During a very brief meeting held Monday, Williamston Town Council heard an update on the election ordinance, information on several Envision Williamston events and approved second reading on the 2024-25 budget.
Mayor Rockey Burgess was present by phone. Mayor Pro-Tem Chris Alexander presided over the meeting. Councilman Lee Cole was not present.
Town Clerk Michelle Starnes announced that for the Town’s election in November, persons who normally vote in the Cedar Grove precinct will vote there as usual. There was some confusion in the wording of the Town’s election ordinance when it was approved on first reading.
Envision Williamston Executive Director Roberta Hamby updated Council on events. Hamby said the Creekside Campin’ event held on the Friday night of Memorial weekend went well with 92 campers registered. Hamby said Envision Williamston would like to host Movies in the Park this summer and will be announcing dates. Upcoming will be the Bobbers on Big Creek race held in conjunction with the Freedom Celebration on Saturday, June 29. The event is co-sponsored by the Palmetto Business Association and “Bobber Tickets” will be available soon at PBA member locations.
Additional information for Bobbers on Big Creek and other events taking place as part of the Town’s Freedom Celebration Festival will be announced in The Journal soon.
Hamby also presented a Facade Grant in the amount of $1048 to Chase and Elyssa Maddox for a new business they have started called Market off Main.
The business is located in the old feed and seed store building on Williams Street.
During the meeting, Williamston Town Council approved second reading on a $7,939,946 budget for 2024-25.
The General Fund budget shows an increase of $298,036 over last year, from $3,986,300 to $4,284,336. The Water Fund shows an increase from $2,280,100 to $2,360,490. The Sewer Fund show an increase from $1,230,570 to $1,295,120.
The new budget shows an increase in revenues and expenses, with no tax increase.
The millage rate of 122.5 mills will remain the same.
The budget does include a six percent increase in water rates.
Mayor Burgess said water rate increase was necessary to cover a six percent increase by their water supplier, the Anderson Regional Joint Water system.
According to the mayor, the base rate for the first 1000 gallons will remain the same. The increase would amount to about .23 cents to one dollar on the average customers monthly water bill. Those using less than the minimum base of 1000 gallons would see no increase.
Burgess said that a customer using 4,000 gallons per month, which he said is on the high end, would see about a $1 increase in their monthly bill.
“We didn’t want to kick the can down the road and have a large increase at one time,” he said.
Mayor Burgess thanked the Department Heads “for presenting a budget that we can live under.” He also thanked Town Clerk Michelle Starnes and council members for their work on the new budget.
The budget does include a two percent cost of living pay increase for Town employees. Burgess said the pay increase will allow the Town to keep, retain and recruit employees.
The budget was approved with a 3-1 vote. Mayor Burgess, Mayor Pro-Tem Alexander and Councilmember Tabitha Austin were in favor. Councilman Tony Hagood was opposed, but offered no explanation.
