Hartsville feels economic crunch

By: | SCNOW
Published: January 14, 2009

City Manager Jim Pennington told Hartsville City Council to brace for more budget cuts at council’s monthly meeting Tuesday night.

Pennington said despite cutting expenditures from the city’s general fund by $287,000, general fund revenues are down $308,000 from the Dec. 31, 2007, totals.

Pennington also said business license renewals and property taxes have been coming into the city at a much slower rate this year. He said several business owners would have to pay a penalty on their licenses.

With the influx of license and tax money slowing, total revenue for the city was down $494,000 from last year’s total as of Jan. 12. The city’s collection from the hospitality tax also is down.

Pennington said this news means the city would have to make a cut in services in the near future if the economy continues its slide.

“We normally have this (an economic downturn) this time of year,” Pennington said. “Only this time there are no fund surpluses to go to.”

Pennington said the city’s staff has been doing everything it can to offset costs; however, he thinks council will have to begin considering what services to cut. Council has a retreat planned for Feb. 27, and Pennington said council should begin to focus on the budget for that meeting.

Council also tabled ordinances 3076 and 3078. Ordinance 3076 would eliminate the city’s tree committee, and Ordinance 3078 is the residential rental licensing program. Mayor Michael Holt said the rental licensing program will need further investigation and discussion, but the economy has slowed progress.

Council also approved a three-month fee structure for use of the exercise facilities at the Coach T.B. Thomas Sports Center. Seniors citizens will pay $1 a day, $5 a month and $60 a year to use the facility. Students will pay $1 a day, $10 a month and $80 a year. Individuals will pay $2 a day, $15 a month and $100 a year. The fee structure will be revisited in three months.

Council’s next meeting will be 6 p.m. Feb. 9 at city hall, 133 W. Carolina Ave.