Clinton City Council Addresses Personnel Matters After Elections

News Summary

The Clinton City Council will meet on March 10 to discuss pressing personnel issues, notably the search for a new city manager following recent elections and community concerns about public safety. Interim city manager Carl Stevens will lead discussions as the city aims for improvements in various areas, including lighting and infrastructure. The meeting also honors Women’s History Month and aims to enhance public engagement within the community.

Clinton City Council Schedules Personnel Meeting Amid Municipal Election Outcomes and Community Concerns

Clinton, a charming city buzzing with activity, is gearing up for an important City Council meeting. On March 10 at 4:30 p.m., council members are set to gather to address crucial personnel matters, particularly concerning the search for a new city manager. Following the resignation of former city manager Tom Brooks at the end of January, Carl Stevens, the finance director, has stepped up to serve as interim city manager.

As the city looks to move forward in this transitional phase, Mayor Randy Randall has expressed the urgency of finding a permanent city manager, especially after the municipal elections that recently wrapped up on March 4. In the meantime, the South Carolina Municipal Association is diligently processing applications and vetting potential candidates to provide recommendations to the council. The anticipation is palpable in the community as residents wonder who will take the helm of city management.

During this period of change, Carl Stevens has earned respect for his hard work, especially in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Council Member Gary Kuykendall took a moment to acknowledge Stevens’ efforts, but also brought to light community concerns regarding city lighting. Many areas in Clinton face dark spots, prompting a need for discussion on public safety and lighting improvements.

If you thought this was where the news ended, think again! The council meeting is also a platform for public input, though it operates under a public participation ordinance. Residents are encouraged to express their thoughts on agenda items, providing a vital link between the council and the community.

This March, the city council has embraced the spirit of Women’s History Month, honoring the contributions of former mayor and council member Myra Nichols. This acknowledgment highlights the city’s commitment to inclusivity and recognition of those who have shaped Clinton’s history.

In another significant update, the council approved a revision to the city’s invocations policy. Moreover, they greenlit a change order for the East Main Street and Ellis Street infrastructure project, utilizing funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). This means improvements are on the horizon for essential city infrastructure.

On the zoning front, changes related to cluster developments, non-conforming uses, and mobile and manufactured housing saw their second and final readings without public hearings. These adjustments are set to influence the growth and development of the city.

Financially, Clinton is looking good! A recent financial report showed a positive balance of $400,000 in the General Fund and a hefty surplus of $950,000 in the utility fund. With property tax collections seeing a remarkable 40% increase compared to last year, the city is positioned to tackle various financial matters in upcoming budget workshops slated for early April. The first reading of the budget is scheduled for May, while the second reading follows in June.

Speaking of elections, Clinton saw some exciting results during the municipal elections. In District 1, Danny Cook overcame Sonya Adams with a decisive victory of 109 votes to 17. Meanwhile, in District 5, Danny Smith defeated incumbent Ronnie Roth, with a final tally of 58 to 42. The race in District 3 will head to a runoff between Natalie Cogsdill and incumbent Robbie Neal, creating quite the buzz in the community.

Even neighboring Laurens made headlines, with Calvin Whitmire ousting incumbent Sara Latimore in District 4 and Alicia Sullivan returning to office via write-in votes in District 2. Voter turnout, however, remained low, reported at a mere 8%. This has led members of the council to call for better transparency, suggesting that the entire meeting information packets be made available online, omitting personal details.

As Clinton gears up for the next regular council meeting set for April 7 at 6 p.m. in the municipal center, residents can be assured that their voices will be heard, and the future of their city remains a community affair.

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Additional Resources

• My Clinton News: City Will Move Ahead with Naming a New Manager
• GoLaurens: Laurens City Council, Clinton City Council Getting New Members After Tuesday’s Elections
• My Clinton News: Danny Smith Wins Clinton Council Seat
• Google Search: Clinton City Council Meeting March 2025
• Encyclopedia Britannica: City Council