Laurens County Council Chairman Joe Wood last night called it “the big one.” He was referring to action about the long-discussed problem of rural fire stations needing repair in the county, and the need for additional stations to reduce areas not within five miles of a station. Council last night gave 1st reading approval to Ordinance 781. If given final approval, this will provide for issuing up to $2,450,000 in general obligation bonds for repairs and constructions of fire stations in the Laurens County. Voting against issuing the fire bonds were council members David Pitts and Stuart Jones. The newest member of council, Jones said “I want it known that I am 100% percent repairing and replacing the existing fire stations, but I am not for a tax increase to pay for it.”
Pending 2nd reading approval, plans are for the public hearing and third reading on the matter March 24th.
Meanwhile, County Administrator Ernie Segars announced that there will be an open house at the Ekom Fire Station on February 28th, from 10 am until noon. That station was reconstructed after being destroyed by fire.
In other action last night, County Council unanimously approved allocations of the Laurens County Accommodation Tax as requested by Andy Howard, director of the Laurens County Parks, Recreation and Tourism. Council also unanimously approved new appointments to the Laurens County Grievance Committee.