WINNSBORO – In an email to County Administrator Jason Taylor Thursday morning, County Attorney Thomas (Tommy) Morgan submitted his resignation, effective March 1, 2021.
In his email, Morgan cited fallout from the recent election as contributing to his decision.
“The recent elections have changed the political landscape of Fairfield County,” Morgan wrote. “As frequently noted, elections have consequences. I have been told that my continued role as Fairfield County Attorney is problematic for some members of Fairfield County Council.”
In an emailed response to Morgan’s resignation, former County Council Chairman Neil Robinson addressed the current upheaval in the county government that he says appears to have resulted in Morgan’s resignation.
“This is a sad day for our county and its citizens. What is even more regrettable is how it seems we have gotten to this point,” Robinson wrote. “I suppose what we feared and have heard about the developing toxic work environment in our county government is true, and it is a shame that the indications point to it being ushered in by some council members. It has been my pleasure and Fairfield County’s fortune to have Tommy on the Fairfield team. I sincerely wish him well. We’re going to miss him.”
Morgan said he would not be attending the meetings of Fairfield County Council during February so as not to be a distraction but to allow Council to focus on the issues at hand.
Morgan noted in his email that he was proud of the accomplishments made by the county under Taylor’s leadership, which he (Morgan) has been a part of, including “an amended animal control ordinance, economic development resulting in over one billion dollars in planned investment in Fairfield County, the creation of a joint sewer and water system, the establishment of an innovative legal and financial arrangement leading to the building of the new county administration building and the smooth transition of new medical facilities serving the citizens of Fairfield County, along with many advances and improvements to the day-to-day operations of Fairfield County.”
Taylor praised Morgan for his contribution to the county.
“Tommy has been an integral part of the team in moving the county forward. I’ve very much enjoyed working with him in the progress we’ve made this past four years,” Taylor told The Voice.
County Council Chairman Moses Bell was reached by phone by The Voice for comment about Morgan’s resignation, but abruptly ended the call after saying, “No comment. No comment.”
Morgan, a partner with Smith Robinson law firm in Columbia, was hired by the county on a part time basis in December, 2017. He also serves as Assistant Kershaw County Attorney and Interim Georgetown County Attorney.
The next county council meeting will be held at 6 p.m., Feb. 8.
This is an evolving story and will be updated in next week’s issue of The Voice as information is available.