Paul McGaha

The council meeting covered a wide range of administrative and operational topics. Key discussions included the approval of a donation to Wreaths Across America, certification of recent election results, the swearing-in of new council members, and the appointment of committee members and a Mayor Pro-Tempore. The council also addressed financial matters including a Resolution for Fee in Lieu of the Covan property, review of commercial sanitation service pricing, a first reading of an Ordinance for Road Standards, and the approval of Christmas bonuses for town employees. Additionally, the council approved a Resolution for the Acceptance of LAA-RIA for sewer line improvement projects, reviewed the status of property sales, performed the second reading of a Tax Anticipation Note, and received updates on fire department repairs, water system construction, and the Chiquola Mill Site development.

The council meeting included updates on C-fund paving and the new soccer field, with discussions about grant opportunities for field lighting. The second reading and approval for annexing property on Sherwood Avenue and Tribble Street, zoned as R10, took place, along with the second reading of the Amendment of the Hospitality Budget and the new Alcohol Sales Ordinance. The council discussed an amendment to the Business License Ordinance, adjusting the class schedule and raising rates. Bids for surplus vehicles were reviewed and accepted. Additionally, the first reading for annexing property at 311 Bagwell Drive, zoned as RA, was conducted, and the need for amendments to the Open Container Ordinance was addressed. The council was also made aware of appraisals for town-owned properties on Laurel Street and Sirrine Street and appointed a representative to the WCC Board.

The council meeting included discussions and decisions on several key issues. The council agreed to pay half the cost for resurfacing the parking lot at Watkin's Community Center. A report was given on the work done at the Recreation Center, and an invitation was extended to the Annual Independence Day Celebration. The first reading of the Annexation Request for the lot on Mitchell Street took place, and the council approved selling two town-owned properties through a realtor. The relocation of the recycle center to Laurel Street and moving playground equipment to Bridwell Park was approved. Concerns were raised about tall grass and weeds in yards, and the need to enforce the property maintenance ordinance. The one cent tax in Anderson County was discussed as a means to help with road resurfacing. Finally, call out pay and mileage were added to Judge Banister's pay, and the pay of all Maintenance Department employees was increased by $1.00 per hour.

The meeting included discussions on town vehicle sales, with a decision to put them up for public bids via sealed bids. Annexation recommendations were reviewed, focusing on the necessity of a 'shoestring' property strip. The FY25-26 Budget was accepted after its second reading. The council discussed call out pay for the Municipal Judge and received an update on the WCC Alarm system. The council agreed to move the July council meeting to July 22, 2025. The council discussed demolishing houses and appraising town property for sale. The transfer of Hospitality Tax funds to the Empower Group was approved. An executive session was held for contractual discussion related to the youth soccer field, followed by a motion for Chief Smith to arrange a meeting with the Honea Path First Baptist Church Soccer Field Committee.

The council meeting included discussions and decisions on several key areas. The council approved the second reading of the Annexation Ordinance. The 2025-2026 budget is moving forward. The Police Department is replacing totaled vehicles. A new burglar alarm system was approved for installation. Updates were provided on soccer field bids and garbage bin sales. The Loitering Ordinance was explained in detail for the First Reading. The Water and Sewer Department's request for a new air compressor was granted. The Police Department would have a mutual aid agreement with Calhoun Falls. There was also mention of a pickle ball court coming to the Recreation Department in the future. The lights in town will be changed to LED lights according to the Empower Group.