Estill council advances first readings of water and solid-waste rate increases

At a special called meeting on May 28, 2025, the Town of Estill council advanced first readings of proposals to raise water and solid-waste service rates.

Town Administrator Joshua Richardson told the council the proposed water increase is needed in part because of prison funding pressures and said he had consulted with the LowCountry Council of Government about steps that could help residents manage higher bills. Richardson described the proposals as part of a budget adjustment but did not provide final rates or an effective date during the meeting.

Councilman James Williams moved the first reading of the water increase proposal; Councilwoman Synetria McQuire seconded. The council recorded a 3-0 vote to advance the ordinance’s first reading. Mayor Corrin F. Bowers asked for the motion on the solid-waste services increase later in the meeting; Councilman Williams moved, Councilwoman McQuire seconded, and the council again voted 3-0 to advance the first reading.

The record shows an earlier procedural vote to approve the meeting agenda passed 4-0; the minutes and votes for the first readings list 3-0 tallies. The transcript does not specify which members cast the three recorded votes or whether any member abstained from those specific roll calls. The meeting attendance list shows Mayor Pro Tem Tammy Solomon as absent.

No final approvals or second readings were recorded; council members did not set specific dates for further readings or adoption during the special meeting. The measures will return for whatever next steps the council’s ordinance process requires.