Patrick Fortenberry

The special call city council meeting included a budget workshop. The council received a presentation from First Try on financial matters, focusing on debt management and long-term financial planning. Discussions covered potential funding for near-term capital projects, including a public works facility, street scaping improvements, sewer lines, fire-related projects, and vehicles. The presentation also included different scenarios for covering costs, such as increasing the millage rate or utilizing the current budget and fund balance.

The City Council Work Session included a review of the draft 2021 Employee Handbook. Due to time constraints, the discussion of the Performance Appraisal Process was postponed. The council then moved into an Executive Session to discuss employment matters within the Public Works Department. After the Executive Session, it was stated that no votes were taken during the session.

The meeting included discussions regarding a rezoning request, natural gas rates for industrial customers, and mutual aid agreements with other municipalities and counties. There was also a discussion about a potential change in the city's handling of private lines under roads due to new regulations. Additionally, the council discussed the first reading of an ordinance to annex a parcel of land for a new subdivision, including requirements for city standards such as sidewalks.

The meeting included a public hearing for the CDBG Annual Action Plan 2021-2022, followed by a presentation by the Program Director with Greenville County Redevelopment Authority. Discussions and a second reading were held for Ordinance 2021-001 regarding animal care, specifying the care to be provided to animals and prohibiting tethering under certain conditions, as well as for the CNNGA Territory Agreement concerning the provision of natural gas in Laurens County. The council approved the FY 2021-2022 Budget Timeline and the allocation of Greenville County CDBG and HOME funds for Program Year 2021. An executive session was held for the discussion of a contractual agreement with the School District of Greenville County, but no votes were taken.

The City Council held a budget workshop to discuss the fiscal year 2021-2022 annual budget. Key discussion points included strategic planning goals, addressing aging infrastructure, continuing equitable and inclusive events, providing quality customer service, adapting to growth by balancing economic development and preservation, improving city facilities and parks, and increasing personnel and professional development. The budget aimed to provide new services or preserve existing ones by improving maintenance and investing in employees. Priorities included critical infrastructure, beautification, employee benefits, streamlining development review, and economic development initiatives. The council also discussed the master plan for PD Terry City Park and Sanctify Hill Park.