Council Gives Final Ok to Sunday Alcohol Referendum; Supports Salvation Army Expansion

By Greg Wilson, Anderson Observer

Anderson County Council gave final approval Tuesday night to a referendum to allow voters to decide on Sunday alcohol sales. There was no opposition to the vote.

If approved, the alcohol referendum would allow businesses, non-profit organizations and other groups to sell alcoholic beverages countywide on Sundays. 

Council earlier said the two-question referendum on Sunday alcohol sales is the result of local businesses expressing concern that they are at a disadvantage because of the current laws. The City of Anderson already allows the sale of alcoholic beverages on Sunday, and may of these are next door or across the road from other businesses just outside the city limits.   

Voters will be asked to answer two questions considering the proposal:  

1.  “Shall the South Carolina Department of Revenue be authorized to issue temporary permits in this county for a period not to exceed twenty-four hours to allow the possession, sale, and consumption of alcoholic liquors by the drink to bona fide nonprofit organizations and business establishments otherwise authorized to be licensed for consumption-on-premises sales?” 
2. “Shall the Department of Revenue be authorized to issue temporary permits in this county for a period not to exceed twenty-four hours to allow the sale of beer and wine at permitted off-premises locations without regard to the days or hours of sales?” 

Six members of council also joined forces Tuesday night to provide $21,500  to help fund an expansion of ministry at the Salvation Army. Anderson County Councilman Craig Wooten, who put forth the pleas for support gave $8,000 toward the effort. Each council member contributed except for Anderson County Councilwoman Gracie Floyd.

The project will bring at least 20 additional beds to the Salvation Army facility, which currently has 47 permanent spaces; 14 for women, 18 for men, 13 for families and two emergency beds. Since 2016, the number of overnight stays at the shelter has doubled, said Captain Rob Dolby of the Anderson Salvation Army. More on the project details here. 

"I want to commend the Salvation Army and the work they do," Anderson County Councilman Ray Graham. "It's an honor to be able to support the effort." 

"It's an incredible ministry," said Anderson County Council Woman Cindy Wilson.

Also on Tuesday night: 

Approved, on second reading, a series of agreements to allow the county to spend up to $5.4 million. The funds, already included in the budget, will be used in part for the purchase of vehicles and property. 

Approved, on second reading, $2.8 million for plans to expand the Starr-Iva Landfill which is nearing capacity. The expansion will be paid by new debt service payment of $289,000. The current debt service payment of $358.000 wil be complete this year, so the new funds for expansion could represent some savings. A mulcher/grinder machine for the site is also being considered. The machine would cost approximately $550,000, with an estimated $75,000 per year additional cost to run the new equipment. More information here: https://youtu.be/3pdCg_QUZp0 The mulch created at the facility would be free to Anderson County citizens. 

Approved, on first reading, a tax-incentive agreement to work with the City of Anderson to help develop unused buildings in downtown Anderson to recruit and bring in new businesses. The buildings are directly across South Main Street from City Hall. The buildings are being renovated for commercial use. The infrastructure credit agreement will allow investors to pay reduced property taxes on those properties.

Approved, on first reading, the collaborative project with the City of Anderson for a $12 million, 90-bed hotel downtown at the corner of South Main and East Market Streets.