City Council Unanimously Passes Budget

It was a full agenda for the Mauldin City Council on Monday evening. Here’s a recap: 

• What a difference a year makes. Last year, the city’s budget had the council sharply divided over what was dubbed a “City Services” fee.  This year, the city passed the budget unanimously. Among the key points from the $15.6 million budget:
  • The total budget is $1.2 million less than last year.
  • There was no fee increase and no reduction in services.
  • Unlike neighboring Simpsonville, which is seeing its sewer rate more than double, there will be no increase in Mauldin, just as it’s been since 2003. But City Administrator Trey Eubanks said next year, “the city will have tough decisions to make.”
  • There will be merit-increase raises for city employees at a rate of between 2.5-3 percent. The biggest budgetary decrease comes via capital expenses, which are $1.5 million than last year. Eubanks said the takeaway is “the hallmark of this city is a very high level of services and they will continue under this budget.”

• After returning from executive session, the council unanimously approved the release of $190,000 in funds to Able Constructors Inc. for work on the new fire station. It was the final payment on the project and it had been delayed due to an issue with Able’s sub-contractors. Council member Scott Crosby recused himself from the vote, citing a previous relationship with Able.
  • See photos of the Fire Station’s Grand Opening .

• Council was also updated on the property at Old Stage Road. The consultant working on the project said he expects the site to get the much sought-after certification it seeks from the Department of Commerce in the next month. 
  • Read .

• Kim Hamel, Mauldin's new Director of Business & Development Services was formally introduced to the Council. Monday was her first full day on the job.
• The city announced that Friday, June 22 will be Center for Community Services Day in Mauldin.
• Taylor Hoverman and Rachel Wyatt were recognized as Miss Greater Mauldin and Miss Greater Mauldin Teen. They will compete in Columbia for Miss South Carolina next month.
  • See .

• After a bit of confusion, the council voted 4-3 in favor of canceling committee meetings in July.
• And finally, a speaker, who moved to Mauldin from Detroit in the mid-1990s, thanked the council, Eubanks and department heads, “For making Mauldin a lovely place to live.”

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