Cayce council authorizes negotiation for public artwork worth up to $355,000

Cayce City Council voted unanimously on Feb. 3 to authorize the City Manager to negotiate an agreement with Thomas Dambo Art for the design, fabrication, shipment and installation of a public artwork on city property, in an amount not to exceed $355,000.

Mayor Elise Partin said the project would be funded with Accommodations Tax and Hospitality Tax funds and noted that private donations and other options could supplement the amount. She said the agreement would include "such minor changes as the City Manager deems necessary in consultation with the City Attorney and subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney and the availability and appropriation of funds." The motion to authorize negotiation was made by Council Member Tiffany Aull and seconded by Council Member Alice Rose; the roll-call vote was unanimous.

City Manager Michael Conley will be authorized to finalize the agreement terms in consultation with City Attorney James Smith. The minutes record that the item followed an executive session that included discussion of a proposed economic development project and related contractual matters. The council did not provide additional technical specifications, a timeline for installation, or a precise funding breakdown in the minutes.

The council's action is procedural authorization to negotiate and execute a contract subject to legal review and the appropriation of funds; the minutes do not state that contract execution had already occurred or include a signed agreement as of the Feb. 3 meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 9:09 p.m.