Greenwood, SC – Exciting Developments and Celebrations in Our Community!
Residents of Greenwood, we have some exciting news to share from Tuesday’s council meeting, alongside some heartwarming celebrations!
Sunny Days Ahead
Before we dive into the details of the meeting, here’s a little update on the weather! We’re in for a lovely sunny day with a high of 61°F. As the sun sets, expect clear skies with a cozy low of 34°F. With the winds being light and variable, it’s a perfect day to enjoy outdoor activities or simply relish a cup of coffee on your porch.
Greenwood County Council Pay Increase Proposal
In the latest council meeting, a significant topic of discussion was the potential pay increase for our Greenwood County Council members. After much consideration, the council moved one step closer to approving a $4,000 annual pay raise. This would mark a salary shift from $8,000 to $12,000 for members, while the chairperson’s pay would rise from $11,000 to $15,000. If approved in December, these pay adjustments would be effective from July 2025.
Council members Chuck Moates, Theo Lane, and Mark Allison voiced their support for the raise, noting that although it’s a service-driven role, fair compensation is vital. “This service, to sit in this chair, if you do your job right, demands a lot of you. I would take a bit of an alternative position to say that you need to at least compensate this position,” Lane said.
There’s a broad understanding that the raise is due. Compared with other counties in our population bracket, our council members’ pay has been relatively modest. Therefore, this proposal aims to bring Greenwood in line with counties like Cherokee and Oconee.
While most members supported the change, Council member Robbie Templeton expressed reservations. He highlighted concerns that high pay might attract individuals less driven by community service and more by monetary gain. “I think in some other communities where they have exorbitantly high council salaries, I think you get unqualified people because they are just chasing the money,” Templeton said.
Ninety Six High School Band’s Triumph
Alongside discussions of pay, the Greenwood community took a moment to celebrate a massive achievement. Our very own Ninety Six High School Band has achieved the status of champions! They were honored with a proclamation in recognition of their stellar performance, winning the 1A State Championship at the South Carolina Band Directors Association marching band competition.
Heartfelt Appreciation for Team Rubicon
In further uplifting news, the council, along with city members, took time to express gratitude towards Team Rubicon. These volunteers demonstrated incredible humanitarian effort, assisting in the cleanup after Hurricane Helene. Impressively, they contributed over 176,000 man-hours, supporting more than 283 individuals and clearing a whopping 325,000 cubic feet of debris! Operations manager Jim Lamen, along with Jeff Marshburn, proudly accepted the proclamation honoring their team.
Despite a significant agenda, the council meeting wrapped up smoothly, agreeing upon the next session scheduled for December 3 at 5:30 p.m. at the Greenwood County Library. These discussions truly reflect the community’s dedication to growth, transparency, and compassion. Stay tuned for more updates!
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