Hampton Co. looks ahead after second audit closes, prepares for administrator transition

HAMPTON COUNTY, S.C. (WTOC) - Hampton County leaders say the closure of a second state audit marks a turning point for the county—one they hope will bring clearer direction, stronger financial oversight, and renewed focus on long-delayed community projects.

State audit finds no fraud, but flags unspent capital dollars

County officials recently announced the conclusion of a second audit examining Hampton County finances from fiscal year 2016 through 2024. The review focused on capital projects and determined that more than $1 million set aside for those projects was not spent.

Even with that finding, the state reported no evidence of fraud or intentional wrongdoing by county officials.

This audit followed an earlier state review that identified a longstanding pattern of financial mismanagement and missing documentation—issues county leaders say have already prompted internal changes, including reducing the number of county credit cards in use and implementing updated monitoring systems for taxpayer funds.

County leaders: audit closure allows Hampton to “move forward”

Hampton County Administrator Lavar Youmans said with both audits now completed, the county can shift from responding to investigations to planning its next chapter.

One of the biggest priorities: expanding recreation options across the county.

New recreation center project planned at former high school site

County leaders say a centerpiece of that effort is a proposed recreation center designed to offer a wide range of activities for residents. The facility is planned to be housed at Hampton County High School—a site expected to become available once a new high school opens later this year.

The recreation center project carries a reported $3.5 million price tag.

“This is a building block to defining that conversation in the county… We are finishing up our first comp plan that hasn’t been updated in over 10 years, we are also engaging the public around recreational services and identifying a path forward as it relates to a potential MOU with the school district,” Youmans said.

A community meeting on the future of recreation in Hampton County is scheduled for Tuesday night.

Administrator resigns as county enters next phase

Just days after the audit closure was announced, Hampton County leaders confirmed they are now searching for a new county administrator.

Youmans—who has served in the role for nearly three years—submitted his resignation, which was accepted during a special called meeting late last week. He said the decision was personal and came after discussions with his family.

During his tenure, Youmans oversaw the county through both state audits. The second audit, which examined the county’s Capital Project Sales Tax (CPST), found $1.5 million in eligible CPST expenses and again reported no evidence of fraud or intentional wrongdoing.

As part of closing the audit, the county agreed to spend $2 million on county council-approved capital projects over the next five years.

“The county has had a cloud… for quite a few years now. The forensic audits being closed… is a big success and now it’s primarily focused on defining the future of Hampton County,” Youmans said.

His last day with the county is set for May 29.

County leaders say they plan to reach out to the South Carolina Association of Counties and a law firm as they begin the search for an interim administrator candidate.