Assuming revenue from capital project sales tax collections remains flat, Greenwood County officials estimate the penny tax will bring in $10 million less than initially projected — up from an anticipated $20 million shortfall forecast this time last year.
Greenwood County Manager Toby Chappell made the announcement Aug. 28 during the State of the City/County presentation, the same platform used to acknowledge the potential shortfall in 2019.
To reach that figure, the county took the past four quarters of collections and adjusted for COVID-19 and internet sales.
Chappell provided a breakdown of the revenues received from the Capital Project Sales Tax by quarter to explain how this figure was reached. The July 2020 collection is the first where the county sees the effect of COVID-19, Chappell said. July’s collection was $2,152,632. To calculate an estimate for future collections that adjusted for a pandemic-related reduction in revenue, the county took the average of October 2019 and January 2020. April’s revenue was excluded because it is always higher than most quarters because of Christmas holiday shopping.
The new revenue projection for July in future years is $2,417,471. Once July’s new figure is included with the other three quarters the total is $9,827,994 or $2,456,998 per quarter on average. When this figure is added with the existing collections and interest, it projects a total revenue of $77,455,845, which results in a $10,482,340 deficit.
Chappell said the $10 million deficit is based on a zero increase in collections for the next 20 quarters. He said this is unlikely because the county has seen growth each year.
“For example, over the last year we saw 5.4% growth even with COVID hampering sales,” Chappell said in an email.
The 5.4% growth was comparing collections from October 2019 to July 2019 to those from October 2019 to July 2020.
Completed, in-progress projectsCPST projects completed to date include Piedmont Technical College’s Advanced Manufacturing Center, a $6 million project, and the implementation of a countywide public safety radio system, a nearly $5 million project.
Several projects are in the design phase. The conceptual plans on all of the parks in phase one of the parks and trails project have been completed and design firms are beginning to design. Conceptual plans on the Lake Greenwood Master Plan have been presented to County Council and the design firm are working on a design plan.
A design team is working on a conceptual design for the J.C. “Fox” Boozer Sports Complex as part of the athletic facilities renovation project. The county can start working on Young Park in Ware Shoals at any time.
Design work has been completed on the Benjamin E. Mays Historical site expansion. The county is working on bringing the cost in line with the budget.
The North Greenwood Industrial Park spec building is expected to be completed in November, finishing phase one of that project.
The Town of Ware Shoals has obtained its DHEC permit for its treatment lines and it is working on easement acquisition.
Ninety Six Commissioners of Public Works have selected a design team and are in the environment review process with DHEC on replacing water lines in the town.
Two new fire stations have opened as part of the Fire Master Plan phase one. The Bradley Fire Station opened in April and the new station on Carter Road opened Friday. Apparatus for each fire station has been purchased and is in use.
‘Wise and prudent decision’At the opening of the Carter Road fire station Friday, Chairman Steve Brown took the opportunity to thank county residents for supporting the penny sales tax.
“We are also appreciative of the people of Greenwood County,” Brown said.
He said voters came together in supporting the tax so that services could be provided to other places in the county.
Councilman Theo Lane said in a phone interview about the Capital Project Sales Tax that voters made the right decision.
“I just think it is very clear now that the Greenwood voters made a wise and prudent decision that’s placed us in a much better position from the standpoint of public safety, quality of life, workforce development, economic development,” Lane, who chaired the CPST marketing effort for the Greenwood SC Chamber of Commerce, said. “It’s all coming to fruition now and will only get stronger with the passing of time and collection of dollars that allow for more investment.”
