Five industrial prospects will have made, or will be in the process of making, their ways through the Laurens County Council incentives and approval process as the new year begins.
Briefed on the projects at their Jan. 12 meeting, Council gave unanimous approval to various incentives, fee in lieu of taxes agreements, and industrial park assignment measures. Just one of the five prospects was named - before 3rd and final reading, prospects generally are referred to by code-names for competitive reasons.
Adeptus USA LLC was identified as the industry behind a $93 Million, 126 new jobs prospect in the former Michelin distribution center at Metric Road, Laurens. A public hearing and final reading of the ordinance was conducted, and the industry will be included in the Octagon Industrial Park, which is not a physical place but a collection of industries located in various places (in a collaboration with Greenville County).
Project Floyd is a $68.6 Million, 50 jobs project in the Hunter Industrial Park, Laurens, going into an existing building. Council took the unusual step of having a public hearing before final reading - the industry had a last-minute issue with its real estate closing, but since the public hearing had been advertised (as though the project was going to get final reading), it was allowed to go forward.
Project Diamond is a new industry coming to the Clinton area in the city limits. It’s a $9 Million, 70 new jobs project. Previously, council was told it will behind the Nordsom plant, and at Monday’s meeting it was referenced that it would be “behind the truck stop”. This was the 2nd of 3 readings, and council gave 2nd reading to an ordinance to create the Clinton Industrial Park (in a collaboration with Spartanburg County; of the revenues, 25% goes to School District 56, 25% to the City of Clinton, 25% to Laurens County, and 25% to the Laurens County economic development fund).
Project Palmetto is a company moving its headquarters to Laurens County, with a $19 Million, 57 new jobs project. An inducement resolution and first reading of an ordinance were approved unanimously. Discussion indicated it will be in The Connexial Center, a local/state industrial area off I-385 near Gray Court.
Finally, Project Basel amends a current industrial agreement, as an existing industry changes its agreement with a $49 Million original investment that now is over $109 Million. Its ordinance was approved “by title only,” and Council Vice-chairman Matthew Brownlee abstained from this vote.
In other business, council heard from Treasurer Cynthia Burke that her office would become just the 3rd in the state, behind Spartanburg and Aiken, to provide one-stop-shopping for vehicle registrations, reducing the amount of time standing in line at the Treasurer’s Office to pay vehicle taxes and then at the DMV to pay for and acquire licenses plates and renewal stickers.
Council agreed to buy 1 & 3 Gallon St., Laurens, for $75,000 to facilitate a stormwater improvement project that is federally funded.
Council agreed to have a second meeting quarterly on the 4th Monday to allow citizens to bring forth any topic they want to the governing body. This is in place of public comments at the 2nd Monday regular meeting which now are for agenda items only.
Pertaining to the Potters Field burial ground for indigent people (near the county airport), Council agreed that the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce Foundation can be designated as a collection point for anyone who wants to donate money to the burial ground’s upkeep. At least one donation already has been made, council was told.
In Council Comments, members wished the audience and the public a good new year. Brownlee introduced the council to his fiancee, saying they had become engaged on Jan. 1, and said he had asked her to attend at least one meeting to “see what she was in for.” Council Member Arthur Philson Jr. provided county department heads with certificates showing his appreciation for their work, and for the work of their employees.
Serving his first year on council, Philson said, “This year, I’d like to see the penny sales tax people get together and come up with items that need to be addressed. The county needs an audit, we have been through 2-3 county administrators and no money has been counted. We need a county pay raise for these people, we have people making $12/hour — $15/hr should be the minimum for county salaries. We have people moving from one department to another for pay. And all these housing developments, I’m learning. Show me where the money’s at.”
Council Chairman Jeff Carroll did not respond directly but he made it clear that county finances are audited independently every year. “The county administrator can help you know where the money is. It’s budget time and that is an opportunity for everyone to learn how government works, how things are funded,” he said. “A lot of work goes into making the county run, and this should be a cohesive group, working for Laurens County. We want to start this year good and calm, and (to employees) thank you for what you do.”
