SUMTER, S.C. — Residents living on private roads in Sumter County may soon see improved access to emergency services with a new ordinance passed by the county council this week.

In a 5-2 vote, the Sumter County Council approved a private road ordinance aimed at allowing some private roads to be incorporated into the county system. However, officials stress that the focus is not on paving, but on access.

“If I get sick and have to call EMS, it takes them a minute to come because of the roads,” one resident said. “So, we really need this fixed.”

Under the ordinance, private roads with at least five occupied homes and no access to public roads may be eligible to apply for adoption by the county. However, there are multiple requirements residents must meet before their roads can be consider

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