Originally Published by Index-Journal on:Sep 6, 2020
By JAMES HICKS jhicks@indexjournal.com
Article Link: https://www.indexjournal.com/news/chappell-cpsts-potential-deficit-shrinking-projects-being-completed/article_3f0ac2d6-2695-5213-ad87-576fda753be9.html
Public meetings
/in UncategorizedMONDAY
GREENWOOD CITY COUNCIL
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: 520 Monument St., Room 201
Agenda: Public appearances: 1. Recognize Bishop Oliver McCray 2. Recognize Rev. Dr. Derrick Scott, presiding elder of the Abbeville-Greenwood District of AME Church. 3. Recognize Velma Wardlaw from Westside Coalition Planning Team. Unfinished business: 1. Consider ordinance number 20-022 amending ordinance 03-010 zoning ordinance chapter 4, overlay district, article 6, Uptown Greenwood Overlay District. New business: 1. Administer oath of office to: Niki Hutto, Ward 1; Betty Boles, Ward 3; Henry Watts, commissioner of public works. 2. Consider selection of Mayor pro-tempore. 3. Consider appointment of seats on the Greenwood city/county planning commission. 4. Consider resolution number 20-010 proclaiming Nov. 15-22, 2020 as National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. 5. Consider ordinance number 20-024 to authorize the city manager to sign a lease agreement with the Greenwood Commissioners of Public Works for approximately 6,800 square feet of space of the Municipal building. 6. Consider ordinance number 20-025 to authorize the city manager to issue CPW revenue bond anticipation notes in 2021. 7. Consider ordinance number 20-026 to levy tax for the city of Greenwood for 2021. 8. Consider ordinance number 20-027 to adopt the budget for 2021. 9. Consider ordinance number 20-028 to adopt hospitality budget line item for 2021. 10. Consider resolution number 20-009 authorizing Christmas gifts for city employees. 11. Consider authorizing the city manager to accept a 2020 Justice Assistance Grant in coordination with the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office.
TOWN OF DUE WEST COUNCIL
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Town Hall, 103 Main St.
Agenda: Legislation — Ordinance number 04-2020, second reading, an ordinance to amend the town of Due West, S.C., zoning ordinance, dated July 29, 2009, by amending Article 2, Section 2.3, Table 1, Page 2-2 “Agriculture Uses: Livestock & Poultry” by removing “N” (not allowed) and inserting “C” (conditionally approved); and amending Article 3 “Conditional Use Regulations” by adding section 3.7 “Livestock and Poultry.” New business: 1. Approval of the 2020 town Christmas bonuses. 2. Reschedule the 2020 December council meeting to the second Monday, 12/14/2020. Announcements: 1. Town Hall will be closed for Thanksgiving on Nov. 26-27. 2. Fall trash pickup will be held on Nov. 16-19. 3. Thanksgiving trash collection will be on Thursday, Nov. 26. 4. Regular 2021 council meeting schedule and state holiday schedule for 2021.
Greenwood County School District 50 Board of Trustees
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: 400 Glenwood St., Greenwood
Agenda: Oath of office for newly elected board members. Election of officers. Date and time for regular board meetings. Superintendent’s report: Bi-monthly pay, testing overview, medical magnet program. Financial updates. Action items: Personnel recommendation and vacancies.
Greenwood County School District 51 Board of Trustees
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Ware Shoals Community Library
Agenda: Health and safety update. Reopening plan update. Facilities update: WSPS window renovation and roof repairs, stadium lights, bond referendum update. Action items: Waiver request for paper/pencil testing for SCREADY ELA, employee bonus proposal and stadium lights. Finance review.
TUESDAY
Greenwood County Council
Time: 4 p.m.
Location: Greenwood County Library
Agenda: Executive session. Presentations: Thomas Norman regarding property line issue on 102 Mountain Shore Drive, Greenwood. Public comment. Old business: Third readings, 1. Ordinance 2020-26 to amend the Greenwood County zoning ordinance, being ordinance 13-86, as and if amended, so that one parcel of land owned by Terry W Boone/Nantasket Investments LLC, at 324 Old Abbeville Highway, in Greenwood,change zoning classifications from C-2 to R-5. 2 Ordinance 2020-27 amending Title 4, Chapter 1 of the Greenwood County Code to repeal certain sections governing the hiring and employment of personnel, and other matters related thereto. New business: A. Discussion regarding Greenwood County’s contribution toward the Troy waterlines. B. Consideration of appointment of members to the joint board of zoning appeals. C. Consideration of appointment of members to the joint planning commission. D. Update from the County Treasurer’s Office. E. Resolution 2020-25 to adjust Parks and Recreation fees for rental of facilities and fields for FY2021. F. Resolution 2020-27 to amend Section 4-1-29(a)(13) of the Greenwood County Ordinance Official County Holidays for the approval of the 2021 Official County Holidays. G. Resolution 2020-28 to transfer funds from the 2007 Capital Project Sales Tax to the Hydro project fund for the “emergency” spillway project. Executive session (if needed).
CPST receives record revenue
/in Index-JournalGreenwood County saw its largest payment of revenue from the Capital Project Sales Tax in October.
