County OKs improvements at Darlington, Hartsville libraries
Darlington County Council during its March 7 meeting approved bids for improvements at the Hartsville and Darlington libraries.
Council approved roughly $99,000 for designing and installing new security and fire alarm systems for the two libraries. The work at each one is expected to cost about $49,000.
Council also approved a $53,000 bid to construct a new entrance for the staff parking lot at the Darlington Library, and additional spaces in the staff parking lot.
Council also approved a $49,000 bid for a roof replacement at the Society Hill Community Center.
In other business, County Administrator Charles Stewart told council that the “drive-through” payment system set up by the Darlington County treasurer’s office appeared to be working. He said roughly 15 percent of people were paying taxes at the drive-through in downtown Darlington, 15 percent were paying in person at the treasurer’s office, and the rest were paying by mail.
Stewart estimated that about 9,000 people so far have used the “drive-through” to pay property and vehicle taxes.
Updating council on construction progress for the county’s new judicial center, Stewart said it appears “primary slab construction” was completed in February. “We still expect to see steel being erected here during March.”
Council has scheduled a work session on next fiscal year’s budget for 9:30 a.m. April 6 at the Media Center at Darlington Raceway.
— Bobby Bryant