Anderson County Council recognizes two area churches and approves pay increase for clerk and administrator

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During their meeting Tuesday, Anderson County Council recognized the 150th anniversary of the founding of Evergreen Baptist Church, the 220th anniversary of the founding of Neals Creek Baptist Church and recognized Roy Mack for his service to the Anderson Community.
Evergreen Baptist Church is located at 1305 Evergreen Road just off Hwy. 81 near Bosch.
Neals Creek Baptist Church is located at 3204 Amity Rd Ext. Anderson, off Hwy. 178 (Belton/Anderson).
Roy Mack was a teacher at Westside High School and involved in a number of civic organizations.
Council heard a Fostering the Family presentation regarding helping foster families in Anderson County. Organizer Kim Trainor said the organization “is making a lasting difference in the life of a vulnerable child” by partnering with local churches to assist foster families. She gave examples including a very successful “Shop with a Cop” event during the holidays.
Trainor said there are 170 children in foster care in Anderson County and 20 waiting to be adopted.
Council approved an agreement for the development of an expanded joint county industrial and business park with Greenville County. Economic Development head Burriss Nelson said the expansion allows additional projects in Anderson and Greenville Counties to receive state incentive benefits.
The park expansion includes 34.27 acres in the Chick Springs Township, Greenville (Essential Cabinetry Holdings, Inc. (Project President) and 29.21 acres (EC Simpsonville Funding Company, LLC by deed of NL Ventures X Grandview, L.L.C.).
Council also approved an ordinance to continue to lease County property on West Church Street in downtown Anderson to Habitat for Humanity.
Council approved the abandonment and closure of a portion of Parker Lane in Council District 5.
Council approved a bid of $117,218 by Local Waste Management of Iva for hauling recyclables from all Anderson County schools that particpate in the recyclable program.
Council approved the appointment of Bradley Burdett to the Planning Commission.
After a brief Executive Session to discuss personnel matters, Council unanimously approved an increase to the pay grade for Clerk to Council Renee Watts. Council also approved a seven percent pay increase for County Administrator Rusty Burns. According to Council Chairman Tommy Dunn, the Administrator’s salary of $199,020 “is on the lower end of other counties our size.”
Dunn said the Administrator does not have a County car or phone. He also has lots of contacts and brings millions of dollars in grants to Anderson County. He added, “He is a people person.”
District 6 Councilman Jimmy Davis thanked Watts for what she does for the Council and regarding Watts and Burns said, “I really appreciate all you do for Anderson County.”
Burns said, “I love my job and I love Anderson County.”
District 7 Councilwoman Cindy Wilson said, “We are so blessed in our County to have Mr. Burns and Mrs. Watts.” She said recognized their service stating, “The level of professionalism and all you have to do with Anderson County.”
Councimembers approved requested funding for various amounts for Men at Work, Fostering the Family and the Greater Anderson Musical Arts Consortium.
Council heard public comments from two citizens regarding buses and truck being in the roadway on Hillcrest Circle.
Councilwoman Wilson said the Planning and Public Works Committee is working to encourage planning and is looking at RVs, short term rentals and Air BNB rentals. She said the rentals should be paying the county accommodation tax.
Chairman Dunn remarked that County staff are working on guidelines for RVs and short term rentals in the County.