Winnsboro’s New Chapter: Mayor Demetrius Chatman Brings Fresh Vision, Clean Audit, and Community Investment
- CUBNSC
- Jul 22
- 3 min read
By Javar Juarez | CUBNSC
WINNSBORO, SC — July 22, 2025
The Town of Winnsboro turned a new page Tuesday evening as it held its first official meeting under the leadership of its newly sworn-in mayor, Demetrius Chatman—the first Black mayor in the town’s history. The meeting, held at the historic Winnsboro Town Clock on South Congress Street, showcased a refreshing tone of transparency, financial accountability, and community-centered governance.
The town council’s regular session included the presentation of a posthumous proclamation honoring James “Jim” Futrell, the presentation of the FY 2024–2025 audit by Brian Nicholson of Mauldin & Jenkins, and the unanimous approval of three new funding requests—each reflecting Mayor Chatman’s commitment to direct community investment.
Town of Winnsboro: Clean Audit and Room for Growth
While the Town of Winnsboro received what has been characterized as a “clean audit,” Mauldin & Jenkins highlighted opportunities for improvement, including the need for timelier annual financial reports, addressing significant inter-fund payables, and resolving a General Fund deficit. The firm emphasized the importance of fiscal management strategies, including better monitoring of revenues and expenses, as well as the development of both short- and long-term financial plans.
Mayor Chatman acknowledged these areas during the meeting and stated his intention to implement a stronger procurement card (P-card) policy—a move that signals his focus on financial oversight and responsible spending.
“I want to ensure that we lead this town with integrity, fiscal responsibility, and transparency,” Chatman stated during the meeting.
That message resonated with many in attendance, including longtime Fairfield County resident and Brown Chapel Baptist Church Pastor, Rev. R.E. Gibson, who expressed deep appreciation for the new mayor’s leadership style.
“I don’t think things were ever this transparent before,” Rev. Gibson said in an interview with CUBNSC. “This isn’t business as usual. Mayor Chatman is doing things out in the open and above reproach.”
Community-Focused Funding Approved
The Council approved $750 in public funds for the Ward One Community Association’s Back to School Bash scheduled for August 2, 2025 at Friendship Park , a popular local event that provides supplies and support for area families. Additionally, the Farmers Market was awarded $750 to support operational expenses for the upcoming fiscal year, and the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the state for the detention of juveniles was also approved.
These approvals mark a notable shift toward community collaboration and responsive leadership—an approach that new leaders like Kimberly Uphold, who is running for town council, hope to build on.
“We need to revitalize downtown and give our kids safe places and activities,” said Uphold, who has spent the summer knocking on doors and engaging residents. “People are willing to volunteer. They just want to see things moving in the right direction.”
Economic Opportunities on the Horizon
CUBNSC has been closely following the economic trends of towns like Winnsboro, and local analysts predict a population surge as rising housing costs push families out of urban centers. With its small-town charm, strong faith-based community, and lower cost of living, Winnsboro is poised to attract both new residents and business investment.
That momentum is reflected in ongoing redevelopment efforts, new grant initiatives, and the recent appointment of Kiana Benson as the Fairfield County Chamber of Commerce’s new tourism director.
The next event in the town’s Summer Series, hosted in part by the Chamber and the Town of Winnsboro, continues this weekend. The last gathering, which featured DJ Irwin, drew families from across the region for a night of music, food, and community joy.
As Rev. Gibson remarked, “It’s not just about how much money a town has—it’s about how you spend it and who you spend it on.” With new leadership, a clean audit, and renewed energy from its citizens, Winnsboro is showing South Carolina what small-town progress looks like.
to learn more about the Town of Winnsboro visit: https://townofwinnsboro.com/
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