During their meeting Monday, Williamston Town Council heard the annual audit report, approved second reading on an employee merit bonus program and rezoned two properties.
Council also heard a request to use Mineral Spring Park for a Burgess Family Foundation running event.
Auditor Andrew Coleman of Greene, Finney & Cauley Accounting told Council that the Town received an “Unmodified” opinion, which is the best it can get.
Coleman reported that the General Fund balance had increased by $722,000 from $3.2 million to just over $3.9 million. (See separate story)
Envision Williamston Executive Director Roberta Hamby presented awards for Fall Scarecrow Decorating Contest. Best Organization went to Carolina Family Services; Best Business Jackson Stanley Realtors and Best Individual to Simoncic family.
Hamby reported that Boo in the Park was a success with a large turnout. The Caroline Community Center has entered “Ten at the Top” which could provide funding for the upcoming United Talent Show, she said. The Winter Wonderland event is planned for Dec. 1.
Council unanimously approved second reading on an ordinance to amend the budget to allow for employee Merit Bonuses. Council approved setting aside $10,000 to be available at the mayor’s discretion for employees who go “above and beyond” their normal job duties.
Mayor Burgess used the example of service by Williamston’s firefighters during the Hurricane Helene storm as an example of “a lot of folks that went above and beyond.”
Hannah Burgess requested used of Mineral Spring Park for a running event to benefit the Burgess Family Foundation. The Tri-County Running Club is partnering with the Family Foundation for a Merry and Bright run and fun run on Saturday, Dec. 7, she said.
The route for the 5K run and one mile fun run will be through the park, a portion of Gossett Drive and use existing trails in the park. Proceeds from the run will be used to help local families.
Council unanimously approved the request.
Council also approved rezoning of property at 547 Mill Street from institutional to Industrial (I-1) which is the same as property located across the street. The property is the old pants plant.
Council also approved rezoning property at E First St and Mahaffey Road. The property is being developed by Scout Realty. Developer Chris Hill requested allowing smaller lot sizes on the interior of the development. All of the lots will be 8000 sq. ft. or larger. The Planning Commission reciommended all lots in the development be changed to R-7. The property is currently zoned multifamily residential. MFR requires a lot size of 10,000 sq. ft.
Mayor Burgess announced that the Town’s Municipal Judge Matt Lollis is resigning effective Dec. 11.”We will need to look at options to replace him or appoint someone, or do away with the municipal court,” Burgess said.
He said the Town could save the cost of having a municipal court and judge and have tickets and fines dealt with in summary court. “Officers can set their own court date and there is an online payment system,” the mayor said.
Burgess said the shelter at Brookdale Park is up and concrete is being poured this week. He said there was a problem with the siding which is being addressed.
The new playground in Mineral Spring Park will be opening soon, he said. The playground is ADA accessible and Burgess said he is planning to have students from Cedar Grove and Palmetto schools be the first to use it.
