Greenwood County Says Farewell to Longtime Chairman Chuck Moates at Final Council Meeting of 2024

Greenwood County Waves Goodbye to Esteemed Chairman at Year’s Final Council Meet

GREENWOOD COUNTY, thanks to a mix of sun and clouds and the last vestiges of patchy fog, the stage was perfectly set for a bittersweet sendoff. The year 2024 saw its final county council meeting and the farewell of a man whose presence has long been a fixture in Greenwood — Chairman Chuck Moates.

Bidding Adieu to a Stalwart Leader

For 16 years, Chuck Moates’ work on the Greenwood County Council left an indelible mark. First elected to represent District Four in 2008, Moates steered the ship as chairman in 2020. With clear skies and a calm breeze, the council convened one last time this year at Accra Town Hall.

Theo Lane, the Vice Chairman, recognized Moates with a heartfelt proclamation. Lane spoke of Moates’ commitment to fairness and upliftment. “Doctor Moates has always led Greenwood County with a clear moral compass, one that pointed toward improving the lives of all citizens and fairness for those whose voices often struggle to be heard,” remarked Lane.

Milestones and Accomplishments

During the meeting, CPST Coordinator Josh Skinner updated the council on the 2016 Capital Project Sales Tax. Out of a whopping $80,372,206 collected, a massive $50 million has already been spent on 24 community projects!

Several projects, such as the Railroad Historical Center and a platform fire truck for the City of Greenwood Fire Department, remain on the docket.

Much to the community’s excitement, Skinner announced a public meeting scheduled for January 14, 2025, at Lakeview Baptist Church. Here, the public will have the chance to provide input on the Harris Landing Project.

Significant Developments

Economic development director James Bateman shared exciting news about Project Simba, an expansion of KPR—also known as Kendall Patient Recovery. Anticipated to bring a $30 million investment and 12 new jobs, this project truly defines progress!

With a nod of unanimous approval, the council authorized a new 20-year fee in lieu of the tax agreement with KPR as part of this investment.

Celebrating Success and Transitioning

Adding joy to the proceedings, the Council celebrated the 2024 Ninety Six All-Star volleyball team as state champions.

As chairman Chuck Moates concluded his last meeting, he took a moment to thank his fellow council members and warmly welcome his successor, Cathy Miller. “I would like for my final district report to reflect the sentiments of the Apostle Paul who said ‘I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith,'” an emotional Moates shared before tearing up. “All is well in District Four, and I pray that it will always be so, and so, my 16-year journey comes to an end.”

It was a poignant and inspiring closing chapter in the story of Chuck Moates’ public service. We await, amidst a hopeful horizon, what he and the Greenwood community have yet to achieve in the years to come.