By David Meade
During their meeting Tuesday, Pelzer Town Council received information on two items that will be needed for the town to begin offering additional services and addressing problem areas. Council heard an update on financial planning for a tax base for added services and they received legal advice on their first ordinance, dealing with mobile homes in the town.
Before hearing that information Brad West gave an update on the Phase II Sewer Project.
West said that the project is near completion with all of the pipe in the ground. He reported that recent smoke testing of lines showed no major problems. He also reminded councilmembers that there is a planned meeting with representatives of REWA on November 4.
Town Clerk Heather Holcombe reported that she continues to receive complaints from citizens and that she is receiving no response from the contractor.
Former Town Administrator, now consultant, Skip Watkins provided information to council on an estimated future tax base which would allow town officials to begin budgeting for future services.
Watkins said that he compared all towns in Anderson County and came up with an average. He provided figures based on tax information for Iva, which he said is the closest in size to Pelzer. Iva currently has millage rate of 189.1.
According to Watkins, Pelzer can expect a base tax assessment on real property, land, vehicles, mobile homes boats and motors that is valued at approximately $1,984,940.
To provide services that have been discussed by council including a full time administrative position, a police department and street department, Watkins said the town will need a millage rate of 209 mills.
Town Attorney Jimmy King advised the council that once the millage rate is set there are limits to how much the town can go up. He advised them to make sure there is adequate funding to cover the cost of services they want to provide.
He also advised them there will be additional up front costs to starting up a police department including cost of vehicles, uniforms, training and ammo. “You have to look at the capital cost to get a department started versus the cost to keep it running on a yearly basis,” King said.
King also advised the council that street maintenance will be a major issue for Pelzer and all municipalities in Anderson County.
He pointed out that Pelzer and West Pelzer have no equipment and that the cost to maintain streets will have to include paying an independent contractor or having town employees do road maintenance.
Pelzer Mills Property Chairman Larry Coker updated council on grants and other things they are working on.
Coker said the organization is hoping to partner with the town in producing a full Master Plan, which he said is necessary for planning and for applying for future grants.
Coker said he has a quote of $60,000 and is in the process of getting two additional quotes for the project.
He said there is a fifty percent match required for an Appalachian Council of Governments grant to help get a Master Plan done.
Coker also updated town officials on a $250,000 revolving loan fund grant for cleanup on Pelzer Mills properties and a $50,000 grant for assessment on the old office building. Coker said both projects are in the process of being bid by the county.
Anderson County has partnered with the Pelzer Mills Properties organization to help administer the grants and bid out the work.
The county is also helping with matching funds required.
Coker said the Master Plan is necessary to apply for future PRT grants and other funding to continue to clean up and revitalize the old mill properties.
Pelzer Councilmember Kim Wilson reported that Pelzer and West Pelzer had partnered to apply for a $25,000 grant through the state Municipal Association for a Hwy. 8 Master Plan.
Council went into executive session lasting approximately 45 minutes to discuss a personnel issue and receive legal advice on an ordinance. Upon returning to open session, Council unanimously approved first reading on a budget amendment of $1,376 in employee salary.
Mayor Steve McGregor said council had received legal advice on a sample ordinance prohibiting mobile homes in the Town of Pelzer.
The proposed ordinance would be the first to address zoning or codes in the town since the annexation that expanded town limits to include the upper and lower mill villages.
McGregor announced that the November meeting of Council will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 9 instead of Tuesday due to the Community Building being used for general election voting Nov. 8.
A council workshop will be held on Tues. Oct.
Councilmembers will also be attending the Anderson County Municipal Association in Honea Path.
