Mayor Frank: Anderson County’s finances strengthened; grants and cleanup cited as progress

Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank opened the annual State of the County address by telling commissioners and residents that the county is in a stronger fiscal position than it was a decade ago and that recent steps have reduced pressure on taxpayers. "The state of our county is strong, and it's strong because of the collective efforts of many," Frank said.

Frank listed metrics he said show improved fiscal health, telling the commission that the county’s available fund balance ratio stood at 34% of annual revenues and its liquidity ratio at 55% as of fiscal 2025. He said the county had been able to fund a new STEM-focused Claxton Elementary School without generating new revenue and pointed to about 23% cumulative wage increases for employees over five years as evidence of improved capacity to invest in services.

The mayor highlighted a string of grants and projects the county has pursued. He said non-ARP grants reached $28,922,507 this year and listed specific investments including state and federal grants for park improvements, health department renovations (nearly $900,000 from the state), and a planned EMS training facility funded in part through an ARC POWER grant. On public safety and infrastructure he said the county has prioritized ambulances, sheriff vehicles and highway equipment.

Frank cited the completion of a major environmental cleanup as a milestone: "In August, the US Environmental Protection Agency, in partnership with TDEC and Anderson County, announced the completion of a $10,700,000 cleanup at the American Nuclear Corporation Superfund site," he said, describing the work as removing contaminants and closing a long chapter of environmental risk.

He also summarized the county’s approach to opioid-settlement funds, saying a locally convened committee scored applications and recommended $427,444 in awards to 12 organizations for prevention, treatment and support services. Frank said the county intends to continue a targeted approach to addiction response.

On economic development, the mayor named a recent private-sector announcement: "On January 23, Centrus just announced a $567,000,000 investment and nearly 430 new jobs for our county," Frank said, presenting the investment as a major boost to opportunity and local wages.

Frank closed by asking for continued public input as the county prepares its 2026 budget, and he thanked county employees and elected officials for their work.

What’s next: The mayor signaled the commission’s budget workshop and upcoming decisions on priorities including a growth plan, a capital improvement plan and a salary survey; he did not propose a tax increase.