Mayor – “Town, police department in good shape”
During their meeting last Tuesday (June 10), West Pelzer Town Council approved second reading on the 2025-26 budget with revenues and expenses of $748,512, an overall increase of $22,521 over the current budget. The Current Fiscal Year Millage of .1067 will remain the same.
The proposed budget shows “very conservative revenue projections and liberal expense projects” and is a balanced budget.
According to Mayor Jim Riddle, budget highlights include: A historical high in the reserve balance and operating capital; competitive salaries for full-time, qualified police officers as well as other staff; Capital Projects; Requests for grant funding for beautification and park improvements, Improved events and festivals; Policy Refinement addressing Safety and Security and Employee Reviews. There is no tax or fee increase.
One person spoke during the public hearing held prior to the vote. Businessman Rick Sanders asked about electrical issues on Main Street and whether more Christmas lights were included in the budget.
Town Clerk Paula Payton said the town is working with Duke Energy to address the power issues and that they are planning to add more lights for the holiday season. Payton said Duke Energy will be installing wiring and outlets for the lights.
The budget shows an expected increase in property tax Revenue and other developmental growth within the town. The budget also reflects expected Expense increases in maintenance, utilities, training, property/vehicle/liability insurance, uniforms, vehicle/equipment, fuel, ammunition and capital expenditures.
Prior to voting on the budget, Councilman Tim Williams asked about increases for maintenance expenses since the 2023-24 budget ($2,500), 24-25 increase to $6,000 and 25-26 increase to $12,200. He also questioned increases in professional services from $28,000 in 2023 to $45,000 in the 25-26 budget.
Payton responded that there were changes in the budget categories made after the utilities systems were sold. “Income went away and we had to spread expenses,” she said. Payton said some of the expenses, such as supplies, trimming trees and professional work done in the park and at the O’Dell Community Center, are now being covered with Hospitality Tax revenue.
Payton said that public maintenance was connected to Utilities and that costs have increased. “Everything (fuel, utilities) went up,” she said.
Mayor Jim Riddle said that money from the sale of the utilities “is drawing interest” and that the town and police department “are in good shape”.
He also said the Town is trying to find land that can be used to attract new businesses.
