Anderson County Council unanimously approved the the Communications Department (911 Call Center) and its Technical Services wing, under the authority of the Anderson County’s Sheriff’s Office.
"There is something wrong with 911 and I think the sheriff can fix it," said Councilwoman Gracie Floyd before the vote. "That’s why we need to move 911 under the sheriff."
In a split vote, council also approved the second part of the proposal which transfers Anderson County Emergency Management Department to the Sheriff’s Office. Despite strong objections from three council members, the resolution pased with the understanding that the Emergency Services Director would still report to the county administrator.
“There are only three other counties in the state that do this,” said Councilman Eddie More who opposed the move. “It’s about separation of power.”
Meanwhile, a resolution to temporarily suspend reimbursement for all out-of-state travel was approved, but an amendment to the motion by Councilman Tom Allen allowing council members to receive reimbursements for out-of-state travel for economic development and other situations, such as grants, was also approved, allowing such travel to continue within those parameters.
Earlier, council approved the final reading of a resolution revising of the policy to limit the number of county-owned vehicles which can be driven home at after work hours by county employees.
Council was also asked by S.C. Rep. Don Bowen to move on changing the boundaries of of the special purpose district in the West Anderson Water District to coincide with the Anderson City limits. Bowen said after extensive investigation, it was made clear to him that county council held the authority approve the change. Bowen said people in that area in question, notably in the Loblolly Pines subdivision, were paying water rates significantly higher than those of their neighbors in the water district not living in the special purpose district. (As much as double the rates in some cases). Bowen said even though the city had asked for some time to review the information, he asked council to move ahead Tuesday night to go ahead and set the wheels in motion to move the the special district lines for water to reflect the city limits lines.
Bowen’s resolution was defeated, but council did agree unanimously to meet with city, citizens and other interested parties to pursue options for addressing the issue.
Only Tuesday night, council also:
Approved a bid of $297,996 from Pickens Construction as a change order to increase the county paving contract to include City of Belton and City of Anderson streets.
Approved the acceptance of Wakefield and Wren Tree Subdivisions into the county road system.
Agreed to form an ad hoc committee to look into recycling and solid waste issues in the county.