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Laurens County staff update capital projects, proclaims Emergency Management Awareness Month
Summary
Thomas and Hutton updated council on 16 capital-sales-tax projects (parks, library, courthouse, AgCenter, evidence facility, shelter), staff noted an estimated funding gap for the AgCenter; council also issued a proclamation for Emergency Management Awareness Month and recognized EM coordinator Korlando Glenn.
Laurens County received a status update Aug. 11 on 16 capital projects funded through the capital sales tax referendum, and the council issued a proclamation declaring August 2025 as Emergency Management Awareness Month.
Carl Becker of Thomas and Hutton briefed the council on multiple projects: parks and recreation upgrades (several playgrounds completed; 14 basketball goals and 21 picnic shelters installed), Cleveland Regional Library (approximately 12,000 square feet, ribbon-cut April 27; punch-list work continuing), the historic courthouse exterior renovation (expected completion with hardscaping by late year), the AgCenter (exchange building and horse arena largely renovated, remaining items outstanding), the Clemson Extension Building (exterior about 90% complete), an evidence storage facility near the county jail, upgrades to the county animal shelter, and other road and utility projects including water tower replacement and airport terminal improvements.
Becker and county staff addressed questions about fencing and remaining work at the AgCenter. Staff estimated an additional $2,200,000 would be needed to finish the building, and noted construction costs have risen substantially since the project began. The county previously budgeted roughly $750,000 for interior work; committee members are pursuing grants and other funding to close remaining gaps, staff said.
The council read a proclamation recognizing Emergency Management Awareness Month and applauded Korlando Glenn, the county's emergency-management coordinator, for completing the South Carolina Emergency Center's basic academy; Sonny Latta presented the certificate. Interim Administrator Kirkland also reminded the public that special appropriation grant applications are due Aug. 15 at 5 p.m.; staff will compile applications for council review on Sept. 1 with allocations anticipated by Sept. 30.
Appointments: council approved two Greens Board appointments (Bertha Rice and Janice Robertson) in a recorded vote noted on the transcript as "6 0."
