By Alisha Tuttle
The Pelzer Planning Commission convened for its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, June 4. Commissioners held officer elections, reviewed project updates, and discussed the recent dissolution of the commission’s dedicated bank account—prompting talk of reestablishing a restricted fund for planning-related activities.
Laura Rainey was unanimously re-elected as Chair following a nomination from Commissioner Callie Walters and a second from Commissioner Tina Bolden. Rainey then nominated Commissioner Slavka Marusic to serve as Co-chair, which also passed unanimously.
In her Chairwoman’s report, Rainey stated that grading for Courtney Park is expected to begin this week, weather permitting. She also reported that the ReWa rehabilitation project is underway, with two staging areas—one at Anderson and Smythe Streets and another on Lyman Street. All necessary encroachment permits have been obtained, and affected residents have been contacted. Current work is focused between Adger and Kugley Streets.
Rainey brought up the recent dissolution of the Planning Commission’s dedicated bank account, a matter she had previously shared with members via email. The account had been used to support the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals through permit and developer fee revenue. The issue sparked concern among members, who expressed interest in taking action—potentially through a formal ordinance—and in maintaining transparency going forward. Rainey noted she had kept meticulous records, including a detailed ledger of all revenue and expenditures. The account’s role in funding core planning work has raised questions about transparency and whether formal council approval should have been required.
Commissioner and mayoral candidate Chase Smithwick proposed drafting an ordinance to reestablish the fund. “I’d like to propose that we establish another dedicated Planning Commission fund to keep all planning-related funds… separate from the General Fund,” he said. Smithwick emphasized that the fund would support long-term planning initiatives, improve grant eligibility, and give residents clarity on how fees are used. “If we put it all into one general fund, people aren’t going to know what this money is going toward,” he said.
Marusic expressed agreement and praised the ordinance idea. “Each individual structure within a town government should have clear transparency and there should be no gray area,” she said. She added that the commission should continue making the public aware of what it’s doing with planning-related funds—even if the account cannot be restored immediately. Marusic also expressed frustration that previously proposed ordinances, including those related to camping and parking, have yet to move forward with Council. “It falls on deaf ears,” she said, encouraging continued persistence.
The meeting adjourned with agreement among commissioners that financial clarity, responsible planning, and open communication will remain top priorities as Pelzer continues to grow.
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