Residents press council for transparency on mill increases and raise traffic, drainage concerns

Residents used the citizen-comment portion of the Easley City Council meeting to press for more transparency on proposed property-tax (mill) increases and to raise public-safety and drainage concerns.

At the start of public comments, Jenny McJunken said she was not ‘‘entirely opposed to a mill increase'' but asked the council to explain how the previous year's mill increase had been spent and to provide more detail before approving another increase. "This would be the sixth year in a row of a mill increase," McJunken said. "Where did that money go? I would love to hear that talked about." Her remarks cited support for higher municipal employee salaries but urged clearer accounting of prior increases.

Scott Schroeder, a homeowner who said he lives near the top of a hill by Easton Elementary, urged the council to provide more resources for traffic safety and enforcement. "The traffic issue is ... a matter of danger to public safety, particularly on my, the top of my hill where I live across the street from Easton Elementary," Schroeder said. He asked council members to back additional measures to protect pedestrians and slow traffic.

John Wallace, who said he lives on Carnoustie Drive, thanked the council for assistance addressing a local drainage issue and said he spent $6,000 installing drainage on his property. He also thanked the Easley Police Department for providing security at his church.

Council members noted the city is in its annual budget season and encouraged residents to submit feedback. Councilman Robinson said he appreciated public input in support of increased first responders and expanded services and invited residents to schedule meetings by email (ltalbert@cityofeasley.com) or leave messages.

The meeting record does not show the council taking immediate budget votes; staff said budget deliberations will continue with public input ahead of formal adoption.