Council to vote on library, animal control funding

Florence County Council will vote Thursday to begin work on more than $1 million worth of projects, including a new Johnsonville branch library and an additional animal control facility bay in Effingham.

The funding has been appropriated from the county’s 2008 Capital Project Fund.

The county is considering $260,000 to build a third bay at the new animal control facility, which is under construction.

Councilman Morris Anderson said the additional holding area had been in the original plan, but was deleted because of a lack of funds at the time.

“It would be a great savings to the county if we can do it while these folks are there” building the new facility, he said.

The funding also includes $200,000 for construction of a new Johnsonville library. The state Legislature also has given the library $550,000, of which $100,000 went toward the purchase of a new library site, Florence County Library System Director Ray McBride said.

The new library is expected to cost about $2 million, the same as new Olanta and Timmonsville branches.

The remaining funding is broken down as follows:

• $200,000 for recreation improvements in the Pamplico area,
• $125,000 for recreation improvements in the Timmonsville area,
• $161,000 to pave a parking lot at Savannah Grove Park,
• and $100,000 for improvements to Greenwood Park recreational facility.

Council also will vote Thursday to apply for a state Community Development Block Grant program to buy public computer equipment for the new Olanta and Timmonsville branch libraries. The project would cost $118,747, which would require a 25-percent match that would come from library funds previously allocated by the county.

Council also will consider third and final reading of an amendment that aims to let property owners know whether a parcel of land has passed a soil percolation, or “perc,” test, which determines whether a parcel can support a septic tank. Under the amendment, a plat would be stamped to show whether the property has a septic tank permit or whether no test has been performed.

Council also will hold a public hearing and second reading of an updated Economic Element to the county’s comprehensive plan, which the state requires for a local government to apply zoning to properties. The county is performing a 10-year update of the plan.

The element describes the characteristics and status of the local economy, including its work force and industry. It also offers economic policy goals for the county.

Council on Thursday also is scheduled to hold an executive session to discuss a contractual matter related to the Florence Museum of Art, Science and History; another contractual matter concerning real property transactions; and pending legal matters.

Council also is scheduled to recognize Jolette Law, the only female Harlem Globetrotter from 1990 to 1994, for her achievements.

In other business, council is expect to vote:

• To accept a U.S. Justice Department Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant worth $20,396 for the purchase of mobile radios and accessories for Florence County Detention Center staff members.
• To award the lowest compliant bid of $20,250 by Architectural Floor Solutions of Clemson for a low-profile raised floor at the county’s Emergency Operations Center.
• To approve $22,217 in Road System Maintenance Fee funding for MBC stone and crushed asphalt for Devonshire Road near Lake City.

IF YOU’RE GOING

WHAT: Florence County Council regular meeting, including a public hearing on the updated Economic Element of the county’s comprehensive plan

WHEN: 9 a.m. Thursday

WHERE: Room 803 of the Florence City-County Complex, 180 N. Irby St.

INFO: Call Clerk to County Council Connie Y. Haselden at (843) 665-3035