Leaf-burning ban voted down

ST. GEORGE — Dorchester County Council torched a controversial leaf-burning ban at the last minute Monday night.

Council voted 5-2 not to pass third reading of the law, after a late amendment by Councilman Larry Hargett exacerbated divisions about it among council members, who say residents are split 50-50 on the issue.

The law would have banned the homeowner chore in small-lot, compactly built subdivisions. Hargett's amendment would have exempted existing subdivisions, where reported problems led to the eight-month ordeal of putting together the ordinance.

"It's a compromise. It gives me a lot of heartburn," said Hargett, who lives in a Summerville area subdivision where the law would have been enforced. He said the controversy over it was the worst he had seen since council passed the Ashley River historic overlay district. Property rights advocates rabidly opposed that ordinance.

The leaf-burning vote puts the issue back into the regulatory mulcher until council members or staff can come up with another proposal.

"There is a problem. It is a nuisance. It needs to be addressed," Council Chairman Jamie Feltner said.

Meanwhile, the council also passed a "bare bones" operating budget of roughly $40 million after making $8 million in cuts to department proposals in the wake of revenue shortfalls with the economic nosedive.

The 20 percent reduction won't affect property taxes. Owners will pay the same rate as last year.

But stormwater fees will go up 10 percent or more, depending on the structure. For example, a homeowner with an impervious surface "footprint" from 2,500 to 5,000 feet will pay $44.76 instead of $38.84.

The new rates were passed with a 4-3 vote, with council divided about raising fees as well as the higher rates' impact on industries, which will pay far more than residences.

"I think it's a tax increase in a year we don't need a tax increase," Hargett said.

Hargett and Councilmen Bill Hearn and Richard Rosebrock voted against it.

Reach Bo Petersen at 937-5744 or bpetersen@postandcourier.com.