Tag Archives: williamston town council

Budget approved without Main St. SC program

By David Meade

Williamston Town Council unanimously approved first reading on their 2013-14 budget Monday, but without funding for an economic development program and coordinator.

The budget projects revenues of $2,258,704 to expenses of $2,258,704.

A motion by Mayor Mack Durham to pass the budget as presented with $78,043 for a coordinator and other expenses for the proposed Main St. SC revitalization program was defeated by a 1-4 vote with only the mayor in favor. A motion by Councilman Otis Scott to pass the budget on first reading taking out the funding for the program passed unanimously.

New ordinances restrict smoking, allow fire pits

By David Meade

During their meeting Monday, Williamston Town Council approved first reading on a new smoking ordinance, an ordinance allowing fire pits and fireworks and approved a funding request for the Spring Water Festival.

The smoking ordinance prohibits smoking in public workplaces and recreational areas.

2013-14 budget allows for new equipment, revitalization

Williamston Town Council unanimously approved first reading on their 2013-14 budget Monday, without funding for an economic development program and coordinator the mayor had planned for.

According to Mayor Mack Durham, the proposed budget significantly decreases overall general fund expenditures and allows an opportunity to rebuild the reserve fund. It also allows for new equipment including three new vehicles for the Police Dept.; a brush truck for the Fire Department; a backhoe for the Sewer Dept.; E-waste dumpster for the Sanitation Dept. and new Municipal Court software.

Williamston approves first reading on budget – without Main St. program (for now)

Williamston Town Council unanimously approved first reading on their 2013-14 budget Monday, but without funding for an economic development program and coordinator.

Town’s finances should improve over next year

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By David Meade

Information presented by Williamston Mayor Mack Durham during a recent budget work session indicates that the town’s finances should improve tremendously over the next year. Durham’s presentation included background information on the town’s finances under the two previous administrations and projections based on changes he has made during the four months he has been in office.

Hospitality Tax Fund Budget – Williamston

During their budget work session held recently, Williamston Mayor Mack Durham said that he is recommending that Williamston Town Council designate 30 percent of the Hospitality Tax Fund, or $48,000, for tourism related community development and that individual events have a $10,000 funding cap.

Durham is also suggesting the town provide funding for 10 events during the 2013-14 budget year and that all current fund recipients continue to be funded. The 2013-14 Hospitality Fund budget has projected revenues of $160,000, up from $135,000 last year.

Budget includes funding for Main St. program coordinator

During a three hour budget worksession Saturday morning, Williamton Mayor Mack Durham information presented on a proposed MASC Main Street SC revitalization program which the mayor would like to see the town implement.

The program requires a three year committment and a paid coordinator. Funding for the position is included in the proposed budget the mayor said. (Note: An informational meeting on the program is being held Tuesday Apr. 30 at 7 p.m. at Palmetto High School)

Williamston Council holds budget work session

Williamston Town Council held a three hour budget work session Saturday morning.

Mayor Mack Durham presented information that included laying out a new budget structure for the town’s four funds (General fund, Water fund, Sewer fund and Hospitality fund) as well as a review of the town’s finances under the two previous administrations.

It also included information on recent changes and restructuring under the new administration and the effects on the upcoming budget.

The presentation included encouraging the mayor and council to work together for the “good” of the town and engaging the community.

Information was presented on a proposed MASC Main Street SC revitalization program which the mayor would like to see the town implement. The program requires a three year commitment and a paid coordinator. Funding for the position is included in the proposed budget the mayor said.

The budget is being restructured to organize salaries by department and give more responsibility to department heads, according to the mayor.

The new budget includes funding for a new back hoe for the Sewer Department, a new brush/emergency response truck for the Fire Department and three new police cars.

Additional details on the proposed budget will be posted at a later date.

Mayor Durham said the proposed budget will be presented for first reading at the May meeting of Council.

Administrator position officially eliminated

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With a unanimous vote of 5-0, Williamston Town Council defunded the position of Administrator.

Councilman Otis Scott made the motion to eliminate the position of town administrator. Scott said he had made the original motion to establish the position and wanted to be the councilman to make the motion to defund it.

There was little discussion about why the position was being eliminated other than a few comments by councilmen about the job performance of the town’s administrator.

Administrator position to be decided Thursday

By David Meade

A special called meeting of Williamston Town Council will be held at 6 p.m. this Thursday, Apr. 11 to resolve the matter of what to do about the town’s administrator position and on several other “big decision” issues. Phyllis Lollis was suspended from her duties as the town administrator by Mayor Dr. R. Mack Durham when he took office on Jan. 2.

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