponent of a regional approach. We work hard to be a part of this region and we work very hard to work with other municipalities to make sure that we are a part of finding solutions for more regional problems,” Danner said.
Danner said he has asked that the GCRD, which will remain in place in an advisory capacity, according to Executive Director Gene Smith, be reconstructed with each municipality represented.
Bettis said the board also lacks diversity with its makeup of seven white, male members.
Lee Dumas (District 4) said it was, “frustrating and it was the first time I sat on that side of the fence.” He thanked Donna O. Smith, Allen Smith, Amanda Summers and Baldwin for their support.
Judy Albert (District 6) asked, “Why are we having to supplement and pay more as a city?”
Bettis said the point he wants to make is “I don’t think we will see anything for our money. I want people to know when they see the (tax) increase on the tax bill they know who to vote for.”
CORRECTION: City Administrator Ed Driggers suggested city municipalities, not the public, have a two-thirds vote to opt in or opt out of the recreation district merger.
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