NEWBERRY — Newberry County Council is ready to begin the consideration for the Capital Project Sales Tax (CPST) after unanimously approving a resolution that establishes the procedures and criteria for considering and recommending projects to the commission.
“This resolution establishes the criteria for CPST project submissions for which County Council sponsorship is being sought. The criteria emphasize accurate cost estimation, post-completion operating costs, responsibility for cost overruns and county ownership,” County Administrator Wayne Adams said.
When it comes to submitting a project, only qualified entities are allowed to submit proposals to the CPST Commission. County and municipal governments and special purpose districts are considered qualified. School districts may submit projects, but only in conjunction with another qualified entity.
The resolution also contains a schedule component that culminates in a March 8, 2016 recommendation of projects to the CPST Commission. Further dates include discussion of the priorities for CPST submissions on Oct. 6 and Oct. 13 by county council. On Feb. 16 and Feb. 23 council will entertain completed presentations for projects seeking council sponsorship.
“No later than November 4, council would award a contract to a qualified engineering firm to perform cost estimation service,” Adams said. “The RFP for this purpose has already been advertised.”
Councilman Travis Reeder made a motion to accept the resolution, and Councilman Scott Cain seconded.
Council also approved the nomination of three individuals to the CPST Commission.
“By statutory formula, the municipalities choose three members and county council chooses three members. The three municipal appointments have been made, Lisa Toland, Jimmy Coggins and Renee Joiner,” Adams said.
Cain nominated Pat Caldwell, Phil Spotts and Dave Waldrop and nominated two alternatives, Willie Morris and Dr. Bob McCartha. The nominations were seconded by Reeder.
In other business, council approved the purchase of the call manager upgrade for the 911 system in the amount of $67,994.43. According to Lieutenant Ben Chapman with the Sheriff’s Office, the new system will, among other things, control voicemail and allow the phones and computer to be connected. This system upgrade is necessary to comply with new South Carolina Law Enforcement Division security requirements.
The purchase was approved after a motion was made by Councilman Bill Waldrop and seconded by Cain.
Council also held a public hearing and passed a third reading on an ordinance to provide for the issuance and sale of general obligation bonds of Newberry County not exceeding $1,900,000 in aggregate principal amount. There was originally a third reading already held, but that needed to be rescinded due to not having a public hearing.
“A motion is needed to rescind the original third reading of this ordinance by the fact that the May 6 third reading was conducted without a public hearing,” Adams said.
The motion to rescind the third reading was made by Councilman Kirksey Koon and seconded by Cain and was approved unanimously.
Other business
• Five Newberry County employees were recognized for their years of service. Justin Bledsoe, with Facilities Management for five years, Shannon Byrd, with Animal Control for five years, Stephen Epps, with the Sheriff’s Office for five years, Melinda Long, deputy auditor for five years and Gerdi Lake, recreation director for 10 years.