During their first meeting of 2022, West Pelzer Town Council swore in a new councilmember and amended their budget to reflect the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding of $235,480.19. New Councilmember Jeff Lee and returning Councilmember Johnny Rogers were sworn in.
The funding is West Pelzer’s share of the $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill (ARPA) passed by congress in 2021. The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund in ARPA provides $350 billion for states, municipalities, counties, tribes, and territories, including $130.2 billion for local governments split evenly between municipalities and counties.
Mayor Blake Sanders said the funds will likely be used for capital projects or infrastructure and that Council will have a work session January 21 to discuss possible projects the funding could be used for.
Town Clerk/Administrator Paula Payton reported eight work orders were completed in the month of December and reminded residents that a sewer rate increase will show on the February utility bills due to ReWa increasing rates.
Residential base rates will increase from $12 and $5.86/1000 gallons to $12.38 and $6.27/1000 gallons. Commercial rates will increase from $12 base; $5.57/1000 to $12.38 base; $6.27/1000.
Police Chief Scott Stoller reported there were 14 reports with one arrest for driving under suspension/firearms violation. There were 21 tickets written with 12 warnings.
