By Alisha Tuttle
After more than seven years of dedicated service, Cheryl Bates, Pelzer’s town clerk, has announced her resignation, citing the need to prioritize her well-being and future. Her decision reflects a personal journey of self-care and finding balance, as she looks ahead to new opportunities.
Bates, who played a pivotal role in numerous town initiatives, including the sale of Pelzer’s water and sewer system, has earned a reputation for being a hard-working, no-nonsense leader. “I came into this job hoping to make a positive impact and help the town grow,” Bates shared. Despite facing significant challenges, she always kept the town’s residents in mind. “It was a struggle for the town, but good for the residents. It was necessary for growth,” she explained, reflecting on the tough decisions that were ultimately made for the benefit of the community.
But not all of the challenges Pelzer faced were visible to the public. Bates found herself managing not only the town’s day-to-day operations but also navigating the complex dynamics between various leaders. “For a town to thrive, the mayor and council need to work together,” she said, acknowledging the pressures of managing a community with differing opinions and visions. “There was a lot of pressure, and I did my best to keep things moving forward.”
One of her most demanding responsibilities came when the town’s water tank malfunctioned, forcing Bates and fellow town employee Mark Vickery to manually operate the system around the clock for months. “It was exhausting. We had to set alarms every two hours to manage it,” Bates recalled, adding that her friend, and now Chairwoman of the Pelzer Planning Commission, Laura Rainey, lent a hand during late-night shifts. “We couldn’t let the town go without water,” she said, showing the dedication she put into ensuring the town’s needs were met.
Bates also took on a multitude of tasks that extended beyond the typical scope of a town clerk. “This job was never just a town clerk job—it was a one-man show,” she said. From payroll to business licenses to organizing community events, Bates managed a variety of responsibilities that required her to work long hours, often during weekends and holidays. “I was there for every parade, every event. I was decorating the town, setting up Christmas markets, and nobody ever said thank you. It was expected,” she said, revealing the emotional toll of constant demands.
Throughout her time as clerk, Bates was repeatedly told by others that she was doing too much for a town clerk. “When I talked to other clerks or people in training, they couldn’t believe how much I was handling. They’d say, ‘You must make a ton of money!’ But I was one of the lowest paid clerks in the state,” Bates said. “I didn’t have support staff, so I had to manage everything myself—HR, payroll, business licenses, community events—it was more than what most people would expect from a town clerk.”
The decision to step down wasn’t made lightly. After years of sacrifice and putting the town’s needs ahead of her own, Bates realized it was time for a change. “I had to choose me this time,” she said, her voice filled with emotion. “I’ve been taking care of everyone else, but I need to find a balance between work and life.” The decision marks the end of a chapter and the beginning of a new one, one that promises better opportunities for personal growth and stability.
Looking ahead, Bates is excited about her next role, which will bring her closer to home and offer better compensation. “I’m looking forward to new beginnings, new people, and finding a place where I feel appreciated,” she shared.
While she is stepping away from Pelzer’s town clerk position, Bates remains deeply connected to the community. “Pelzer has so much potential,” she said. “But for it to reach its full potential, it’s important for the leadership to come together. The town won’t move forward without cooperation.”
As for her legacy, Bates hopes the people of Pelzer will remember her dedication to the town. “I fought hard for Pelzer, for the residents, and for what’s best for the town. I tried to make it a better place, and I hope that’s what people will remember,” she said, looking back on a career marked by demanding work and an unwavering commitment to her community.
Mayor Will Ragland shared his thoughts on Bates’ resignation, saying, “My main message is one of gratitude. For her, for what she has done. She came in and learned the job hands-on, during a very difficult time of transition, and has been the constant and the glue that has kept it all together. Her absence will absolutely be felt, and we understand why she is choosing something closer to home. It has been challenging, sometimes impossible, but she has dealt with it in the best way possible.”
As Bates steps away from her role as town clerk, Pelzer now faces an important crossroads. Cheryl Bates played a vital role in the town, handling not only administrative duties but also taking on responsibilities far beyond the scope of her position. With her departure, the question remains: will the council come together to find a suitable replacement to ensure the town’s continued growth and smooth operation? Laura Rainey, Chairwoman of the Pelzer Planning Commission, has temporarily taken on the town clerk duties until a more permanent solution can be found. The leadership’s ability to collaborate in the coming weeks will be crucial for the town’s future
