The $18.5 million budget City Administrator Ed Driggers presented to council on May 14 sailed through a workshop (May 28), first reading (June 11) and this evening’s public hearing and second reading without any comments from council throughout the six-week process. No one spoke in favor or against the budget in tonight’s public hearing.
The budget reflects a 2.37 increase ($429,402) over last year’s $18.068 million. The millage rate remains the same for the third straight year at 98.7 with each mill representing $95,542.
The newer items include $1 million over 3-years for a Wade Hampton Blvd. corridor street lighting program from each gateway entry and exit points of the city, and $500,000 over 5-years for Greer Station improvements and development.
Council’s concerns with traffic calming in residential neighborhoods saw $50,000 appropriated.
Related stories.
The complete budget is here.
Budget sails through first reading.
Council approved these Planning Commission appointments:
• Judy O. Jones was reappointed to a 4-year term representing District 2 (Wayne Griffin and seconded by Wryley Bettis) by a 7-0 vote.
• Morris Burton was reappointed to a 4-year term representing District 3 (Kimberly Bookert and seconded by Jay Arrowood) by a 7-0 vote.
• Brian Martin was reappointed to a 4-year term representing District 6 (Judy Albert and seconded by Wryley Bettis) by a 7-0 vote.
Ordinances:
Second and final reading of Ordinance 21-2013 (to adopt various International Codes). Motion to accept made by Jay Arrowood and seconded by Lee Dumas passed 6-1 (Wryley Bettis cast no vote).
Second and final reading of Ordinance 22-2013 (addition of code enforcement fees). Motion to accept made by Wryley Bettis and seconded by Kimberly Bookert passed 7-0.
• Second and final reading of Ordinance 23-2013 (authorizing the sale of real property in the City of Greer.) Motion to accept made by Wayne Griffin and seconded by Kimberly Bookert passed 7-0.
In new business:
A. First Reading of Ordinance Number 24-2013 (terminating the Chick Springs Road TIF District). Motion to hold over the ordinance on the recommendation of staff was made by Wryley Bettis and seconded by Wayne Griffin passed 7-0.
B. First Reading of Ordinance Number 25-2013 (terminating the Hampton Road TIF District). Motion to hold over the ordinance was made by Wryley Bettis and seconded by Kimberly Bookert passed 7-0.