During their meeting Tuesday, Anderson County Council approved proclamations honoring Dr. William McMurtrey “Mack” Burris and designated October as Hispanic Heritage Month in Anderson County.
Council also approved third reading on an ordinance to increase fees for marriage ceremonies held in government offices from $20 to $100.
In business, Council approved second reading on an ordinance to sell property on Hwy. 28. The property is at the site of the old animal shelter. The County has been leasing a portion of the site to America Tower Corporation who is interested in purchasing both tracts of land. In order to convey a fee simple title, it will be necessary that both the City and County to execute deeds conveying their interest in the property.
Council approved second reading on updates to the County Solid Waste Plan. The plan addresses regulation and requirements related to the planning, development, and operation of solid waste management facilities in the County. It includes landfills, solid waste pickup in municipalities, convenience facilities and much more.
First reading was held for a fee in lieu of tax and special source credit for a company known at “Project Purple Haze”. The project includes a capital investment of $68 million over the next five years with 215 jobs created. Average pay will be $23.90 per hour with health package. Annual payroll for the company is estimated at $10.27 million. The multinational corporation is one of the leading providers of paper-based packaging in the world.
Council approved first reading on a fee in lieu of taxes agreement for a “Project Connector”. Capital investment will be $5,230,000 with 28 new jobs created. Pay will average $19.38 per hour with a health benefits package. New annual payroll is estimated at $1,085,280.
Council approved a resolution to abandon None Road designated as Anderson County Road C-4-36A in Council District 4. The Road extends 273 feet between Pioneer Rd. (PN-4-1900) and S Mechanic St. (S-4-28) and exists on three parcels of property identified as Anderson County tax map numbers all of which have common ownership, as shown on the map. The owners want to close the road, which has been described as dangerous, to expand businesses on each side. The road runs between two buildings.
Council approved inducement agreements for Project Purple Haze and Project Connector.
Council approved a request by the County Treasurer’s office to change the county purchasing/credit card program to Synovus Bank. The County will have a $500,000 line of credit which will be used by various departments.
Council approved a bid of $1,386,834 by the Rogers Group of Greer, SC for a paving project of the Anderson County Transportation Committee. Projects include Brittany Park, Sumac Street, Armstrong Street, S. Prevost Street, B Street, Brittania Circle, Cobblestone Court, Londonberry Drive and Premier Court.
Council heard a report from the Short Term Rental Committee which recently met with members of the public and people in the short term rental business. There are 450 short term rental properties operating in the County that the County is aware of that collect accommodations tax.
Council also heard a report from the Public Safety Committee regarding Priority 2 (none life threatening) response times for Medshore Ambulance. Medshore requested an increase in response time to twenty minutes, however the committee recommended going to 12 minutes over a two month trial period.
Council approved a request by Mill Town Players Director Will Ragland for a total of $3,500. Each Councilmember recommended $500 from their accounts. District 7 Councilmember Cindy Wilson also requested $1271.96 for equipment for the Palmetto High Fishing Team. The request was also approved.
