State lawmakers investigating Republican Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom’s $3.5 billion accounting error said in a report Wednesday that he should be fired and the office be stripped of several responsibilities. The recommendations came after a Senate subcommittee held four hearings to investigate Eckstrom’s error.
“To ensure accuracy in the state’s finances, all the duties of his office need to be transferred immediately to one or more agencies that will produce documents that we can rely on and have confidence in,” said state Sen. Larry Grooms, R-Berkeley.
The responsibilities of the comptroller general, a constitutional officer, include assembling the state’s annual financial report. These duties would be moved to other agencies, such as the Attorney General’s office, the Treasurer’s Office and the Department of Administration, according to The State.
“I strongly disagree with the findings of the senators,” Eckstrom said in a statement. “I will not be distracted by anyone from the work ahead of us, work voters elected me to do during this term.”
In other headlines:
City of Charleston to host small business expo. The City of Charleston hosts its free annual Small Business Opportunity Expo March 31 at the Gaillard Center. With more than 40 onsite organizations and municipal partners, the event presents Lowcountry small business owners with learning, networking and contract opportunities.
Former Citadel cadet to get jail time for participation in Capitol riots. Former Citadel cadet Elias Irizarry was sentenced to 14 days in jail for the misdemeanor charge of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds.
Charleston Co. to spend $10.2M to boost affordable housing developments. Charleston County plans to spend millions of federal dollars to create 308 apartments and 32 new homes that will be sold at below-market prices.
Bike lane, other roadway improvements may come to King Street. SCDOT may look to add a bike lane to King Street between Calhoun and Broad Streets to help keep cyclists and pedestrians out of harm’s way.
Lowcountry drainage projects get funding from state. Three Lowcountry drainage projects were selected by the South Carolina Office of Resilience to receive more than $11 million in funding.
Mount Pleasant passes final version of noise ordinance. The new rule states sound levels from the place of where the complaint came from cannot go higher than 60 decibels during the day and 55 decibels during the night.
- To get dozens of South Carolina news stories every business day, contact the folks at SC Clips.
Stay cool. Support City Paper.
City Paper has been bringing the best news, food, arts, music and event coverage to the Holy City since 1997. Support our continued efforts to highlight the best of Charleston with a one-time donation or become a member of the City Paper Club.