Horry County Public Safety Committee Meeting - February 10, 2026

The Horry County Public Safety Committee met on February 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the County Council Conference Room. Chairman Danny Hardee presided. The committee addressed a public hearing, approved several resolutions, and received detailed updates from the Solicitor, Coroner, Sheriff, Animal Shelter, Emergency Management, and consultants on the Detention Center study. All resolutions were passed unanimously.

Public Hearing

• Fireworks Prohibited Zone – Heather Glen Community Association: Maria Schultz, Board President, requested that the Heather Glen neighborhood be designated a fireworks-free zone. She cited disturbances to pets, bald eagles, and veterans with PTSD. No public opposition was heard. The committee will vote on this at a future meeting.

Resolutions

• Resolution to Submit and Accept SRO Grant: Chief Leonhardt presented a resolution to apply for a state-funded grant of $2,711,537 for 15 School Resource Officers (7 high schools, 8 middle schools) in unincorporated Horry County. The motion passed unanimously.
• Surplus Weapon for Deceased Officer’s Family: A resolution declaring Officer Eddie Martin’s service weapon (Glock, serial BZXC724) as surplus and making it available to his family was approved unanimously.
• Master Cooperative Agreement for E-911 Mutual Aid: Renee Hardwick presented a resolution to join the Coastal Area Cooperative, adding Dorchester and Florence Counties and removing Georgetown. The resolution passed unanimously.
• Support for Conway Riverfest: A resolution expressing support for the Conway Chamber of Commerce’s Riverfest celebration and consenting to use county parking lots for the Business Expo and Artisan Market (without alcohol sales) was approved unanimously.
• National Telecommunicator Week: A resolution declaring April 14–20, 2026 as National Telecommunicator Week was approved unanimously.
• Crime Victims’ Rights Week: A resolution proclaiming April 19–25, 2026 as Crime Victims’ Rights Week was approved unanimously.

Discussion Items

• Solicitor’s End-of-Year Update: Solicitor Jimmy Richardson reported that in 2025, his office moved 18 murder cases, processed 1,700 more cases than were brought in, reduced the backlog, and placed 313 new participants in drug court with 265 graduates. He thanked council for support and stated no additional needs.
• Coroner’s End-of-Year Update: Coroner Robert Edge reported that deaths increased from 3,526 in 2022 to 4,870 in 2025, with the majority due to drug overdoses, especially fentanyl. He introduced Dr. Renee Callsy of FAVOR, a prevention organization.
• Sheriff’s Office Update: Sheriff Thompson reported serving over 2,200 arrest warrants, 9,000 civil papers, 521 escorts, and managing 645 active sex offenders. The Internet Crimes Against Children task force saw a 27% increase in tips, with 92 search warrants and 26 arrests. Home detention saved approximately $6 per day per inmate. The detention center staffing improved from 64 vacancies to 6, with full staffing expected by February 23, 2026. He noted successful plea hearings conducted at the detention center.
• Animal Shelter Update: Justin Wyatt reported that cold weather doubled or tripled calls, with the shelter at capacity. Mitigation included distributing blankets and wood chips. An adoption event was scheduled for February 13, 2026, at 209 Laurel Street. Councilman DiSabato requested a review of animal ordinances for extreme temperatures.
• Exercise Insights: Disaster Utility Operations: Sam Hodge presented lessons learned from three exercises (Operation Stormfront) and a Powerback Summit with utilities. Key takeaways included establishing consistent power restoration protocols, clarifying authority to disconnect, and improving generator safety messaging. The summit was held December 16, 2025, with 40 participants.
• Detention Center Study: Barry Spivey introduced consultants from Mosley Design. They presented a condition assessment of J. Reuben Long Detention Center, noting the 1986 bow tie section is at the end of its useful life. Projected bed needs: 1,018 by 2025, 1,180 by 2030, 1,368 by 2035, 1,586 by 2040. Phase 1 (new 574-bed tower focusing on mental health, medical, and female housing) estimated at $130 million. Phase 2 (additional 340 male beds) estimated at $55 million. The committee did not vote but will consider a recommendation at the spring retreat.

Key Outcomes

• All resolutions on the agenda were approved unanimously.
• The public hearing on the fireworks zone will be voted on at a future meeting.
• The committee directed staff to review animal ordinances for extreme weather conditions.
• The detention center study will be further discussed at the spring retreat, with design funding anticipated in FY2027.
• The committee moved into executive session for legal advice (no decisions made).
• The next meeting was announced for April 14, 2026.