Bennettsville City Council unanimously approved a resolution to authorize the agreement between the city and SC Office of Resilience for the almost $5 million to fund the buyout of properties impacted by flooding in Shady Rest and Richardson Park areas of the city.
Holly Swann, manager of Planning and Zoning, said the $4.9 million will fund the buyouts of 40 houses and six lots.
Mayor Carolyn Prince said this was a milestone for the city.
“Our persistence paid off,” she said.
Swann said there could possibly be a second round of funding, so people are encouraged to call her office and put their name on the list.
In other business, the council approved an ordinance to amending the 2013 Revenue Bond Refinancing.
At the Nov. 16 meeting, council approved an ordinance authorizing the issuance and sale of $10,000,000 utility system revenue bonds as part of a plan to generate potential gross savings of $207,372 and $2.4 million in new money for a utility project. It would not increase the debt service.
City Administrator Max Alderman said they were notified the market rates are no longer favorable to generate the savings.
“However, we can continue the refinancing and generate the new money plus decrease our debt service,” he said.
Council members talked about municipal judge appointments, which was tabled at the January regular meeting.
Judge Dominica Stuckey declined consideration for another four-year term. Judge Larry Rogers called Alderman and said he would continue to serve as judge as needed until council had made a decision.
Council member Tyron Abraham suggested and made a motion for Grover McQueen, Jr to be appointed. Council voted unanimously for McQueen.
Council member Allen Taylor suggested and made a motion for Chastity Rummage. Council voted 6-1 for Rummage. Mayor Carolyn Prince voted no.
Other business
– The council voted unanimously to first reading of an ordinance to amend the city sign ordinance.
– The council voted unanimously to approve the rezoning of the property at 117 First Avenue.
– The council voted unanimously to approve a Mutual Aid Agreement with the Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office.
– The council voted unanimously to approve the Section 504/ADA Comment and Review Committee.
– The council voted unanimously to approve entering into a two-year contract with Data Max to help the city find business license revenue from outside vendors.
– City employees celebrating work anniversaries in February are Barbara Baker, police, 22 years; Mary Burkmier, utility billing, 35 years; Luke Sides, fire, four years; Scott Bowen, police, three years; and Tyler Clark, water and sewer, one year.