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Kingstree council approves contracts and first readings; penny sales tax could bring $2.5 million
Summary
At its Aug. 18 meeting, the Kingstree Town Council authorized the town manager to contract with the Jenkinson, Kellahan & Thompson law firm, approved first readings of two ordinances (trash rate increase and business license class amendment), heard a presentation that Kingstree could receive $2.5 million from a county penny sales tax, and received public comment about sidewalks and a street hole.
The Kingstree Town Council on Aug. 18 unanimously authorized the town manager to enter a services agreement with the Jenkinson, Kellahan & Thompson law firm and approved first readings of two ordinances, while also hearing a county sales‑tax presentation that could channel $2.5 million to Kingstree for municipal building renovations.
Councilman Stan Williamson moved to authorize the town manager to contract with the Jenkinson, Kellahan & Thompson law firm; Councilman Frankie D. White seconded and the motion carried unanimously. The meeting record does not show further contract terms; the authorization directs the town manager to complete an agreement for services.
Councilwoman Michelle Butterworth moved approval of the first reading of Ordinance 2025‑05, a proposed trash rate increase; Councilman Derek Fitts seconded and the motion carried unanimously. Councilman Frankie D. White moved approval of the first reading of Ordinance 2025‑06, a business license class amendment; Councilwoman Stan Williamson seconded and that motion also passed unanimously. Both were first readings only; no final adoptions were recorded at the meeting.
Earlier in the meeting, Veronica Cooper presented an overview of a one‑cent Williamsburg County sales tax that will appear on the November ballot. Cooper said county revenue will be allocated in four priority tiers and that Kingstree stands to receive $2.5 million for municipal building renovations after required priority emergency system upgrades are completed. Cooper urged council and staff to help educate voters about the referendum.
During public comment resident Lily McGill raised longstanding concerns about utility poles blocking sidewalks, the lack of sidewalks in parts of town, and a hole on Madison Avenue. Town Manager Kippton W. Coker said the sidewalks and streets are under state jurisdiction, that the town has notified Duke Energy and the State previously, and that the Highway Department had been informed about the Madison Avenue hole. The record also shows the council entered an executive session and returned with no action taken.
The meeting closed after council members offered non‑agenda comments and expressions of thanks to the presenters. Councilman C.M. (Bubba) Hammet Jr. moved to adjourn; Councilwoman Michelle Butterworth seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
