After a sometimes tense process, West Columbia City Council unanimously voted to instate a new map for the city’s council districts.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, West Columbia's population increased by more than 16%, from 14,988 to 17,416 between 2010 and 2020. The increase in population unbalanced the city’s eight council districts, necessitating redistricting to ensure that each voter is represented as equally as possible. 

When District 3 Council Member Casey Hallman resigned unexpectedly earlier this month, it forced the city to expedite the process to be ready for the special election for her seat, the date for which has yet to be announced.

The new districts have been reviewed by the state Office of Revenue and Fiscal Affairs and meet the standards of demographic balance and districting block requirements, according to the city’s website.

A flashpoint in the debate over redistricting was the fact that the new map would move the the Bridgepointe condo complex near the Gervais Street Bridge from District 8, represented by David Moye, to District 5, represented by Joseph Dickey, with multiple residents complaining that they didn’t want to lose Moye as their representative on council.

There was a second public hearing ahead of the special meeting called for the final reading vote, but no citizens took the opportunity to speak. Citizens, including multiple from Bridgepointe, spoke at the first public hearing about the redistricting Aug. 15, and a member of the audience was kicked out by Mayor Tem Miles for repeatedly protesting the proceedings during a second meeting Aug. 17 that didn’t include public comment.

Bridgepointe was again discussed Aug. 24, with Mayor Tem Miles and council ultimately agreeing the revised map is what is best for the city.

“At the end of the day, it’s not what’s best for one little area or one council member, it’s what’s best for the City of West Columbia,” said Council Member Jimmy Brooks, who represents District 6. “Probably 60 percent of my district is gone. This doesn’t benefit me at all but I will vote for it because it benefits the city. … If we put Bridgepoint in District 8, it would skew the maps causing compliance and other issues.”

Brooks also complemented the character of Dickey and his service to council. He said there have been untrue statements made about Dickey that have diminished him, and he hopes the citizens in his new district will know that he works hard for the city.

Dickey said he looks forward to gaining the trust of residents and will work for Bridgepoint’s interests.

After previous meetings that saw council argue over potential impacts of the new map and the motivations behind their positions, Miles complimented the entire council at the final redistricting meeting, saying, “There is not a single person on this council who won’t work on behalf of the citizens of West Columbia. You can call anyone you want to.”