Residents of Salt Springs Township shared their concerns about the 60th Street bridge between HH and GG Roads with Greenwood County Commissioners during their regular weekly meeting on Monday, April 28.
Ron Trimmell addressed the commission, emphasizing the hardship its removal would pose for several residents and taxpayers who regularly use the road. He noted that no one had contacted local landowners to gather input on the bridge’s use or to discuss its potential removal.
Trimmell, along with members of the Haun family, urged the commissioners to consider repairing or maintaining the existing bridge. Commissioners had previously discussed removing the deteriorating concrete bridge and replacing it with a rockbased crossing. However, Trimmell and the Hauns expressed concerns that such a crossing would be unreliable, especially after rainfall, which could wash away the sandstone and render the road impassable.
Both parties advocated for replacing/ maintaining the concrete bridge and continue with a low-water crossing bridge.
It was noted that the north side of the bridge is still usable; however, a hole on the south side was the reason for safety concerns.
“Don’t take that (the bridge) away from us,” Trimmell said. “It will cause a hardship for all of us.” It was noted that those in attendance weren’t asking for a million-dollar bridge, but for concrete and possibly additional whistles to assist with water flow.
Commissioners elected to hold off on the removal of the bridge and gather additional details before moving forward.
Other Business
Representatives of CrossWinds Counseling and Wellness shared an update with Commissioners as well as requested their appropriations for the 2026 budget year. In 2024, 326 residents of Greenwood County were served by CrossWinds for a total of 4,998 services. This was a 20% increase from 2023. CrossWinds asked for $48,000 and Liquor Tax funding of $2,500 for 2026. It was noted that these appropriated funds would allow CrossWinds to continue to meet the behavioral health and substance use needs of Greenwood County residents. CrossWinds provides services to residents county- wide, as well as serving a total of seven counties in the area. At the end of 2024, CrossWinds acquired Corner House, Inc. with hopes of strengthening the substance use services available. It was also noted that the CrossWinds board currently has an opening for a Greenwood County resident.
In other business, Sheriff Heath Samuels shared he planned to purchase a Dodge Durango this week. Samuels noted he had planned to make a purchase before the end of year last year, but hadn’t yet purchased a vehicle.
A brief road and bridge report was shared, with Supervisor Allen Greenwood noting that he needed to add three additional tin horns to the upcoming purchase. The commission approved to purchase the culverts as needed.
The treasurer’s report was reviewed.
The commission approved the following as presented: April 21 meeting minutes; first-quarter financial report for 2025 (a copy can be found on page 11); Special payables, totaling $27,938.82; Payables, totaling $245,899.61; and Payroll, totaling $152,451.07.
The commission held two executive sessions, both for legal matters. The first with County Counselor Paul Dean, Road and Bridge Supervisor Greenwood and Levi Vinson, with Emergency Management. The second was with Dean and Greenwood. No action was taken after either session.
The next meeting for the Greenwood County Commission is Monday, May 5 at 9 a.m.
