Town of Varnville

The meeting commenced with reports from department heads. The Mayor announced the approval of an additional $52,548 grant for the Dr HJ Brooks park improvement project, which will be matched by the CBDG Grant, requiring no additional town funds. The Mayor also noted potential adjustments to garbage collection services and reported that Dominion Energy will conduct tree trimming during the spring and summer. The Fire Chief reported call volumes, and the Police Chief advised citizens regarding heightened crime during the holidays. New Business included the second reading and approval of Ordinance 2025-27, which amends the business licenses ordinance concerning class schedules. The first reading of Ordinance #025-28, implementing a Hospitality Tax, was conducted, prompting significant discussion regarding its use for funding local events like the Small-Town America Festival and the Down-Home Christmas Celebration. The second reading and public hearing are anticipated in February 2026, with implementation planned for April or May 2026.

The meeting included reports from the Mayor and Fire Chief, a discussion regarding damage to a building caused by fallen bricks from a town-owned building, and a public hearing to amend the zoning of a parcel from Highway Commercial to Flexible Residential District. The council approved the 2025 Town Council Meeting Calendar, accepted the Planning Commission's recommendation to change the zoning, and decided to consult with the town's attorney before paying for repairs on a 2018 Freightliner. Additionally, the council discussed PEARLS' request to hold International Women's Day on Town Hall grounds, scheduled a Budgetary Workshop, and received an update on active code cases and complaints. A summary of the Downhome Christmas Event was also presented.

The meeting included discussions and reports from department heads, including updates from the Fire Department. Old business included the animal ordinance and an updated revised purchasing policy. New business addressed the Red Ribbon Week Proclamation, Breast Cancer Awareness Month Proclamation, and Trick or Treating hours. An executive session was held before the meeting adjourned.

The council received a report on LRWS capital and developer projects and discussed the postponement of the groundbreaking ceremony for the elevated tank due to weather. Preparations for the Watermelon Festival were reported to be underway. Concerns were raised about unresolved issues from previous complaints regarding dogs barking, garbage pickup, and neglected trees. Amendments to the Dr. H.J. Brooks Park Grant were summarized and approved, including a larger pavilion, refurbished basketball court, and ADA playground equipment. The council discussed the sustainability of roadside garbage collection and agreed to discontinue picking up roadside construction debris, furniture, and large appliances. They also discussed the first reading of an ordinance for the sale of real property on Live Oak Street to Hampton County and accepted the audit services bid from The Brittingham Group, LLP. Purchasing policy and procedures were also updated and discussed.

The meeting included discussions on the American Legion Auxiliary Post 108 and the American Legion Post 108 sponsorships for the 2025 Palmetto Girls State and Boys State, respectively. The council entered an executive session to discuss employment matters in the Police, Fire, and/or Administration departments, as well as negotiations for contractual arrangements and potential property sales or purchases. No action was taken during the executive session.