§ 16-31. Findings.

The county council makes the following findings with respect to the establishment of a fire protection district to be known as Orangeburg County Fire District:

(1)

The establishment of a fire protection district in the areas of the county set forth in section 16-32 is in the best interests of the citizens of such areas and is beneficial to citizens in that the fire protection district will provide needed fire protection services in the district described in section 16-32.

(2)

Pursuant to County Council Resolution No. 96-3-5, an advisory referendum was held on May 14, 1996, in the unincorporated areas of the county except within the Santee Fire Service District and the county fire service area outside of the corporate limits of the City of Orangeburg. The voters approved the establishment of a fire protection district and the levying of ad valorem tax for such service.

(3)

The authority of the county council for creating a fire protection district is found in S.C. Code 1976, § 4-19-10 et seq.

(4)

S.C. Code 1976, § 4-19-10 has been complied with in the establishment of the Orangeburg County Fire District, including but not limited to S.C. Code 1976, § 4-19-10(b) with respect to agreements between the county and other political subdivisions for the exercise of fire protection powers within service areas of such political subdivisions.

(5)

The requirements of S.C. Code 1976, § 4-19-20 have been complied with in the establishment of the Orangeburg County Fire District, including but not limited to the requirements of public hearing and notice thereof. Public hearings were held on June 11, June 30, and July 21, 1997.

(6)

The county council in the establishment of the Orangeburg County Fire District has satisfied the requirements and conditions set forth in S.C. Code 1976, §§ 4-19-10 and 4-19-20.

(Ord. No. 97-7-8, § I, 7-28-1997)