During their meeting Tuesday, West Pelzer Town Council approved first reading on the 2023-24 budget, recognized Emily DeRoberts for her contributions to the community and agreed to make Hindman Street one way.
Council unanimously approved the $1,166,428.86 budget for West Pelzer. Discussions on the budget were held during a work session held Friday March 3. The General Fund budget shows revenues and expenditures of $533,301.65. The Public Maintenance Fund shows revenues and expenditures of $633,127.21.
West Pelzer Mayor Blake Sanders said he and Council have been working on the budget for months and went through the details during the work session, which he said lasted about four hours.
He said he met with Department Heads to go through their wants and needs “line by line”.
“Our local economy is booming,” he said. “Tax revenues have increased and water revenue is stable with the buyout of Greenville Water last year.” He said for the seventh straight year, the town has reduced expenditures.
The new budget also reflects a variety of projects and improvements which are funded with the America Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds the town received.
In conjunction with International Women’s Day, West Pelzer Town Council recognized Emily DeRoberts for her service with Duke Energy, as a volunteer with several upstate organizations and for making a difference in West Pelzer and the surrounding community.
DeRoberts is retiring from her position as the District Manager of the South Carolina Goverment and Community Relations Team for Duke Energy. She also serves on board positions of Upstate SC Alliance, Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Pickens, Anderson Interfatih Ministries and Anderson University.
DeRoberts was also honored by the 2023 GSA Women of Influence program, which celeberates the accomplishments of Upstate businesswomen reaching inspiring heights in their careers and for providing inspirational examples by giving back to the community.
Mayor Blake Sanders presented DeRoberts with a plaque recognizing her accomplishments. “Thank you for everything you have done for us in West Pelzer,” he said.
In other business, Council approved a resolution to make Hindman Street one way from Main Street to the Public Parking entrance. One way signage and striping will be installed by July 1. The change is being made to help make the area safer for walkers.
During her report, Town Clerk Paula Payton reminded citizens of the special electon for a vacant seat on Council which will be held March 28. Only one candidate, Thomas Scarfo signed up for the seat.
Two council seats and the mayor’s seat will be open later this year and will be voted on In the general election Nov. 7. Filing for the seats will be held August 8-23.
Eight work orders were completed in the month of February.
Payton said that West Pelzer currently has two requests for proposals. One is regarding the sale of property at 28 Spring Street and the other is for an annual contract for professional landscaping services for the town.
According to Mayor Sanders, the Spring Street property was purchased in the County Tax sale and has been demolished. It is now being offered for sale by the town. Anyone interested should contact Town Hall, he said.
Sanders also said that the Town of West Pelzer is introducing new branding logos which can already be seen in various places including Town Hall and on Town documents. The new branding will be officially recognized soon, he said.
During his report, West Pelzer Police Chief Scott Stoller said there were eleven reports with four arrests. Charges included possession of stolen property; resisting arrest, trespassing, unlawful burning, driving under suspension, uninsured motor vehicle and unregistered motor vehicle. There were 58 tickets written with 14 warnings.
Chief Stoller reminded citizens that they can call 864-947-6297 option #5 to reach an officer for general information. For a report or to request a response, call Anderson County Dispatch at 864-260-4444 or 911 for emergencies.
He also reminded motorists to use caution on Main Street (Hwy. 8) due to a lot of foot traffic in the area between Gray Mortuary and Hwy. 20.
