Laurens City councilor discloses temporary utility disconnection, requests transparency

Councilor Sullivan (District 2) asked the council to enter a public statement describing a recent temporary disconnection of utilities at her home. She said the initial bill was paid but paid after the due date and that a subsequent business bill cycle added $1,500; she said financial hardship prevented bringing the full balance current before disconnection. Sullivan said she is financing two businesses and described the situation as a common entrepreneurial strain.

Sullivan also said she had made court filings that were denied and alleged what she described as a "coordinated smearing campaign based on false allegations," called for oversight and a fair process, and asked that her statement be entered into the minutes for the next regular meeting. The mayor expressed sympathy for her hardship but reminded members that procedural rules limit unscheduled matters and suggested she coordinate future agenda items with his office. Sullivan requested prayers and continued support and said she remains committed to serving District 2.

The statement in the transcript is a personal disclosure made on the council floor and not a formal council inquiry or action; council took no formal action on the content of the statement during the meeting.