Little Mountain Town Council passed the first reading of their upcoming 2012-12 operating budget.

The Town of Little Mountain’s fiscal year starts a little later than other towns as they begin Oct. 1.

While nothing is final and they still have a second and final reading to approve, it appears that all utilities are looking to increase in the upcoming year.

The town is looking at a 4 percent increase which would include all utilities for the town.

One reason for an increase in rates is because of the town’s extended contract with SCE&G which included an increase on the electric company’s end.

Another fee is a franchise fee which will probably go up about 1 percent.

However, the town is looking towards a reimbursement from the Newberry County Council on Aging for the community center. The amount is unknown at the time. Also, maintenance on the center will decrease.

There are also some projected expenses for projects which include park repairs with an increase of about $1,000. This includes landscaping and facility repairs as well as work a mile away from the park towards Hwy. 76.

Insurance for the town will remain the same, but the town clerk will get a slight pay increase.

The second reading and public hearing of the budget will be held Aug. 14 at 7:30 p.m. at town hall.

In other news, a subdivision ordinance for the town passed a first reading.

The ordinance still has to go through a joint municipal planning but all council members voted in favor of the ordinance.

The ordinance deals with property which is divided for housing developments among other things and does require certain considerations such as access, sidewalks, street lights, etc.

According to Mayor Buddy Johnson, since the town is getting sewer service, the subdivision ordinance is needed to be able to provide what a person wants in a good neighborhood when buying a house in a certain area.

He adds, this is a normal type ordinance for these events so you don’t have a developer come in and just put as many structures on a property and not provide neighborhood necessities and amenities.

The next town council meeting will be Aug. 14 at 7:30 p.m. at town hall.