County Council Approves ’24-25 Budget on 3rd Reading
On Monday night, The Laurens County Council voted unanimously to approve the third reading of the 2024-25 fiscal year county budget. The council members took an embracing stance on a balanced budget, which does not include a tax increase and amounts to approximately $46.2 million for the county’s general operation, and separate fire and EMS budgets, altogether totalling to about $10 million. The separate votes for both budgets resulted in a 6-0 favoring stance. Among the council members, Jeff Carrol’s absence was noted, due to family bereavement that unfortunately also affected County Administrator Thomas Higgs.
Sestercentennial Committee Funding Approved
During proceedings, a single amendment was made to the initial budget proposal, in which a $50,000 funding was granted for the Laurens County Revolutionary War Sestercentennial Committee. The proposal was set forth by Councilman David Tribble and unanimously passed. The committee plays a significant role in the probable 2026 statewide sestercentennial celebration as well as the state’s prospective “Liberty Trail”. The trail reportedly includes visitation of historical sites such as the Musgrove Mill, Hammond Store, Hayes Station and Fort Lindley.
Council Chair Brown Patterson highlighted the importance of the sestercentennial as a paramount, “once in a lifetime” occasion for the county, ensuing the affirmative vote for the fund request. The approved $50,000 fund will be allocated towards improvement of site and signage from the FILOT money raised by the county.
Proposed Funding for Laurens County Museum Declined
Despite the previously granted request, a similar funding of $50,000 instigated by the Laurens County Museum was declined after a 4-2 vote. Tribble, also being the initiator of the motion, intended to approve the grant from a reserved fund of $85,000 solely for non-profit organizations such as the Laurens County Humane Society and the museum itself.
The President of the Museum Association, Teresa Noble, made a public comment during the budget approval proceedings, calling on the council to effectuate the funding for the museum. Tribble expressed his desire for the budget’s approval, mentioning, “We need to decide if we want a museum in the county that is a credit to the community.” The representation of votes showed that Tribble and Councilman Luke Rankin were in favor of approving the funding.
While the motion failed, Patterson and Councilwoman Diane Anderson vocalized their support for the museum, but expressed concern over the remaining $35,000 fund intended for other non-profit agencies. Patterson, addressing the Museum Association attendees, underlined the sturdy financial situation – thanks in part to previous county funding, grants and donations – of the organization despite other county entities’ struggles.
“To pull ($50,000 out of that fund) and leave others with crumbs is something I can’t vote for,” Patterson explained. He did however leave a margin for potential museum funding through a newly initiated grant process for county funding, which non-profit agencies have been encouraged to use.
