Shauna Leann Wilkes

The council held a special meeting to conduct the second reading and obtain approval for the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Ordinance.

The agenda for this council meeting includes special recognition for the Yard of the Month, project updates for the SCIIP water expansion grant and the SRF lead/copper/asbestos line replacement and water tank rehabilitation project, as well as the consideration of a new grant for water expansion. Additionally, the council will discuss potential rate increases for waste management and water/wastewater services, alongside reports covering water and sewer operations, grants and economic development, public safety, and various local events, including the Gator Festival and Thursday Night Live.

The council discussed updates on the SCIIP water expansion grant, noting progress toward a June 30th completion deadline, and the status of an SRF grant project involving water line size adjustments. New business included the approval of 2027 waste management and water/wastewater rate increases based on a study conducted by Eastern Engineer. The council reviewed the fiscal year 2027 budget and approved the budget ordinance on the first reading. Additionally, an ordinance to move municipal elections to even-numbered years was approved on the second reading. The council also received reports on grant-funded community clean-up days and upcoming town events, including the Gator Festival and Main Street programming.

The meeting included special recognition for the Yard of the Month, updates on the SCIIP water expansion project and the SRF lead/copper/asbestos line replacement and water tank rehabilitation project, and discussion regarding the fiscal year budget and an upcoming rate study. Additionally, the Council performed a first reading and approved an ordinance to change municipal election years to even-numbered years. Reports were provided on water and sewer communications, the upcoming Gator Festival, and sponsorship efforts for the Main Street Thursday Night Live event series.

The meeting included approval of the agenda for the February 5, 2026 session. Old business focused on updates for the SCIIP Grant A-23-C154 Water Expansion, noting that partial operating permits were issued for sections 1 and 3, and construction commenced on change order number 2. The status of the SRF Grant 210006-05 for line replacement and water tank rehab was also discussed, confirming the project has not yet started and bids have not been taken. New business involved discussions regarding the Fiscal Year 2027 budget preparation, current collection issues due to billing process changes, an update on dumping surveillance on Red Rd, and a review of the Mayor's Financial Report. Council reports covered quotes for lift station sheds and updates on the Gator Festival and Main Street Thursday Night Live 2026 events. A significant event was the immediate resignation of Council Member Jordan.