By Sarah Richardson
At the December meeting of the White Sulphur Springs City Council, Commissioner Ryan Lockhart reports that the general revenue account for the City has an excess revenue of $42,750.97, with a general fund year-to-date revenue of 168,965.75. “Considering the fiscal year runs July 1 to June 30, this is phenomenal,” said Lockhart. “We are on track to be really fiscally conservative this year.”
The water fund month-to-date excess revenue shows $28,993.67, and year-to-date excess revenue of $224,634.28. The sewer fund month-to-date revenue is $25,820.40, and $94,867.43 year-to-date.
Mayor Kathy Glover reports, “We have a lot of projects pending, and some that are ongoing.” She reports that the Route 60 Sewer Project is “unfortunately one of the most major projects that we’ve had to undertake,” adding that the project is being funded by grant money, and that they have no control over the schedule. After the project started in July 2023, she reports they are currently “back on track” and will be finishing up their work near April’s Pizza and Homegrown at the head of Rt. 92.
“Unfortunately, it is an inconvenience,” she said, and that “timing could have been better,” but noted she has been in touch with the project’s engineering firm, and they reported that they are 60-some percent complete with the project overall. She advises the public to try and use alternate roads when construction is ongoing to keep traffic moving.
The Ridges Project, another grant-funded project, is awaiting an attorney to complete his work, along with a federal report, before it can continue. The stormwater project is “moving forward,” and Glover said they will be appointing someone to be in charge of obtaining the roughly 60 right-of-way permits that must be obtained before the project can get started in the early part of 2025. The wasterwater chemical building will go out to bid in January 2025.
Commissioner Lockhart said that there are discussions for “a small increase” to the police fee, which has not been increased since 2012. “We have not made any decision,” he noted. “We’re still examining what the expenses are and the total revenue.” Lockhart later explained that the police budget is $733,000 to run the department with eight full-time officers. This includes police vehicles, safety equipment, insurance, salaries, and more. He reports that the police fee built onto the water bill expects to raise $92,000.
Councilmember Audrey Van Buren reports that Falcon Football has ended for the year, and noted that City maintenance crews have done a great job with maintenance for the sports seasons.
Councilmember G.P. Parker said that his son asked why the city doesn’t have a statue recognizing Katherine Coleman Johnson, and he floated the idea of starting this project. “I could start [that conversation] and see if there is interest,” he said. Mayor Glover agreed.
In other news, Glover introduced Christine Stump as the new City Attorney. Councilmember Thomas Taylor noted that the Mayor can appoint the attorney, and the council must then approve the hire, citing State Code. Thomas also said that an advisory opinion from the Ethics Commission cites the same sentiments. Council met in executive session to discuss this item before reconvening in regular session and approving her appointment as City Attorney.
In other news, Council approved $300 to go toward GEHS Project Graduation 2025, a payment for the Route 60 East Sewer project for $21,103.01, and an estimate for parts totaling $1,057.30 and heavy-duty tires for $1,193.88 for the city’s Bobcat Skid Steer totaling $2,251.18. Council also approved a request from the Fire Department for a plaque for a Berkley County firefighter Jeremy Taylor, who passed away recently and helped the City of White Sulphur following the 2016 floods. The council approved the request. A change request was for roughly $21,103.01 was also approved for additional services by E.L. Robinson Engineering, and council amended the original motion to include this amount.
Municipal elections will be held on Tuesday, June 10. Positions for Mayor, Recorder, and five councilpersons will be on the ballot. Candidates must be at least 18 years of age, be a resident of the municipality, and not be under conviction of a felony or other disqualification. The candidate filing period is Jan. 13, 2025 through Jan. 25, 2025. Contact White Sulphur Springs City Hall for more information.
