LITTLE MOUNTAIN — The search for a mayoral candidate is under way and so far, one person has shown interest, according to Cindy Farr, town clerk.

Residents have from Jan. 18 until Feb. 1 to file their petitions with the town clerk (Farr) for the open position. The special election will be held April 2 in town.

There is no filing fee and the elections commission will determine the validity of the petitions.

Aside from the vacant mayor, two council members were sworn in at the Tuesday night regular meeting. Incumbent Melvin Bowers and new council member Susan Epting took their oaths for the next four years.

Bowers was also re-elected as Mayor Pro Tem and will cover the mayoral duties until the town elects a mayor.

In other business, Bowers discussed the Newberry County Governmental Association meeting to be held Jan. 28 at the Firehouse Conference Center at 7 p.m.

The meeting brings together all elected officials and Bowers said that a main purpose of the meeting was to discuss a type of scholarship and how they can collect money for the scholarship.

Bowers said it’s not mandatory for the council members to go but just reminded them of the meeting.

In old business, Bowers said that the town “is going to buy video surveillance equipment” for around the Rocky Branch Trail head area.

However, the town will be reimbursed because of the penny sales tax and the Dutch Fork Amateur Radio Society will handle the wiring. The group also helps out the town by helping with communications if a natural disaster were to occur. They also hold their meetings at town hall in Little Mountain.

In other news related to the Rocky Branch Trail head, it’s not finished. It’s walkable but there are still some details regarding the pathway, among others, to finish.

The community center is nearing completion in the library portion of the center, according to Bowers, who said that the second stage of the center is almost done.

There is a sign at the center, Bowers says, even though the wind had knocked it down a couple of times already.

In other business, Councilman Jeff Jefcoat brought up the Little Mountain Reunion and suggested that the council review the contract and the liability agreement as well as the alcohol licensing.

Jefcoat suggested reducing the proposed $1 million liability to at least $500,00 and making an exception for the alcohol license for the reunion association since the sheriff’s department has taken control of those who choose to drink.

Jefcoat also suggested that the council might want to think about taking turns attending meetings such as the Little Mountain Reunion Association, zoning, historical committee and the fire and rescue squad meetings. He volunteered to attend the first reunion association meeting.

The next regularly scheduled town council meeting is Feb. 12 at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall.