The Marlboro County Council on third reading approved a revised personnel policies and procedures ordinance, adding explicit direction that county vehicles bear a Marlboro County decal and tightening firearms rules for county properties.

County staff read the ordinance text and explained it replaces Ordinance 789 (adopted 07/14/2020) and relies on authority in the South Carolina Code (section 4‑9‑30 and section 4‑9‑630) to let the council adopt and amend county personnel systems. The revised manual includes policies on take‑home vehicles, civic and political activity, social media, leave rules and a new firearms policy.

During public comment Diane Hall and several council members raised concerns that a strict ban on transporting family members in county vehicles could unduly burden lower‑paid maintenance employees and staff who must travel for regional events. Council members also discussed whether marking vehicles with a county seal helps constituents identify official personnel and reduces confusion. ‘‘We need to be as strict as possible to ensure nobody abuses the privilege,’’ one council member said. Another noted that absolute bans create liability and asked department heads to exercise reasonable discretion for exceptional circumstances.

The ordinance’s firearms provision, as read by staff, states that employees may not possess firearms while inside county buildings, on county property, inside county vehicles or on county worksites; licensed officers authorized to carry and firearms secured in a locked compartment in a privately owned vehicle are exceptions. Violation of the firearms rule is subject to disciplinary action up to termination.

Council member [mover] moved to approve the ordinance with the added stipulation that Marlboro County decals be placed on all county vehicles; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

The ordinance is effective on adoption; staff said the exhibit containing the full revised manual is attached to the ordinance and will be treated as the operative personnel policy.

The council’s action leaves open department‑level discretion for isolated operational needs but establishes countywide requirements for vehicle identification and firearms in county spaces.