Meeting Minutes – April 23, 2024
The Little Mountain Town Council met in special session on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at the Derrick Center. Present for the meeting were Mayor Jana Jayroe, Council Members, Marty Frick, Steve White, and Patrick Bowers. Newly elected candidate Mary Buntin was also present. Buntin will take the oath of office at the May 2024 meeting. Mayor Jayroe called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm and the invocation was given by Council Member White.
Mayor Jayroe started the discussion on the 24-25 Operating Budget. Mayor Jayroe briefly went through the budget process to explain how the millage rate is set. The council reviewed the twelve-month worksheet of actual expenses. After review, it was determined that a millage increase would be necessary to meet the financial needs of the town. A motion was made by White to increase the millage by approved state rate when released. Frick seconded the motion and the motion carried 4-0. Mayor Jayroe commented that she expects this to be 4.12%.
Council reviewed the Election Ordinance and discussed the transfer of power to the Newberry County Voter Registration and Election Office. As a part of the ordinance, the town will also begin complying with the municipal election day held on the first Tuesday in November of odd years. By doing so, the current terms of Mayor, Seat 1 and Seat 2 will be extended to November 2025. It was noted that due to the upcoming resignation of Council Member White, Seat 4 will be vacant. The election for Seat 4 will be held in November 2024. To complete the transfer to the odd year elections, Seat 4 (after filling) and Seat 3 terms will be extended to 2027. Council Member Frick motioned to approve transfer of authority to the county through the ordinance to include the election process transfer from the general election date to the municipal election date. The motion was seconded by White and carried 4-0. The first reading of the election ordinance will be held in May.
Bids were received for the removal of the limb and debris at Rocky Branch. Council Members Bowers and Frick were able to use their equipment to complete the job. The town clerk will notify the vendors. Mayor Jayroe would like for a safety check of tree limbs to be completed in June or July at Reunion Park as a safety precaution for the Reunion.
Council Member Frick presented a bid for the painting of columns at the Derrick Center and painting stages at the Reunion Park stage. The bid included pressure washing prior to painting. The pressure washing included sidewalks around the center. Frick will contact the vendor to amend the bid without pressure washing the sidewalks.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:50 pm.
Respectfully submitted by:
Cindy Farr, Town Clerk