“We are glad to see the economy turn around,” Greenwood County manager Toby Chappell said. “It obviously helps the Capital Project Sales Tax.”
The county received $2,745,695.30 in its October 2020 payment, which was an increase from the July 2020 payment where only $2,152,632.49 was collected.
“It clearly rebounded from July to October,” Chappell said.
October’s revenue eclipsed the project’s record of $2,575,580.04 set in April 2020.
The outlook for the project is continually looking better. In August, Chappell announced the anticipated shortfall was not as bad as it had once seemed at only $10 million rather than $20 million.
While there is still a question of how many projects will ultimately get finished, a number have already been completed. Capital Project Sales Tax Coordinator Josh Skinner provided an update on the project list:
The Upstate Center for Manufacturing Excellence on the campus of Piedmont Technical College and the implementation of a countywide public safety radio system have been completed. The county signed a contract Thursday with Davis and Floyd to begin the construction of parks for Hodges, Troy, Magnolia, Foundry and Grace Street, Skinner said in an email.
A contractor has been selected for the Dr. Benjamin E. Mays Historical Site, however, extra funds are still being sought to meet the contract bid amount. The Lake Greenwood Master Plan final plan designs will be presented to Greenwood County Council in December.
The athletic facility upgrades projects are in Phase 1. Construction is complete on a new basketball court and walking paths in Young Park in Ware Shoals. The design for the J.C. Boozer Athletic Complex is at 90% with bidding tentatively scheduled for early next year, Skinner said.
The North Greenwood Industrial Park spec building on Highway 25 has been completed.
The next set of revenue payments in January and April of 2021 will go to the next project: widening Highway 246. The next two payments will be directed toward the Ninety Six Storm Water Drainage repair and to finish paying for fire trucks and volunteer fire stations, Skinner said.
CPST receives record revenue
/in UncategorizedGreenwood County saw its largest payment of revenue from the Capital Project Sales Tax in October.
“We are glad to see the economy turn around,” Greenwood County manager Toby Chappell said. “It obviously helps the Capital Project Sales Tax.”
The county received $2,745,695.30 in its October 2020 payment, which was an increase from the July 2020 payment where only $2,152,632.49 was collected.
“It clearly rebounded from July to October,” Chappell said.
October’s revenue eclipsed the project’s record of $2,575,580.04 set in April 2020.
The outlook for the project is continually looking better. In August, Chappell announced the anticipated shortfall was not as bad as it had once seemed at only $10 million rather than $20 million.
While there is still a question of how many projects will ultimately get finished, a number have already been completed. Capital Project Sales Tax Coordinator Josh Skinner provided an update on the project list:
The Upstate Center for Manufacturing Excellence on the campus of Piedmont Technical College and the implementation of a countywide public safety radio system have been completed. The county signed a contract Thursday with Davis and Floyd to begin the construction of parks for Hodges, Troy, Magnolia, Foundry and Grace Street, Skinner said in an email.
A contractor has been selected for the Dr. Benjamin E. Mays Historical Site, however, extra funds are still being sought to meet the contract bid amount. The Lake Greenwood Master Plan final plan designs will be presented to Greenwood County Council in December.
The athletic facility upgrades projects are in Phase 1. Construction is complete on a new basketball court and walking paths in Young Park in Ware Shoals. The design for the J.C. Boozer Athletic Complex is at 90% with bidding tentatively scheduled for early next year, Skinner said.
The North Greenwood Industrial Park spec building on Highway 25 has been completed.
The next set of revenue payments in January and April of 2021 will go to the next project: widening Highway 246. The next two payments will be directed toward the Ninety Six Storm Water Drainage repair and to finish paying for fire trucks and volunteer fire stations, Skinner said.
Public meetings
/in Index-JournalMONDAY
GREENWOOD CITY COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE SPECIAL CALLED MEETING
TIME: 4 p.m.
LOCATION: 520 Monument St., Room 207
AGENDA: Consider executive session to discuss performance review of the city manager and a contractual matter with the Greenwood Commissioners of Public Works. Consider resolution number 23-010 authorizing Christmas gifts for city employees.
