Busy Meeting Earlier This Week for Pickens County Council

Pickens County Council had a busy meeting on Monday of this week. Earlier, we reported the council approved $500,000 to fund a new childcare facility in the former Easley YMCA building, but many other items were addressed. Allison Fowler, director of community and tourism development, proposed changes to the accommodations tax (ATAX) application process, which the council unanimously approved.

County Administrator Ken Roper reported on the implementation of the county’s compensation study, clarifying that 675 employees received salary adjustments and addressing misinformation about cost-of-living adjustments for first responders. Roper also highlighted issues with tire recycling, citing 1.3 million tires recycled last year, and announced changes to the location of tire recycling bins.

The council unanimously approved resolutions and ordinances, including a pedestrian traffic study for the Pickens County Detention Center, a renewed lease for Mile Creek Park, and the development of an industrial/business park with Oconee County. Recreation funding for each district was discussed, with some amendments and recommendations moved to the next council meeting.

Additionally, an executive session was held to discuss a proposed agreement with Realtylink for Speedway Industrial Park expansion incentives, with no vote taken afterward.

The next Pickens County Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 5, at 6:30 p.m. in council chambers at Pickens Administration Facility, 222 McDaniel Ave., Pickens.