Anderson County Council approves first reading on $277 million budget

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During their meeting Tuesday, Anderson County Council approved first reading on the 2023-24 budget, limited truck traffic on Major Road and announced a grant for new playground equipment for Dolly Cooper Park in Powdersville.
Honea Path angler Lowell Brannan was recognized for winning the 2023 Yamaha Rightwaters Bassmaster Kayak Series at Lake Hartwell in April. Council also approved a resolution recognizing May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day in Anderson County.
Council unanimously approved first reading on the 2023-24 budget with no tax increase. District Four Councilman Brett Sanders presented highlights of the $277,943,230 budget which includes a general fund of $114,639,840 with a $15 million fund balance.
Approximately $37 million of the budget is related to special revenue funds which are comprised mostly of grant funding.

Out of 31 requested new positions, only three were recommended by the Administrator. They are one in the Parks Department and two in the Roads and Bridges Department.
Funding for first responders such as the Sheriff’s Office has been moved to the General Fund to align with EMS and other County Departments. There is funding provided for year five of the Sheriff’s pay plan.
The County is holding the line on health insurance costs, there is no increase in monthly departmental charges and no tax increase on first reading.
District 7 Councilmember Cindy Wilson said, “It has been a tough budget year, they all are,” but added that there was “no increase in taxes.”
Chairman Tommy Dunn said it is “not a finished product, by no means.”
In other action, Council approved second reading on an ordinance limiting certain motor vehicle traffic on Major Road in the Wren school area. Councilman Jimmy Davis recused himself from the vote due to a conflict of interest with property.
Council unanimously approved a clear bag policy option for county buildings.
Council unanimously approved an ordinance to allow a right of way and easement to the City of Anderson for a sewer line at the Toxaway Mill Site.
Council approved first reading on a zoning change for 19.1 acres on Hwy. 76 in the Denver-Sandy Springs area.
The change allows a development to increase from 176 units to 250 units and changes some greenspace.
Council unanimously approved first reading, in title only, on an ordinance to amend the Code of Ordinances to address RV Park design standards. Wilson said the draft copy addresses trailers, buffers and makes RV Parks a commercial business. It also addresses permanent occupation as longer than three months, and addresses inspection, maintenance requirements, solid waste container size and required width of roads. Chairman Dunn said the county will hold a public hearing on the ordinance.
District 6 Councilman Jimmy Davis asked if they could have an RV expert or business owner to provide additional input on the new ordinance.
County Administrator Rusty Burns announced a new grant award for $342,000 to continue with improvements at Dolly Cooper Park in Powdersville. The funds were obtained through efforts of former House District 10 Representative West Cox and will be used for new playground equipment at the park. A bid of $342,200 for the project was awarded to Bliss Products of Lithia Springs, Georgia.
Council approved a vehicle donation of a 2003 Pace American dual axle tech rescue team trailer to the Tech Rescue team with Anderson City Fire. The trailer has been replaced with a new trailer purchased through grant funds, Administrator Burns said.

In Council comments, Councilman J. Davis said the Rhythm on the River event is this Saturday beginning at 3 p.m. at Dolly Cooper Park. The Saluda River Rally will be held at the park in June.
Chairman Dunn said the fair is being held at the Civic Center.
Burns said Mr. Drew, representing the fair, will make a check presentation to several Anderson County charities at the fair opening Thursday.