During their meeting Monday (Sept. 8) Williamston Town Council approved zoning changes for a new Spinx gas station coming to Williamston and heard information on the proposed One Percent Sales and Use Tax for road repairs in the County.
During the business portion of the meeting, Council unanimously approved first reading on an ordinance to amend Town zoning regulations in the Residential/Commercial (RC) District.
The Town’s RC zoning allows for a variety of retail, service, restaurants and other businesses with a conditional use for a gas station.
Mayor Pro-Tem Chris Alexander explained that the change was to allow a full service car wash.
After approving the zoning ordinance change, Council unanimously approved first reading to rezone Lots 3 and 5 on South Hamilton Street from R2 to RC. Councilman Lee Cole said both ordinances were recommended by the Planning Commission.
The lots are to be the location of a new Spinx gas station in Williamston which was announced in July.
According to their website, Spinx was founded in 1972 by Stewart Spinks. He took a leap of faith after working for Shell Oil Company and purchased his first gas station at the intersection of Laurens Road and E Washington Street in Greenville, SC. Over the years, the company has grown to incorporate convenience stores, car wash and the legendary Spinx fried chicken.
Spinx operates more than 80 convenience stores in South Carolina and employs more than 1,400 associates through its stores, food operations, and related businesses.
Jonathan Fox, with Anderson County Roads and Bridges, presented information on the upcoming capital project referendum (penny sales tax) that is proposed to repair and fix roads in the County.
The One Percent Sales and Use Tax will be subject to the approval of a referendum to be held with the mid-term elections on November 4, 2025.
If approved, the one percent sales and use tax will be for a period of 8 years beginning May 1, 2026 and will raise $277,999,013.62 for 271 paving and road projects and $52,241,707.34 for 17 bridge/culvert projects and 18 intersection safety improvements.
The referendum will also decide if the County will be authorized to issue and sell general obligation bonds not exceeding $20,000,000, to begin work on road projects which will be done in four phases. The project list will be on the referendum and cannot be changed.
The total principal amount of the authorized capital projects will be $379.6 million. The referendum will include a general list of projects in each area of the County.
Also during the meeting, Williamston Police Chief Kevin Marsee presented Phillip West with a plaque from the police department for his many years of service and dedication. He presented participants of the Book Bag Giveaway with plaques and thanked them for their contributions.
Envision Williamston Executive Director Roberta Hamby presented Erica Bruce a check for $500 to be used for the Mentor Program at Palmetto Middle School.
Mayor Rockey Burgess was not present at the meeting.
