Darlington council approves consultants for wastewater study and electrical-bond review; several motions pass 5-0

Darlington Town Council on May 7 approved several administrative motions, including a non-binding task order with United Consulting to evaluate the town's wastewater system and an engagement letter with Krohn and Associates to review the town's electrical bond and advise as needed.

Scot Siple of United Consulting gave a brief statement on the benefits of retaining a consulting firm for the wastewater plant. After discussion, Council member Jeremy Weliever moved to approve a non-binding task order for United Consulting; President Nicole Parker seconded the motion, and it passed 5-0. Mr. Siple will return at the June meeting to review the task order and provide additional information on long-term planning for the plant.

The council also approved an engagement letter from Krohn and Associates for a pay-as-needed contract to review the electrical bond and consult on other town electrical issues. The motion to approve the engagement letter was made by Jennifer Flaugher and seconded by Vice President Teresa Sutherlin; the motion passed 5-0.

In routine business, the council approved the April 2, 2026 meeting minutes (motion by Jennifer Flaugher, second by Jeremy Weliever) and approved the payroll docket, accounts receivable and appropriations report for April 2026 (motion by Marilyn Cohee, second by Teresa Sutherlin); both motions passed unanimously (5-0). Council noted that these reports are emailed to members before meetings for review.

Council received additional information that will return as old business: a possible right-of-way easement at the corner of 500/School Street will be reviewed further at the next meeting. The council also noted there was no update on the speed board (replacement parts are still pending) and received an update spreadsheet on community center April finances. Clerk-Treasurer Michelle Cash distributed information about a proposed AT&T telephone system for the town.