By Jeremy Handel, Staff Writer
The Woodruff City Council approved an incentive agreement for a new housing development and received some good news about the city’s finances at the Oct. 27 meeting.
Council members heard the second reading of an incentive agreement with an undisclosed developer of a 350-home subdivision planned for Highway 101 and McElrath Road. The agreement will see the city reimburse the developer for the cost of constructing two submersible sewer pumps that will connect the development to the city’s sewer system. After the first 25 homes in the development are completed, the city will reimburse the developer for the cost of the two pumps, estimated to be between $40,000 – $70,000. At the completion of the development, the city will assume ownership of the pumps. The council unanimously approved the agreement.
Council members also approved a drainage easement for the construction of a new, open-air drainage ditch to improve storm runoff on Lakewood Drive. The neighboring property owners agreed to allow the easement and construction. The city is expected to begin construction in November. The $6,500 cost of the project will be paid for through the city’s allotment of Spartanburg County road fee funds.
Matthew Phillips, of McKinley Cooper & Co., presented council members an overview of the annual external audit of the city’s finances. The city received a glowing review from the auditors for their handling of the budget and finances.
“The books were in fantastic shape,” Phillips told the council, adding that the city has a “very healthy net position on governmental and business activities” and an “extremely healthy fund balance.”
The only negative results in fund balances was due to the transfer of assets and equipment from the fire department when they were transferred to the new consolidated Trinity Fire Department. Phillips indicated this was a one-time item and has been well planned for in the city’s future budgets.
City Manager Lee Bailey was happy with the audit results.
“This year’s fiscal audit went very smooth,” he said. “The city financial projections look strong for the future through conservative budgeting and economic growth.”
