At Westminster City Council Meeting Budget Discussed, New Electric Charging Station Opened and Employee Reported to have Violated City Policy

During a Tuesday night city council meeting, Westminster’s city administrator Kevin Bronson addressed a recent Facebook post regarding a city employee who had violated city policy by using a city vehicle to transport a child to school. Bronson stated that the employee is new to the city and likely did not realize the mistake…

The meeting also revealed the installation of a new electric vehicle charging station in a part of the city parking lot near the police station, with associated fees for usage.

During the meeting, the city council discussed the new budget for the upcoming year. The first reading of the proposed budget, which is approximately $28.5 million, received approval. A hearing will be held during the next city council meeting to allow the public to ask questions and comment on the budget.

City Administrator Bronson explained that the higher-than-normal budget includes funds received from the USDA and South Carolina’s Rural Infrastructure Authority. It’s projected that the property tax rate can be lowered by three and a half mills. However, the budget also includes fee increases for utility taps and penalties for late registration for recreation programs.

The new budget also includes pay increases for the city council members and the mayor. The mayor’s salary will be boosted to $12,000 per year, and city council members will see their salaries raised to $7,200 per year. These pay increases will be effective from January 1st, reflecting the new city council makeup following the next city election in November.