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Council pauses clarifier bid, advances budget priorities and equipment requests
Summary
At a Batesburg-Leesville council meeting, leaders reviewed 2025–26 budget priorities including a proposed 3% cost-of-living increase, a compensation study, and multiple capital-equipment requests; the town paused moving forward with a wastewater-clarifier low bid after it came in well above engineer estimates and scheduled regional contract talks.
Mayor-led discussion at the Batesburg-Leesville town council meeting reviewed a wide set of proposed 2025–26 annual action items, focusing on utilities, capital equipment and personnel costs.
The council sought a 3% cost-of-living increase for town employees and heard that a compensation and classification study should finish in the fall, with funds possibly earmarked for mid-year implementation of initial recommendations. "I have the goal of earmarking funds in the budget that would allow for a mid-year implementation of those initial recommendations," the mayor said.
On utilities, staff reported work on an automated meter-reading/advanced meter infrastructure program and a valve-analysis study funded by a CDBG grant. The council discussed decommissioning parts of the town's water plant and related pump stations, with bidding for decommissioning anticipated in early 2026. "The water project completion by the end of the year... the majority of our work will be done this summer," the mayor said.
The meeting also included an update on a RAIA grant for upgrades to the wastewater clarifiers. While the town received $1 million in grant funds, the low bid for the project arrived at $2,573,133 — far above earlier engineer estimates of roughly $1.3–$1.4 million. The mayor said he "tapped the brakes" on proceeding given the high bid and the potential overlap with the proposed North Fork Commerce Park work, and that staff will meet with Thomas & Hutton, Western South Carolina and Aiken County before moving forward.
Councilmembers raised equipment needs across departments. Utilities prioritized a new mini excavator and a heavy trailer; the current jet truck (a 2002 model) also needs replacement. The street department requested a new front loader (estimated about $100,000) to replace its backhoe for limb work. Police staff requested six SUVs after a recent total loss of a vehicle; the mayor noted the fleet conversation included options such as an electric Mustang for some uses.
The article reflects discussion only; no formal votes were recorded on the clarifier or equipment purchases during the session. The council scheduled follow-up meetings and executive-session contract discussions with regional partners to clarify scope and agreements for the North Fork Commerce Park and related wastewater work.
Next steps: staff will meet with Thomas & Hutton and regional partners and return recommended contract language and cost options to council; grant deadlines (notably the RAIA and CDBG closeouts) remain critical scheduling constraints.
