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Florence council expands water and sewer bond projects, earmarks $80 million for water-quality work
Summary
Council approved first reading of an ordinance broadening projects covered by a previously authorized bond; city officials said the package increases the planned surface-water capacity and sets aside $80 million to address high-iron "brown water."
City officials told the Florence City Council they plan to expand the definition of projects covered under a previously authorized water and sewer bond ordinance to include additional sewer maintenance, an interceptor upgrade and immediate work to address water-quality problems.
The council approved first reading of Bill 2025-26, which amends Ordinance 2024-14 and expands the list of capital improvements that may be funded under combined water works and sewer system revenue bonds the city previously authorized in 1985 (as amended). City staff said the ordinance would allow the city to include projects such as sewer maintenance in East Florence, improvements to the Timmonsville-Florence interceptor and work addressing recurring Jeffersons Creek issues.
City Manager Scottie Davis described the package's scale and timing: the city now plans to increase surface-water capacity from 10,000,000 to 15,000,000 gallons per day and is allocating $80,000,000 of the bond proceeds to water-quality work intended to reduce the high iron content that residents have reported as "brown water." Davis said the larger program would rely on multiple funding sources and estimated the overall program of projects would be at least a five-year effort. He said the city hopes to close financing in October and begin work after design and contracting are complete.
Davis emphasized contingencies for the schedule: weather, contractor availability, supply-chain and pricing risks could extend timelines. The council voted in favor of first reading; staff said subsequent steps will include engineering, bidding, and scheduling for construction phases.
Ending: The amended bond ordinance remains subject to follow-up council readings and final financing arrangements; staff said individual project schedules will be published as contracts are awarded.
