The April meeting of Williamston Town Council was held on April 20.
During that meeting, Council amended the budget to reflect purchase of a garbage truck, turned permitting and codes enforcement over to Anderson County and adopted procedures for speed humps.
Patsy Chitwood, representing a Ladies Prayer Group Back Pack Ministry, requested a one-time or ongoing support or donation to help the group in providing take home food for hungry children. Chitwood said the group provides items to approximately 225 children in local schools each week.
EW Executive Director Roberta Hamby reported that volunteers for the Working on Williamston day cleaned up Brookdale Park, Gray Drive Park and Mineral Spring Park. The Palmetto High AFJROTC unit, and others, helped with the event.
Council amended the budget to reflect the purchase of a new sanitation truck. Mayor Burgess was able to locate a new 2024 model 25 cubic yard trash truck in Florida, which the Town was able to purchase for $210,500.
The new truck has two tippers on the back and a drop third axle which can be used for additional weight when needed.
The vehicle replaces a garbage truck that was purchased from the Town of Honea Path in the fall and was totaled when it was involved with an accident involving a train in December.
The town received an insurance settlement of $109,000 for the old truck, which was $9,000 more than the town paid for it.
Council unanimously approved first reading on the ordinance prohibiting convicted sex offenders from being in city owned parks and recreation areas.
Council approved a resolution to turn permitting and building codes enforcement for the town over to the Anderson County. The application process is available online on the Anderson County website and hopefully will be more streamlined, Mayor Burgess said.
There will be a yearly fee of $20,000 for the services. Anderson County has provided the service to the City of Belton for approximately two years. The agreement goes into effect May 1.
Council amended the 2025-26 budget to include a ten percent match for paving or roads. The Anderson County Transportation Committee recently approved funding of $834,000 for paving in Williamston. The paving project will include Black Street, McClellion Street, Royal Drive, McDonald Avenue, Shirley Drive and Brookvale Drive.
Council also approved a resolution adopting the Anderson County Road and Bridges Department’s speed hump procedures. Seventy-five percent of property owners on a street must agree and applications will be reviewed by police, fire and town staff. The estimated cost for signs and asphalt for a speed hump is $1,200.
Council also approved a resolution recognizing April as Autism Awareness month. Michelle Ricketson spoke to Council and presented lapel ribbons and an “Awareness Ribbon” to the town recognizing the town’s support.
Council approved a resolution recognizing April as Fair Housing Month.
Councilman Tony Hagood said that a recent meeting with a SCDOT official regarding a sidewalk project on Greenville Drive “went good”.
Mayor Burgess said the project would not be “a short-term project” and that they are looking at possible funding sources.