TUESDAY
GREENWOOD COUNTY COUNCIL
TIME: 3 p.m. executive session, 5:30 p.m. regular public meeting
LOCATION: Greenwood County Library
AGENDA: Presentations — Update of veterans affairs projects and events, Rosalind Burke, Veterans Service Officer and Dale Kittles, Chairman of Hall of Heroes Board. Old business — Third reading: 1. Ordinance 2023-15 to amend the Greenwood County Zoning Map, as and if amended, so that two parcels of land totaling approximately 1.66 acres owned by Skippers Marine, Inc. at 4408 Highway 72/221, Greenwood, S.C. changes from RDD to C-2. 2. Consideration of appointment of members to the joint planning commission: District 1 confirmation of Christine martin, District 3 re-appointment of Felicia Kianrd-Hull, District 6 appointment — vacant. Public hearing: Consideration of boundary line agreement for 1006 Ligon Road and 1008 Ligon Road. New business: A. Consideration of Palmetto Crossing request pertaining to the boat docks and parking spaces in the area of Gateway Landing. B. Consideration of adopting Policy 6.4 — holiday leave C. Consideration of exception to policy 10.4 — procurement policy for Project Cardinal D. Capital Project Sales Tax Quarterly Update E. Consideration of the proposal from Stewart Cooper Newell and Davis & Floyd for the programming, master planning and site assessment for the Public Safety Training Center. F. Consideration of the proposal from Woolpert Engineering for a Greenwood County Watershed Study G. Consideration of the appointment of Special Tax District Commissioners for the following submidivsion: Saddle Hill, Jonathan Creswell; Quail Run, Ann Holzhaur; Quail Run, Nancy Bruce; Forest Hills, Dennis Hammett. H. Resolution 2023-26 to amend the FY24 budget for expenditure related to ARPA funds. I Resolution 2023-27 to amend the FY24 budget for expenditure of surplus funds. J. Resolution 2023-28 creating a Commission to select capital projects to be funded by a proposed re-imposition of a capital project sales tax.
Originally Published by Index-Journal on:Nov 3, 2023
Article Link: https://www.indexjournal.com/community/public-meetings/public-meetings/article_75571904-7a8d-11ee-8462-9bf37a1c3614.html
Council gives key blessing to Ninety Six athletic complex project
/in UncategorizedThe J.C. “Fox” Boozer Athletic Complex in Ninety Six received support from Greenwood County Council.
Council granted its blessing Tuesday for the bidding process to begin on the complex although there was discussion about the estimated price tag.
“Close on the estimates but a little bit over budget,” said Josh Skinner, Capital Project Sales Tax coordinator. “We have figured out ways as far as bidding, adding alternates and options to get that concept closer within budget.”
The complex was one of a number of projects approved through the Capital Project Sales Tax in 2016. The starting budget for the project was about $1 million.
“I think once we put it out to bid and we use these alternates as sort of like a la carte menu,” Skinner said. “We can pick and choose what we can do within our budget.”
The cost of “Design D,” which was approved by Ninety Six Town Council in August, with all alternates is estimated at $1.2 million.
Greenwood County Manager Toby Chappell suggested the county start the bidding process to see what the actual cost will be and then look at adding any alternates.
“I have concerns that we are going to go bid something we can’t afford to build,” Councilman Mark Allison said. “I don’t know if it makes a lot of sense to go to the trouble to do bids on something we already know we can’t afford to do.”
Chappell said once the bids come back Skinner can go back to Ninety Six Town Council and ask what alternates the town wants to include that would fit in the budget. Chappell said Skinner could then come back to council with feedback from Ninety Six to get final approval on the project.
Chairman Steve Brown asked if any on council had opposition to the plan going forward and no one spoke in opposition.
Council also took up an appointment to the Upper Savanah Workforce Development Board.
“Greenwood County is part of a consortium that receives about $1.2 million each year to train and place people,” said Ann Skinner, workforce development director for the Upper Savannah Council of Governments.
Skinner asked council to consider appointing Matt Wiggins, regional workforce advisor for SC Department of Commerce, to fill an at-large spot on the board.
Council voted unanimously to approve the appointment.
Council also voted to approve on second reading an amendment to the zoning ordinance for C-2 to allow for wineries and vineyards to use other materials for parking areas. The C-2 zoning ordinance requires parking lots to be constructed using asphalt or concrete. Winery and vineyard owners would still be required to pave handicap accessible parking with concrete or asphalt.
