City Council approves Concord Baptist Church expansion amid donut hole issue

The City of Anderson Council convened on April 28, 2025, to address several key agenda items, primarily focusing on a proposal concerning Concord Baptist Church. The meeting began with discussions regarding a parcel of land, referred to as a "donut hole," which is not within the city limits but is adjacent to the church's property.

Council members highlighted the challenges posed by this donut hole, particularly in relation to emergency services. The closest fire department, which is part of the city, would not be dispatched to incidents on this parcel, leading to potential delays in response times. Similarly, police services would be complicated, as the sheriff's department would typically respond unless the city police were specifically requested. Sanitation services also face issues due to the property’s status outside city limits.

The church has plans for expansion, which necessitates building permits and reviews that would be more efficiently managed if the property were incorporated into the city. The council noted that the Planning Commission had previously reviewed this matter and unanimously recommended approval for the annexation.

Following the presentation, Mayor Pro Tem made a motion to approve the request, which was seconded by Councilman John Roberts. The motion passed unanimously, indicating strong support for the church's integration into the city.

The meeting concluded with no new business on the agenda. The council then moved into an executive session to discuss personnel matters related to municipal court personnel, with no actions expected to be taken during this closed session.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to ensuring comprehensive service delivery and support for community institutions like Concord Baptist Church.