February 10 2025 Council Meeting

I attended the work session and then had a medical situation and did not attend the regular council meeting. I am fine so no worries!

Here is how I would have voted:

YES on Ordinance 2025-01 (first reading) to amend Title IX Section 99.01of the Easley Code.  The city attorney recommended this be amended. The wording was changed, nothing added and some things removed. He did not give the exact reason why this was changed when asked but he did say it was for clarification.

YES on Resolution 2025-02 and Resolution 2025-03. These re-appointments for assistant judges were so their terms were aligned. Makes it easier to keep up when they expire.

YES on Resolution 2025-04 Providing procedures for decennial redistricting in the city following the release of the 2020 Census data. This redistricting is done every ten years and is the process of redrawing the lines of the wards or districts from which public officials are elected. (Due to the Corona Virus, this was not done in 2021.)  The South Carolina Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office (RFA) will assist in this redistricting. They will provide data analysis and mapping services to the council.

I do want to share some highlights of the Mid Year Financial Committee Meeting held on January 30th. 

Expenses are on target. Revenues are typically lower mid year but that is due to business license fees are not due till April and property taxes not due until the end of the year. 

Financial audits: the 22-23 audit has been completed and corrective measures have been detailed.  Routines have been put into place to keep financials/bank reconciliations up to date.  

The 23-24 audit would begin next week with an estimated April date of the presentation to the council.

The committee members did a review of the expenses. There has been a significant reduction of expenses charged to the miscellaneous category.  Also the director explained that fund transfers will be done twice annually to show a more accurate interim financial position.  He also stated the city is waiting on FEMA for the emergency expenses related to Helene. There is an increase in professional fees due to two audits.  The increase in telecommunications is a result of a previous employee authorizing a telecommunications service review.

Mr. Herden did mention the accounting software was outdated and needed to be replaced.

I do want to commend Mr. Herden and his staff as they have done an awesome job! He and his staff have worked hard to get issues corrected and practices in place.