Greenwood County Treasurer Cathy Miller acknowledged Steffanie Dorn who was recently hired as assistant county treasurer. Dorn spent more than 21 years as the City of Greenwood’s finance director and clerk to council.
Our View: Some good news emerges, despite pandemic’s rage
/in Index-JournalWhat a difference a year makes. Or can make.
Despite how incredibly difficult a year 2020 has been, especially as we all endure the effects the COVID-19 pandemic continues to dole out heading into the third of four quarters of the year, Greenwood County had some surprising good news to share this past week.
A year ago, during the Greenwood SC Chamber’s annual State of the City and County address, Steve Brown, County Council chairman, noted the Capital Project Sales Tax initiative was not tracking as well as had been anticipated. In fact, it turned out, the county was then predicting the penny sales tax might fall short of its goal by as much as $20 million. If that were the case, then nearly a full third of projects the special tax was to pay for would have been left on the table.
At the same forum this year, Greenwood County Manager Toby Chappell gave a more upbeat projection, saying that even if anticipated revenue from the tax remains flat — which he said is an unlikely scenario — the deficit would be half of last year’s projection.
Chappell said the county has seen growth each year.
“For example, over the last year we saw 5.4% growth even with COVID hampering sales,” Chappell told the Index-Journal for a story published Sunday.
Greenwood County voters rallied behind the CPST initiative, seeing value in the numerous countywide projects it would fund. No doubt many were dismayed to learn particular projects they supported might not come to pass.
While this newspaper supported the initiative, we too were disheartened to hear the initial shortfall predictions. But we are buoyed upon learning things might not be nearly as dire as thought a year ago. Who knows, but perhaps growth will exceed everyone’s expectations and the county will emerge with nearly all projects funded after all.
Councilman Theo Lane summed up the current picture well in Sunday’s story, saying “… Greenwood voters made a wise and prudent decision that’s placed us in a much better position from the standpoint of public safety, quality of life, workforce development, economic development. It’s all coming to fruition now and will only get stronger with the passing of time and collection of dollars that allow for more investment.”
Chappell: CPST’s potential deficit shrinking, projects being completed
/in Index-JournalAssuming revenue from capital project sales tax collections remains flat, Greenwood County officials estimate the penny tax will bring in $10 million less than initially projected — up from an anticipated $20 million shortfall forecast this time last year.
Greenwood County Manager Toby Chappell made the announcement Aug. 28 during the State of the City/County presentation, the same platform used to acknowledge the potential shortfall in 2019.
To reach that figure, the county took the past four quarters of collections and adjusted for COVID-19 and internet sales.
Chappell provided a breakdown of the revenues received from the Capital Project Sales Tax by quarter to explain how this figure was reached. The July 2020 collection is the first where the county sees the effect of COVID-19, Chappell said. July’s collection was $2,152,632. To calculate an estimate for future collections that adjusted for a pandemic-related reduction in revenue, the county took the average of October 2019 and January 2020. April’s revenue was excluded because it is always higher than most quarters because of Christmas holiday shopping.
The new revenue projection for July in future years is $2,417,471. Once July’s new figure is included with the other three quarters the total is $9,827,994 or $2,456,998 per quarter on average. When this figure is added with the existing collections and interest, it projects a total revenue of $77,455,845, which results in a $10,482,340 deficit.
Chappell said the $10 million deficit is based on a zero increase in collections for the next 20 quarters. He said this is unlikely because the county has seen growth each year.
“For example, over the last year we saw 5.4% growth even with COVID hampering sales,” Chappell said in an email.
The 5.4% growth was comparing collections from October 2019 to July 2019 to those from October 2019 to July 2020.
Completed, in-progress projectsCPST projects completed to date include Piedmont Technical College’s Advanced Manufacturing Center, a $6 million project, and the implementation of a countywide public safety radio system, a nearly $5 million project.
Several projects are in the design phase. The conceptual plans on all of the parks in phase one of the parks and trails project have been completed and design firms are beginning to design. Conceptual plans on the Lake Greenwood Master Plan have been presented to County Council and the design firm are working on a design plan.
A design team is working on a conceptual design for the J.C. “Fox” Boozer Sports Complex as part of the athletic facilities renovation project. The county can start working on Young Park in Ware Shoals at any time.
Design work has been completed on the Benjamin E. Mays Historical site expansion. The county is working on bringing the cost in line with the budget.
