By Andrew Wigger

awigger@civitasmedia.com

Jayroe
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/web1_Jayroe.jpgJayroe

Frick
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/web1_Frick-Marty.jpgFrick

LITTLE MOUNTAIN — Little Mountain Town Council approved a motion Tuesday to not raise taxes and also discussed the success of the inaugural Movie in the Park, which drew well over 100 people.

Mayor Jana Jayroe praised the success of the event, which she said was enjoyed by all who attended.

“Do we want to do this again?” she asked council. “I was thinking we could do this three times a summer, starting next summer. We can also start trying for sponsors, and we already have potential sponsors for the next one.”

Councilman Melvin Bowers said they needed to strike while the iron was hot, since they have already gotten started. Council agreed it might be a good idea to hold another movie night in the fall. Bowers said they need to be aware of football schedules.

Jayroe said she will look into football schedules for possible movie nights in the fall and will call Southern Outdoor Cinema to see what movie options will be available.

In other business, Jayroe told council she had spoken with someone interested in developing land being leased from the town. The business would be a dentist office but Jayroe did not provide any other information. Once the potential business owner has plans drawn up, they will be presented to council for approval.

“We will make sure we are completely covered with the lease that is drawn up. I am keeping the town’s lawyer up to date with this,” Jayroe said.

Councilman Marty Frick expressed his enthusiasm for the new business and what it will bring to the town. He agreed they need to take it slow and read the fine print.

Jayroe also said she will soon start working on the town’s budget. She said she mentioned it because the state had a population increase this year which means the town could increase the millage rate by a little over two percent.

“We did not raise taxes last year, and we currently have $89,000 in our budget,” Jayroe said.

The council came to a consensus that the town did not need to raise taxes because it was not needed. Councilwoman Susan Epting made a motion not to raise taxes for the new fiscal year. This motion was seconded by Frick and was approved.

“I am not in favor to raise taxes just because we can. We can maintain with what we currently have,” Frick said.

Other Business

• Council discussed a new Open Records requirement that councils and boards give more detail when going into executive session. For instance, if the stated reason is “an employment matter,” they must specify the type of employee matter but do not have to give the name of the employee. The new law states that councils and boards must post agendas on a bulletin and on the town’s website (if applicable) at least 48 hours in advance. If any changes are made to the agenda, that must be posted 24 hours in advance as well.

• The Little Mountain Reunion Association asked council not to open the restrooms during the Reunion because someone used a sink as a toilet last year. Council disagreed and voted to have them open during the Reunion.

Reach Andrew Wigger at 803-276-0625 ext. 1867 or on Twitter @TheNBOnews.