Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
A crowd of family and friends came out to support the newly elected councilman Robert Sanders (middle) when he took the oath of office on January 1.
Councilman Rodger Arnold is sworn in for his second term by Rep. Lonnie Hosey. His wife and program committee chairperson, Judy, held the Bible.
Mayor of Kline William Cave is sworn in for another term by Representative Lonie Hosey.
After the mayor, an incumbent, and a newly elected council member were sworn in to serve the Town of Kline on January 10, the council approved the 2024 budget with minor changes.
Mayor William Cave, returning councilman Rodger Arnold, and newly elected councilman Robert Sanders all took the oath of office. Sanders is filling the seat previously held by Milton Harden, who did not run for reelection.
After family and friends left from the swearing in ceremony, the council met for their monthly meeting.
On the council sits Mayor Cave and council members Wayne Still, Jesus Ortiz, Sanders, and Arnold. Mayor Cave’s daughter Patricia Cave-Moore was appointed as the new town clerk, taking the place of Shekinah Williams who served for 10 years.
One of the main topics of discussion was the 2024 budget totaling $39,259.
Salary and compensation totals $2,200 including clerk ($600) and council compensation ($1,300), as well as legal fees ($300).
Town operation totaled $33,359, including items such as utilities, insurance, landscaping, the mayor’s cellphone and mileage, internet, repairs, and more.
The programming budget totals $3,700 for events such as the tree lighting, back to school bash, and annual donations.
The town also allocated $100 to be donated in the event an employee is in the hospital, and a celebratory $50 if the child of an employee graduates.
The only change the council made to the budget was increasing the allotment for the council dinner from $35 per person to $50 per person.
In 2023, the budget came to the same total.
Demolition of old pump house
The council has opted to tear down the old pump house along the railroad tracks in town. This building was primarily in use from the 1940s to 1960s, and has since fallen into disrepair.
According to Mayor Cave, this building is somewhat historical, leading the council to give the public ample notice before demolition.
“Anytime you do something that will impact the people…the protocol is to make it known to the Town of Kline that we are going to tear down the pump house,” said Mayor Cave.
Other updates:
Trash pickup from S&S Disposal has been canceled at the firehouse in Kline because of issues with service. Mayor Cave explained after speaking with the fire chief it was decided to bring the little trash created by the department to the landfill instead.
Mayor Cave updated council about recently replaced light sensors and outlets around town.
The council agreed to hire someone to hang the sign and power wash the exterior of the fire station, as well as paint the pump house.
The sign at the town hall fell due to bad weather on January 9. Councilman Ortiz suggested ways to better secure the sign after replacement such as reframing it and adding supports. The mayor is looking into options to replace or repair the sign.
