Camden City Council Recognizes Sergeant Grant Furry, Proclaims Women’s History Month, and Discusses Community Initiatives
Council honors a Camden police officer for service, proclaims Women’s History Month, reviews code enforcement efforts, considers a historic business marker program for downtown businesses, and advances updates to golf cart safety regulations.
CAMDEN, S.C. — During its March meeting, Camden City Council recognized a Camden police sergeant for his service to the community, proclaimed March as Women’s History Month, discussed efforts to strengthen code enforcement, and advanced updates to the City’s golf cart ordinance.
Council began the meeting by approving minutes from its previous meeting and adopting the agenda without changes.
One of the highlights of the evening was the recognition of Camden Police Department Sergeant Grant Furry as the City’s March Employee of the Month. City Manager Matt DeWitt noted that the City’s employee recognition program is made possible through Mayor Vincent Sheheen’s decision to donate his mayoral salary back to the City to support the initiative, and this program would not be possible without his generous support.
Furry was nominated by Captain Justin Dill, who praised his leadership and dedication to serving Camden residents. According to the nomination, Furry has repeatedly gone above and beyond the normal responsibilities of his position, stepping in to assist citizens in situations that extend far beyond routine law enforcement duties.
City officials said those actions reflect the core values of the Camden Police Department — integrity, service, and professionalism — and demonstrate the type of community-centered policing residents value.
March 2026 was also proclaimed Women’s History Month in Camden, recognizing the many contributions women have made to the nation and to communities like Camden. Members of WIN (Women in the NAACP) were present to receive the proclamation on behalf of the organization and the broader community. The national theme for 2026, “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future,” highlights women who continue to influence and strengthen communities. Mayor Vincent Sheheen thanked the women in attendance and recognized the important role they play in Camden’s civic life.
Director of Planning and Development Shawn Putnam provided an update on the City’s efforts to strengthen building inspections and code enforcement. Putnam explained that Camden is in the process of bringing building inspection services back in-house after previously relying on a private contractor following the retirement of the City’s former building official in 2023. Since this time, City staff members have been hired and are working toward state certification while the City continues working with a third-party firm during the transition.
Putnam also outlined how the City enforces property maintenance standards addressing issues such as dilapidated buildings, overgrown lots, abandoned vehicles, and signage violations. Code enforcement staff typically contact property owners first to resolve concerns, though cases can ultimately proceed to municipal court if violations are not corrected. Council members also discussed several properties where ownership has been difficult to determine as the City works to address ongoing issues.
Mayor Vincent Sheheen also raised the idea of creating a historic marker program for downtown businesses and buildings with historical significance. The plaques would allow visitors walking through Camden’s historic district to learn more about the people, places, and events that shaped the community. Sheheen noted that cities such as Charleston and Georgetown use similar markers and suggested staff explore potential costs and partnerships with local historical organizations before bringing the idea back to council.
An ordinance related to the potential redevelopment of the former Deluxe Hotel property on DeKalb Street also received approval during the meeting. The measure allows the City to serve as a backstop purchaser if a pending private development purchase does not move forward. City officials emphasized that Camden does not anticipate purchasing the property but approved the ordinance to provide assurance as redevelopment discussions continue.
Updates aimed at improving golf cart safety in Camden received first reading during the meeting, aligning local regulations with state guidance and strengthening safety requirements. Under the proposal, golf carts may operate only on streets with speed limits of 35 miles per hour or less and may not be driven on U.S. highways, though they may cross those roadways at designated intersections. Drivers must be at least 16 years old with a valid license and carry registration and proof of insurance. This City ordinance comes following the passing of a similar county wide gulf cart ordinance.
Two amendments were added during discussion, including a requirement that golf carts be equipped with operational turn signals in addition to headlights and taillights, and an increase in fines for certain violations to $250. The ordinance will return for a second reading at a future meeting.
The meeting also included routine consent agenda items such as planning commission appointments, actions related to the City’s Landmarks Commission, and a resolution supporting loss-prevention measures intended to help reduce municipal insurance costs.
Planning Commission appointments were also addressed during the meeting. Westley G. Parks and Connie Rouse were reappointed to the Planning Commission, with terms expiring August 31, 2029. Randy Wilgis was appointed to fill an unexpired term, which will run through August 31, 2030.
Council also confirmed and ratified member terms for the Historic Landmarks Commission, including Jennifer Haunert (term expiring August 31, 2029), William C. “Rusty” Major (term expiring August 31, 2026), Karen Farmer (term expiring August 31, 2027), Lisa Frost Long (term expiring August 31, 2028), and John C. Boykin (term expiring August 31, 2027).
City Manager Matt DeWitt also shared updates on several upcoming events that will bring activity and visitors to Camden in the coming weeks. Residents were encouraged to participate in Irish Fest Camden, which will include events Friday evening and a full day of activities Saturday at the Camden Airport. DeWitt also noted that Cup Fest and the Carolina Cup are scheduled later in the month, events that traditionally bring thousands of visitors to the community.
The City Manager also highlighted Camden’s participation in the CarolinaBUY cooperative purchasing program, which allows municipalities to receive rebates on certain purchases. Camden recently received its first rebate payment of approximately $13,000, which the City plans to reinvest into community events and initiatives that support local traditions, strengthen the downtown experience, and help develop Camden’s culture.
Maintaining Camden as a clean and welcoming community was also part of the discussion, with council members emphasizing the importance of keeping key gateway corridors into the city well maintained.
Councilmember Elliott also asked staff to compile a comprehensive list of all City boards, commissions, and committees to improve organization and communication regarding upcoming vacancies. He also suggested scheduling a council work session in the coming weeks to review progress on previously established goals and discuss priorities as the City begins the Fiscal year 2027 budget process.
Adding to the conversation about Camden’s future, Mayor Vincent Sheheen shared that the South Carolina Director of Tourism recently visited the community and expressed enthusiasm about Camden’s tourism opportunities after touring several local attractions.
During council comments, members also recognized the passing of longtime Camden resident William “Billy” Nettles, a former banker who was described as a pillar of the community. Council adjourned the meeting in his honor.
For more information about City Council meetings and initiatives, visit www.experiencecamdensc.com.
