Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
The Williston Town Council approved the purchase of a new truck, discussed pending water-related projects, and voted on holiday hours at their September 9 meeting.
NEW TRUCK PURCHASED
The town council unanimously approved the $38,309.50 purchase of a brand new 2024 Ford Ranger for the water department for daily use and smaller projects.
“We have a vehicle that is really struggling, and have a chance to capitalize on a good truck for a good price,” said Mayor Brett Williams.
The truck is being purchased with the current Capital Project Sales Tax (CPST) funding that voters passed in 2016. The town listed this purchase as project #3 on the 2016 CPST referendum list.
According to administrator Michael Beasley, the town is also exploring options to purchase a dump truck.
WATER SYSTEM GRANTS & UPDATE
Implementation of the filtration project funded through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) is underway. Sewer lines for filtration system backwash and testing have been installed, witnessed, and approved.
Moving forward, a new filtration system will be installed in January 2025. This is a large and expensive system that Beasley finds will “help tremendously in filtering our water system.”
The S.C. Infrastructure Investment Program (SCIIP) funding for wastewater treatment facility upgrades such as a pond liner and equipment replacement is also underway. Sludge from the pond is set to be removed and sent to be processed in Richmond County, Georgia in September.
The Elko Street and Industrial Boulevard wells are also set to be upgraded with SCIIP funding.
The entirety of SCIIP funded projects must be completed by December 2026.
EVENT INSURANCE POLICY
As previously reported by The People-Sentinel, events on town property held by outside organizations, groups, and individuals must now have insurance coverage.
Organizations or individuals holding events on town property must now contact their insurance provider to have the Town of Williston listed as an additional insured for liability purposes. A copy of this policy with the town added must be provided before the event can be approved.
Event handlers can use their own policies, but must provide it to the town before event approval. The town also offers insurance options, which are available on their website, https://www.williston-sc.com/.
“The costs vary based on what you do. If you have a small event without a lot of folks involved, then you will pay a lesser policy amount,” said Beasley.
The town will not profit from these policies, but will be protected in the event of injury or emergency during an event being held on town property.
This became effective on September 16, 2024.
UPCOMING HOLIDAYS
The Town of Williston will be observing Halloween on October 31, from 6 to 8 p.m. The annual trunk-or-treat hosted by the Williston Recreation & Activities Committee will be held on October 19, 2024 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Academy Street field.
The Williston Town Hall will be closed for holidays on the following dates:
MILITARY MEMORIAL BANNERS
The town is now accepting orders for flag banners to honor veterans. They are 18x44 banners made to be displayed on light poles.
The cost of each banner is $100 per side (front and back). Payment must be made prior to the creation of the banner.
These banners are guaranteed for five years with replacements and repairs allowed. The town will not be making profit on this project, but will be responsible for the transactions, storage, and display of the banners.
To honor a veteran, fill out the form, attach a photo of the veteran, and submit to kjerkins@williston-sc.com by September 30, 2024 to meet the November Veterans Day deadline.
MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION MEETING
Councilmembers Kurt Odermatt and Judy Taylor alongside town clerk Kayla Jerkins attended the Municipal Association of South Carolina’s Small Cities Summit in August, which they found to be beneficial.
The summit offers municipalities insight and best practices in financial management, strategies to develop effective budgets, and more. It had a panel on the makeup of a dysfunctional council through a theatrical presentation so those in attendance could see what not to do.
“What was really impressive was the first half of the day, everything they talked about we were already compliant, so we are doing things that they are trying to push the small towns to do,” said Odermatt. “It was very insightful.”
FIRE DEPARTMENT BLITZ
The Williston Fire Department (WFD), along with the American Red Cross, held a smoke alarm blitz on September 7.
The Williston Fire Department installed 58 smoke detectors in 14 homes on September 7 as part of their annual Smoke Alarm Blitz.
WFD installed 59 alarms in 14 homes, and were presented with the Community Risk Reduction (CRR) plaque and certificate for 2023.
“A big thanks to all the members and a special shout out to firefighters Jonalyn Miller and Kathy Hunt for taking the lead on our CRR initiatives,” said Chief John Melton.
NEW POLICE OFFICER
Williston Police Department (WPD) is now staffed with all certified officers after Stephen Munze graduated from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy as a Class 1 Officer. He will also be continuing to train as part of WPD’s Field Training Officer (FTO) program.
Officer Stephen Munze graduated from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy as a Class 1 Officer and will be joining the Williston Police Department.
“The FTO program allows us to further develop an officer's skills to better meet the needs of our community. So join us in welcoming Officer Munze to the best town there is!” said Chief James “Jeep” Gainey.
The town has also placed an order for new bullet proof vests for WPD officers.
BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE’S ONGOING PROJECTS
The town’s beautification committee was tasked with finding projects to help beautify Williston and identified six.
