Williamsburg County Council conducted one of their most brief meetings to date. Council’s August 18 agenda included second reading on a pair of ordinances, one being the authorization and issuance of a waterworks and sewer system revenue bond anticipation note. The issuance of the $3,587,000 note will provide funds to defray a portion of the costs of the Kingstree East Water System Phase 1 project.
According to the ordinance, the county proposes to install a distribution water line that will extend from the existing Sandridge Water System along Hemingway Highway (S.C. 261) to Gausetown Road, and then along Gausetown to its endpoint at Wilson Chapel Road. The cost of the project is estimated to be $5,087,200, to be financed with the aforementioned federal government loan along with a grant from the federal government in the amount of $1,415,200 and tap fees of $84,000.
In his finance report, Chairman Eddie Woods stated the county received 15 bids for the project’s construction. Bids ranged from $3,931,747.26 to $2,473,502.25. Lowest bidder McMahan Brothers Pipeline Incorporated was awarded the contract.
In other business, County Supervisor Stanley Pasley recognized newly appointed Fire Chief Randy Swinton. Swinton thanked council for the position and pledged to keep council informed of the department’s operations on a monthly basis. Swinton also said he is going to act as the proverbial ‘squeaky wheel’ when he needs additional support. “That’s the only way we’re going to get this fire department moving,” he said. Swinton plans to request funds for a Christmas dinner. “I believe in rewarding my volunteer firefighters,” said Swinton. The subject of volun teers prompted Councilmem-ber Huggins to ask Swinton if he had tried any recruiting programs to interest additional volunteers. Swinton said he has been visiting schools for the past two years and is continuing the recruiting program. Swinton also informed council that one of four fire engines has arrived. He said he anticipates the others to be delivered within the next few weeks.
Pasley announced the county will host a Fish-Fry Day on August 29, at the county recreation department. Festivities will begin at 6 pm and will include a pileau contest, BINGO and gospel hour. The purpose of the event is for the public to meet and greet their officials but also for the staff. “It is to show appreciation to the employees and citizens of the county,” said Pasley who is co-sponsoring the event with the Williamsburg Executive Planning Committee. “The fish fry also will provide the citizens time to have a fun filled day.”
Executive Director Carletta Israel of Williamsburg County First Steps requested funding for the organization’s October meeting that coincides with their 10-year anniversary. The council has been a supportive partner of First Steps who has implemented many successful children’s programs, day care Centers of Excellence and childcare training and professional development within the county.
First Steps was part of a coalition under the Georgetown County United Way umbrella to receive a three-year $2.65 million federal grant to support early childhood education programs for at-risk students in Georgetown and Williamsburg counties. In addition, through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, 369 children receive age appropriate reading material on a monthly basis. Council voted to continue their support.