By Betsy Finklea
Various matters were discussed at the July meeting of the Dillon City Council.
Mayor Todd Davis reported that the town clock is now fixed. There are now timepieces on all four sides of the clock, and they are all accurate, Davis said.
Davis also brought up property in the commercial district being used for agricultural purposes. He was told that it was being addressed.
Davis then discussed the council packets and asked whether it was time to go to a mobile device or keep printing the packets. They are going to look into it.
Davis said he visited Florence recently and cannot believe what they are doing with their downtown. He said he was interested in what they were doing in Hartsville.
Davis spoke about the budget and the special meeting. He said it was a spirited meeting, and he didn’t think council should always have 100 percent agreement. He said there were increases in some areas, but no increase in millage. There was a 3.4 percent increase in full-time salaries. He said it was tough this year according to what City Manager Glen Wagner told him. The budget is balanced. Davis also noted that the city’s sanitation rates, even with the increase, are competitive or less than others in the area.
In the City Manager’s report, City Manager Glen Wagner said that Brian Mason contacted him about donating property to the city. The property is at Calhoun Street and 11th where the park is located. The city thought they owned it. The Johnson Corporation bought it. They would like to donate it for a $16,500 tax credit and sign that says it is donated by Robert and Vivian Johnson. The motion to accept the donation made by Councilman James Washington and seconded by Councilwoman Connie Manning.
The Dillon Historic School Foundation (DHSF) was on the agenda. Dillon County made them a $5,000 donation. Wagner said the city could make a donation and use their three percent money. Mary Miller spoke on behalf of the DHSF. She said they could use some help and any donation would be appreciated and put to good use. She said they are working to get some arts and culture back in the county. She said they would also like their personal support in speaking out for the group. Councilman Johnny Eller made the motion to donate $5,000 seconded by Councilman Douglas Jackson. The motion was approved.
The top candidates for police chief were introduced to the council. They are David Lane, Jamie Seales, and Kimberly Nelson. The members of the selection committee who will be making a recommendation to the city manager were introduced. In attendance were Rev. James Smith, Johnnie Daniels, Karen English, and Carmen Bethea. Also on the committee are Deputy Solicitor Kernard Redmond, Antonio Wright, and Drew Massengale.
The August meeting of the Dillon City Council will be changed due to a conflict that the City Manager has. The meeting will be held the third Monday of August, August 15th.
Council member reports were then given.
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More from this meeting will appear in an upcoming issue. To watch this meeting in its entirety, visit www.thedillonherald.com or go to The Dillon Herald’s channel on YouTube.