The North Greenwood Industrial Park spec building is expected to be completed in November, finishing phase one of that project.
The Town of Ware Shoals has obtained its DHEC permit for its treatment lines and it is working on easement acquisition.
Ninety Six Commissioners of Public Works have selected a design team and are in the environment review process with DHEC on replacing water lines in the town.
Two new fire stations have opened as part of the Fire Master Plan phase one. The Bradley Fire Station opened in April and the new station on Carter Road opened Friday. Apparatus for each fire station has been purchased and is in use.
‘Wise and prudent decision’At the opening of the Carter Road fire station Friday, Chairman Steve Brown took the opportunity to thank county residents for supporting the penny sales tax.
“We are also appreciative of the people of Greenwood County,” Brown said.
He said voters came together in supporting the tax so that services could be provided to other places in the county.
Councilman Theo Lane said in a phone interview about the Capital Project Sales Tax that voters made the right decision.
“I just think it is very clear now that the Greenwood voters made a wise and prudent decision that’s placed us in a much better position from the standpoint of public safety, quality of life, workforce development, economic development,” Lane, who chaired the CPST marketing effort for the Greenwood SC Chamber of Commerce, said. “It’s all coming to fruition now and will only get stronger with the passing of time and collection of dollars that allow for more investment.”
Chappell: CPST’s potential deficit shrinking, projects being completed
/in UncategorizedAssuming revenue from capital project sales tax collections remains flat, Greenwood County officials estimate the penny tax will bring in $10 million less than initially projected — up from an anticipated $20 million shortfall forecast this time last year.
Greenwood County Manager Toby Chappell made the announcement Aug. 28 during the State of the City/County presentation, the same platform used to acknowledge the potential shortfall in 2019.
To reach that figure, the county took the past four quarters of collections and adjusted for COVID-19 and internet sales.
Chappell provided a breakdown of the revenues received from the Capital Project Sales Tax by quarter to explain how this figure was reached. The July 2020 collection is the first where the county sees the effect of COVID-19, Chappell said. July’s collection was $2,152,632. To calculate an estimate for future collections that adjusted for a pandemic-related reduction in revenue, the county took the average of October 2019 and January 2020. April’s revenue was excluded because it is always higher than most quarters because of Christmas holiday shopping.
The new revenue projection for July in future years is $2,417,471. Once July’s new figure is included with the other three quarters the total is $9,827,994 or $2,456,998 per quarter on average. When this figure is added with the existing collections and interest, it projects a total revenue of $77,455,845, which results in a $10,482,340 deficit.
Chappell said the $10 million deficit is based on a zero increase in collections for the next 20 quarters. He said this is unlikely because the county has seen growth each year.
“For example, over the last year we saw 5.4% growth even with COVID hampering sales,” Chappell said in an email.
The 5.4% growth was comparing collections from October 2019 to July 2019 to those from October 2019 to July 2020.
Completed, in-progress projectsCPST projects completed to date include Piedmont Technical College’s Advanced Manufacturing Center, a $6 million project, and the implementation of a countywide public safety radio system, a nearly $5 million project.
Several projects are in the design phase. The conceptual plans on all of the parks in phase one of the parks and trails project have been completed and design firms are beginning to design. Conceptual plans on the Lake Greenwood Master Plan have been presented to County Council and the design firm are working on a design plan.
A design team is working on a conceptual design for the J.C. “Fox” Boozer Sports Complex as part of the athletic facilities renovation project. The county can start working on Young Park in Ware Shoals at any time.
Design work has been completed on the Benjamin E. Mays Historical site expansion. The county is working on bringing the cost in line with the budget.
The North Greenwood Industrial Park spec building is expected to be completed in November, finishing phase one of that project.
The Town of Ware Shoals has obtained its DHEC permit for its treatment lines and it is working on easement acquisition.
Ninety Six Commissioners of Public Works have selected a design team and are in the environment review process with DHEC on replacing water lines in the town.
Two new fire stations have opened as part of the Fire Master Plan phase one. The Bradley Fire Station opened in April and the new station on Carter Road opened Friday. Apparatus for each fire station has been purchased and is in use.
‘Wise and prudent decision’At the opening of the Carter Road fire station Friday, Chairman Steve Brown took the opportunity to thank county residents for supporting the penny sales tax.
“We are also appreciative of the people of Greenwood County,” Brown said.
