During their meeting Tuesday (May 12) Pelzer Town Council approved a bid of $17,316 for resurfacing of the gym floor. The project will include resurfacing with polyurethane and having the town logo on the gym floor.
One bid was received for painting the Pelzer Gym, however Mayor Chase Smithwick said the Town currently has funding for the project but it cannot be completed before the end of the budget year in June and will be in next year’s budget. He said the painting project will be re-bid.
Council also approved first reading on the 2026-27 budget. The budget totals $1,450,967 and includes Revenues and Expenses for the Operating Budget, Capital Projects General Fund and Hospitality.
The operating budget includes revenues and expenditures of $540,967. Capital projects are budgeted at $865,000, which includes $600,000 for the community building and other items.
The hospitality tax budget totals $55,000.
The community building renovation has run into additional problems as the contractor discovered more fire damaged beams. A structural engineer will have to look at it and make recommendations before additional work can be done.
During citiizen comments, Linda Ford said she was pleased with the events but asked Council to consider an ordinance for events to remain alcohol free. She also asked if the new speed limit of 15 mph applied to golf carts.
Former Councilman Mike Matthews asked about the hospital building.
During his comments, Mayor Smithwick said that council is looking at the alcohol situation and will discuss it at the next council workshop. “I have to represent both sides as fair as I can,” he said. Smithwick said two upcoming events will have alcohol available. One is a non-profit benefit and the other is an adult softball event. He said no town sponsored events, including the July 4th celebration, will have alcohol.
Smithwick said the town is looking at what can be done to the hospital building. He said he and council are not willing to spend money on the building. A grant to help stabilize the building and repair one side of the roof have been applied for, he said.
Smithwick said he is looking at other possible funding avenues for the hospital building renovation project.
