Council rescinds extra civil protection

In a final reading last night, Oconee County Council killed an ordinance that gave extra protection to county officials against civil liability.  The council acted after public comment speakers decried the idea, including David McMahan who has taken the county to court over zoning issues.  McMahan said of 46 South Carolina counties, only Oconee had sought additional indemnification.  Council members had previously divided over whether the protection was warranted.  The ordinance was proposed after threats to sue three council members.