During their March meeting, West Pelzer Town Council began planning for the 2026-27 budget, heard an update on the police department and upcoming projects.
During public comments, Pete Vanhook expressed concern of increased traffic, speed and other traffic violations on Park Street.
There was no old business. Under new business council unanimously approved a resolution to accept a 2026 PARD Grant Funding award. The Anderson County Legislative Delegation is providing a grant in the amount of $10,000 for a project for Chapman Park Playground improvements.
During her administrative report, Town Clerk Paula Payton said that a Special Election for the vacant council seat will be held April 21. Three candidates have signed up to run for the office including Jodie Southwood, Julia Clanton and Jason Knight.
Neighbors Nite Out will be held April 17 at the Municipal Center/Chapman Park.
West Pelzer is beginning to plan for the 2026-27 budget. The budget schedule includes: Department Requests Due to Mayor and Town Administrator at 5 pm Thursday, March 19.
Budget planning session including Department Presentations, Project Discussion and Planning Friday, March 27 at 12 pm.
Council Meeting Tuesday, April 14 at 6 pm.
Council Meeting and First Reading of the 2026-2027 FY Budget Tuesday, May 12 at 6 pm.
Council Meeting, Public Hearing and Final Reading of the 2026-2027 FY Budget on Tuesday June 9 at 6 pm.
Police Chief Zachary Owen and Council presented a Certificate of Recognition to Officer Joshua Wesley for successfully obtaining Speed Measurement Device (SMD) Instructor Certification and for demonstrating professional excellence, leadership and commitment to the advancement of law enforcement training.
During Council comments, Councilman Tim Williams requested time of the March 27, 2026, budget work session be changed to 6 pm. Councilman Williams also questioned who hired the contract attorney and by what authority. He stated that State Law says council appoints the Municipal Attorney.
Mayor Sanders responded that the attorney was hired by the previous mayor and the Town would continue to utilize him until the specific case he is working on is settled.
Town Attorney Carey Murphy added that State Law says council appoints the town attorney, not contract attorneys.
Councilman Tom Scarfo suggested a plan be put in place for utilizing the O’Dell Community Center as a charging station during power outages.
Mayor Sanders updated Council on several items including the police department and upcoming projects.
He reported that Chief Owen has modified the officer schedule to include seven days a week coverage and holidays without adding an additional officer. Times vary from week to week. The mayor said that all streets are patrolled daily but some require more attention. Over eighty percent of calls are to Mill Street Apartments, Marguerite St. Apartments and the Dollar General.
Old police cars and a side by side were placed on Gov deals Auction site and have been sold.
Old damaged fans in Chapman Park Shelter were replaced
Work orders are in place to Duke Energy to replace decorative poles lights in Chapman Park.
Sanders also said an overflowing dumpster at the town maintenance area which has been overflowing for over one year has been removed. Town of Pelzer maintenance guys assisted with their backhoe and manpower to transfer materials to another dumpster to allow removal of the dumpster.
Mayor Sanders also stated that he and Pelzer Mayor Chase Smithwick and Council members from both towns prepared a barbecue meal and served the West Pelzer Fire Department on March 2. Funding was provided by an anonymous donor. “This was to build a relationship with the ones who protect our community,” the mayor said.
According to Sanders, West Pelzer is planning several upgrade projects which are already in the 2025-26 budget. Included are:
Plans include – Replace dilapidated fence beside Chapman Park. This was installed before the newly installed fence along back near restroom.
Curb/Sidewalk cleanup to begin the week of April 9th by Jump Start.
River Rock to be installed in median in front of Dollar General the week of April 9th.
Also a banner will be placed at Town Hall inviting neighbors for “Neighbors night out” April 17th.
During the meeting, Council also heard a presentation from Greenville Water.
