Officials ask for specific plans to justify expenditure

PICKENS — Pickens County officials responded Monday evening to media reports suggesting the county has reversed course on a proposed Tri-County Technical College construction/renovation project at its Pendleton campus.

Officials said the reports are incorrect

“In contrast, Pickens County’s position has remained consistent throughout,” the county said in a release sent to media outlets.

According to the county’s release, when TCTC president Ronnie Booth met with county council on Oct. 12 of last year, council members agreed to the proposed building program in concept only, specifically providing that Tri-County Tech should return to council with more specific building details during this year’s budget process.

That position was reiterated durinc council’s regular meeting on Oct. 19, when members unanimously approved a letter of support with the intent that funding, final building specifications and bond information would come back during this year’s budget for approval of funds, according to the minutes from that meeting.

County officials claim council chairman Jennifer Willis wrote to Booth after the Oct. 19 meeting to inform him that funding for any project would “require a separate vote by Pickens County Council.”

According to the release sent Monday by the county, council members expected Booth would include requested details, such as building plans, specifications and site plans, at a May 25 meeting with county officials.

“No such information was provided,” the county said in its release. “Instead, Dr. Booth provided only general information about the project and rehashed justification information that was discussed during the October meeting last year.

“Pickens County was disappointed that Tri-County Tech did not provide the needed detail to move forward with the proposed expansion/renovation plans.”

County officials said they were also “disappointed to learn through the media that Tri-County Tech is threatening to raise tuition on only Pickens County students for the second time this year if the county insists on detailed building plans prior to voting to authorize any building/renovation funds.”

Pickens County Council members have expressed concern that the counties are expected to pay for the new building, which they say is a state responsibility. Counties are responsible for maintenance and operations, according to county officials.

“The failure by the state to fulfill its obligations should not mandate the county cover that cost,” county officials said.

“We again request that Tri-County Tech come forward with actual building plans and specifications to include total costs per square foot, so the county may be justified in authorizing the expenditure of millions of dollars of taxpayers’ funds,” the release said.