During their meeting Tuesday, the Anderson County Legislative Delegation approved redistricting maps for School District One, heard presentations on M. J. “Dolly” Cooper Cemetery and Anderson County Transportation Committee and approved five PARD funding requests.
Twenty-five judge candidates from across the state were introduced to the Delegation. The candidates are running for various positions including circuit court, court of appeals and family court across the state and will meet with legislators in January.
Drew Gregory, Assistant Director of Legislative Cartography in Columbia, presented mapping options for Anderson School District One and the County Board.
According to Gregory, every ten years voting areas have to be looked at to insure that there is approximately the same number of people in each area. District One has seven areas. Gregory said that some population in the fast-growing northern areas of the District were adjusted so that the slower growing southern areas have about the same representation. The mapping reflected minor changes across the school district and county.
The Delegation unanimously approved the changes as presented and will present the mapping to fellow legislators in January.
Representatives of the Military Officers of America Association presented information about improvements at M. J. “Dolly” Cooper Veterans Cemetery.
Cemetery Superintendent Wade Breaud said they are requesting just under $600,000 for improvements to help bring the cemetery up to National Standards. Planned improvements include new perimeter fencing, a new second shelter to help streamline the process for internment and a new pavilion for storing equipment. Approximate cost for the new shelter is $1.2 million.
According to Breaud, wait times for services have decreased from 25 days two years ago to 17 days in the last year. The facility averages 4.5 services per day, five days a week, he said. Recent improvements include the purchase of a new special made vehicle for transporting caskets, which cost $67,000. Breaud said the state run facility will have an inspection on meeting National Cemetery standards soon.
The State of South Carolina through the National Cemetery Administration State Cemetery Grant Program received a grant to build and initially equip this cemetery. Upon completion, operating and maintaining the cemetery was turned over to the State of South Carolina, as part of the South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
Senator Mike Gambrell said, “We are here to help. Don’t be afraid to reach out to us.”
Kyle Newton presented information on School Resource Officer Funding. Newton said the State allocates $27.3 million which funds 412 SROs across the State. A number of School Districts, (including School District One), were proactive in hiring SROs several years ago, he said.
Ronald Townsend, Chairman of the Anderson County Transportation Committee presented information on how CFunds are allocated for road improvements and repairs in the County. He also recognized five current members being recommended to keep their seats on the committee.
The goal of the committee will be to provide a partnership between SCDOT and Anderson County to fund local transportation projects, and improvements to state and county roads and city streets.
Committee members being recommended to keep their seats included Charlie Wham, Vice Chairman; Butch Jones; James Smith and Jim Simpson. Other members include Grayson Kelly, Secretary and Glenn Stevens. Sen. Mike Gambrell and Rep. Don Chapman are Ex-Officio members.
Townsend said the ACTC spent $16 million on projects all over the County. They work with Anderson County, which has a contract with an engineering firm for projects. This year they allocated $19 million for 20 projects and a total of 38 miles. $6 million has been paid out and the rest is allocated for 2024.
Assistant County Attorney Jordan Thayer presented five PARD funding requests and related information.
The Delegation unanimously approved the requests including Anderson County $12,000 for disc golf at Dolly Cooper Park in Powdersville; Pelzer $35,360 for new HVAC for the Pelzer Gym; Iva $12,500 for Elsie Evans park improvements; Honea Path $12,500 for LED ball file lighting; and Belton $30,000 for Terry Martin Field pickleball court.
The Delegation previously approved $5000 for projects spread throughout their Districts and have decided to increase the amount to $12,500.
Senator Gambrell said, “There is never enough money to complete a project on time with the smaller amounts and by adjusting the amount, gives the opportunity to complete projects.”
Chairman Thayer, who represents four municipalities, said the larger amounts will allow the “whole project to be completed at once and will save them money too.”
Rep. Jay West said the PARD funding “allows some municipalities to have amenities they would not or cannot afford. They simply don’t have the millage or tax base.”
Funding for PARD grants comes from the State Bingo tax, according to Chairman Thayer.
The Delegation approved a number of appointments to various Boards and Committees.
The Anderson County Legislative Delegation Office consists of two South Carolina Senators and six members of the South Carolina House of Representatives and one Administrative Assistant. Our mission is to effectively serve the citizens of Anderson County by acting as a liaison between the Legislators and the General Public and to serve as an agency for processing and distribution of Notary Public applications.
Anderson County Legislative Members include: Anne Thayer House District 9, Chairman; Richard Cash Senate Dist. 3; Mike Gambrell Senate Dist. 4; April Cromer House District 6; Jay West House Dist. 7; Don Chapman, House Dist. 8; Thomas Beach, House Dist. 10; Craig Gagnon, House Dist. 11.