He said voters came together in supporting the tax so that services could be provided to other places in the county.
Councilman Theo Lane said in a phone interview about the Capital Project Sales Tax that voters made the right decision.
“I just think it is very clear now that the Greenwood voters made a wise and prudent decision that’s placed us in a much better position from the standpoint of public safety, quality of life, workforce development, economic development,” Lane, who chaired the CPST marketing effort for the Greenwood SC Chamber of Commerce, said. “It’s all coming to fruition now and will only get stronger with the passing of time and collection of dollars that allow for more investment.”
New fire station opens on Carter Road
/in Index-JournalGreenwood County took one more step Friday toward the goal of countywide fire protection.
“This will be the official opening,” Josh Skinner, Greenwood County capital project sales tax coordinator, said about the fire station on Carter Road.
Chairman Steve Brown and Councilman Mark Allison joined county staff, volunteer firemen and the Carter family to open the new fire station.
“We just want to say to the Carter family thank you, thank you, thank you,” Brown said.
Allison also thanked the Carter family.
“Thank you to the Carter family,” Allison said. “I live down on Kinard Road so this is close to home, this is home, so thank you.”
Brown said the land where the fire station sits belonged to Gene Carter and was part of the estate of his father, Eddie. Gene donated the land so the county could build the fire station.
Gene helped his mother, Donna, cut the ceremonial ribbon opening the station while Donna’s grandchildren, Ella and Owen, held one end of the ribbon and Fire Chief Jerry Roberts held the other.
“We owe a big debt of gratitude to these volunteer firemen,” Brown said.
Brown said volunteer firefighters have to complete more than 200 hours of training before they can enter a fire station.
“Now we are going to turn this station over to this cadre of volunteers that’s going to make these services happen down here in this community,” Brown said.
Roberts, who has been a fireman for 48 years, said it is difficult to get volunteer firefighters these days.
Brown said he appreciates Greenwood County residents voting for the penny sales tax that funded this project.
“This is what community is all about,” Brown said.
This fire station is at 1901 Carter Road in the Lower Lake district in Ninety Six.
This is the second fire station to open as part of Greenwood County’s Fire Master Plan. County Council on Tuesday approved a contract for the addition and renovation of Medic 30 EMS station on Highway 25 South.
After Medic 30, the county will have three more fire station projects, Skinner said. Two of the three projects have land while the county is still seeking land for the third project.
When finished, the county will have 99.6% of homes within five miles of fire station.
New fire station opens on Carter Road
/in UncategorizedGreenwood County took one more step Friday toward the goal of countywide fire protection.
“This will be the official opening,” Josh Skinner, Greenwood County capital project sales tax coordinator, said about the fire station on Carter Road.
Chairman Steve Brown and Councilman Mark Allison joined county staff, volunteer firemen and the Carter family to open the new fire station.
“We just want to say to the Carter family thank you, thank you, thank you,” Brown said.
Allison also thanked the Carter family.
“Thank you to the Carter family,” Allison said. “I live down on Kinard Road so this is close to home, this is home, so thank you.”
Brown said the land where the fire station sits belonged to Gene Carter and was part of the estate of his father, Eddie. Gene donated the land so the county could build the fire station.
Gene helped his mother, Donna, cut the ceremonial ribbon opening the station while Donna’s grandchildren, Ella and Owen, held one end of the ribbon and Fire Chief Jerry Roberts held the other.
“We owe a big debt of gratitude to these volunteer firemen,” Brown said.
Brown said volunteer firefighters have to complete more than 200 hours of training before they can enter a fire station.
“Now we are going to turn this station over to this cadre of volunteers that’s going to make these services happen down here in this community,” Brown said.
Roberts, who has been a fireman for 48 years, said it is difficult to get volunteer firefighters these days.
Brown said he appreciates Greenwood County residents voting for the penny sales tax that funded this project.
“This is what community is all about,” Brown said.
This fire station is at 1901 Carter Road in the Lower Lake district in Ninety Six.
This is the second fire station to open as part of Greenwood County’s Fire Master Plan. County Council on Tuesday approved a contract for the addition and renovation of Medic 30 EMS station on Highway 25 South.
After Medic 30, the county will have three more fire station projects, Skinner said. Two of the three projects have land while the county is still seeking land for the third project.
When finished, the county will have 99.6% of homes within five miles of fire station.