Hartsville council approves first readings of city budget and amendment, approves routine ordinances

The Hartsville City Council on May 13 approved the first reading of Ordinance 4491, the proposed city budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and also approved Ordinance 4494, the annual FY2024–25 budget amendment, both by voice vote.

Manager Daniel Moore presented Ordinance 4491 as a balanced budget that the administration said increases revenues and reduces costs in several areas. During the discussion Council asked about demolition funding; Moore said, “We still have $50,000 in it, although we are reviewing our strategic incentive zones, which might increase that number as we move forward.”

CFO Adam Calder described highlights of the budget amendment, noting transfers into the general fund and adjustments in the water and sewer funds driven by emergency repairs and the city’s switch to a new water/sewer contract. Calder said the amendment avoids use of accumulated surplus in some cases by using transfers that reimburse maintenance costs.

Council also approved on first reading Ordinance 4492 (amending the city code to allow certain nonprofit renovation projects to be exempt from permit fees while maintaining required permitting and contractor licensing) and Ordinance 4493 (annual renewal to lease a portion of alleyway at 120 South Fifth Street). Each ordinance passed first reading by voice vote.

The first readings move the measures forward to later consideration; no final adoptions were recorded at the meeting. The council adjourned into executive session later in the evening to discuss appointments.