As we begin a new year in Simpsonville, with plenty of important work ahead of us on Council, I want to take a moment to reflect on several significant events and decisions that shaped 2025. It was a year of transition, challenge, and recalibration for our city government.

Early in the year, City Administrator Dianna Gracely announced her retirement. It later became known that she accepted a position with Alliance Consulting Engineers, a firm that had been engaged by the City on multiple projects under retainer. Her departure initiated a search for new leadership, and after a thorough interview process, Council approved the hiring of Tee Coker, who assumed the role in June.

We also saw a transition in the Finance Department when the City’s Financial Director left for a position in Fountain Inn. Council approved the hiring of Maria Tooley to fill that role. Both Coker and Tooley have hit the ground running, navigating not only their new responsibilities but also several inherited issues requiring attention and resolution..

One of the most discussed matters of the year was the sale of the old City Hall building and property. The controversy centered on the fact that in August 2021, the former administrator entered into a sales agreement without an ordinance approved by Council, as required. The sales agreement was amended three times, twice in 2024, again without corresponding Council action or an amended ordinance. At the July 2025 Business Meeting, Council voted 4–3 to approve a belated Ordinance O 2025 03, Sale of City-Owned Property. Councilmembers O’Rear, Rupe, and Pinkerton voted no on the basis that an initial ordinance was required to convey, lease, or authorize the conveyance or lease of any city owned land.

Parallel to the sale itself was the question of what the developer intended to build on the site. The project had evolved significantly from the original concept supported by previous Council. Development agreements were presented, including one proposing that the City reinvest proceeds from the sale back into the project. Council initially rejected a non-binding agreement but later approved a final development agreement. As of this writing, the rezoning request for the property is pending Council’s decision.

Council approved Ordinance 0-2025-09 that directed proceeds from the sale of the old City Hall be used to establish a Stormwater Initiative Fund. The goal is to address longstanding stormwater challenges, consider a comprehensive study, and fund critical upgrades. This represents a meaningful step toward tackling infrastructure issues that residents have raised for years.

Another major development was Council’s decision to terminate the contract with TRZ, the manager of the CCNB Amphitheater. Council voted to solicit new proposals, and a selection committee, working alongside city staff, is currently evaluating candidates. A new manager/promoter is expected to be announced in early 2026. The intent is to improve the fan experience, enhance the facility, and generate stronger financial returns for the City’s reserves. Addressing this issue required strict adherence to our ordinances and the proper approval of Council, which was essential to maintaining transparency and accountability.

Council also approved changes to employment terms for the Simpsonville Fire Department, including additional paid hours per shift and back pay for certain hours worked. Additionally, Council approved hourly raises for the Simpsonville Police Department. These two essential divisions serve our community with dedication and professionalism, and they deserve the highest respect and support.

2025 was an election year for Wards 2, 4, and 6. In Ward 2, Aaron Rupe ran unopposed and was re elected, as was Sherry Roche in Ward 4. Ward 6 saw a competitive race that resulted in a runoff, where Jerry Tuso defeated incumbent Lou Hutchings, concluding Hutchings’ eight years of service on Council.These are just some of the items Council heard and discussed this year. For anyone seeking a deeper understanding of these or other matters, 

I encourage residents to attend our meetings or listen to the audio recordings available on the Simpsonville website. Open communication is essential to keeping our community informed, and it should remain a guiding principle for the entire Simpsonville City Council, as well as our Boards and Commissions. 

As citizens, we all have a role in staying informed about the actions of our government, whether at the City, State, or Federal level. ●