At their January meeting, Pelzer Town Council approved final reading on a budget for fiscal year 2025-26 which will be in effect until the end of June 2026.
The budget is basically the same as approved on first reading with some minor adjustments suggested to then mayor Will Ragland by Council with funding for the Hospital building renovation removed at the request of the new council and mayor.
In a recent works session, Mayor Chase Smithwick stated he would like to see the Hospital Building renovated and does want to see it as a Town Hall but also wants it to be used for other purposes as a “Community Enrichment Center”.
The approved budget shows: The Town is expecting revenues of $1,542,490 which includes a transfer of $567,273 from the COVID Relief account and a transfer of $528,600 from the Town account. Funding for the Community Building ($1 million) is included.
Other revenues include: Business Licenses $90,000; trash fees $94,000 (Monthly fee of $13.50); Franchise Fess $110,000; Municipal Association of SC $95,000; Rental Income (post office parking lot) $467.04; Rental Income (100 Courtney St $6,700 ($600 monthly)*; Rental Income (Gym) $13,000; Hughes Development $2,500; Aid to Subdivision $31,500; State Accommodations Tax $450; Town Events $1,000; Planning permits and fees $2,000.
Expenses are: Salaries (3 employees) $106,433.60; Benefits (3 employees) $30,237; Salaries Council $4,800; Salaries (Mayor) $2,400; Employee gifts and bonuses $1,000; Sanitation Contract Agreement – Meridian Waste) $90,500; Greenville Water billing for trash $3,500 (53 cents monthly based on 550 customers); Public Safety Sheriffs Office $58,500 (5 hour shifts, 5 days per week ($45/hr); Insurance $35,500; Office Expenses $2,500; GovPossible (accounting software) $3,000; Payroll software $3,000;Travel/training/meals $2,000; Maintenance uniforms $1,000; Accountant Fees $13,000; Attorney $12,000; IT/Security $8,500; Wireless locks $350; Advertising/Public Notices $1,000; Postage $700; duke energy – Street Lights $60,000; utilities $20,000; Vehicle/Equipment Repairs and Maintenance $6,000; Building maintenance $6,000; Tools $3,000; Fuel $3,000; Bathroom supplies $2,000; Community Building renovation $1 million; Historic renovation consulting/tax credit application $14,122 – 1/3 left (already paid $28,244); Historic renovation consulting/tax credit application $18,447 – 1/3 left (already paid $35,808); Capital Projects Reserve $30,000.
* Council voted on a new five year contract for 100 Courtney Street rental at $800 per month at the January meeting.
The next Council Meeting will be held Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 6 p.m. There will also be a public hearing on a Hazard Mitigation Plan and expected second reading.
Mayor Smithwick said the Town’s infrastructure problems include the stormwater system, collapsed culverts, washouts, and ditches. A Hazard and Mitigation Plan is required to apply for a larger FEMA grant to help with the infrastructure needs.
Smithwick said to apply for a larger FEMA grant, there has to be a study and engineering done and infrastructure assessments which a Community Block Development Grant (CBDG) can help cover. The Town will also have to provide matching funds, he said.
