Lamar drying out after flooding

By Samantha Lyles, Staff Writer, slyles@newsandpress.net

Lamar Town Council met October 12 for their regular monthly meeting, and the main topic of discussion was the flooding and historic rain of the previous week, and the lasting effects on their town’s water and sewer system. While many ditches were overwhelmed and water covered surface roads for days, the town’s water infrastructure held its own.

“Our sewer system is loaded to the gills with surface water, and the pumps are working triple overtime trying to keep up, and luckily the lift station at the bridge has done its job and has not shut down,” said council member Mike Lloyd.

Lloyd added that except for water infiltration into the system, there were no equipment failures or losses to speak of, so the town will not likely have to file for federal disaster compensation related to the water and sewer system.

Mayor Pro Tem Guy Clements (conducting the meeting in the absence of Mayor Randy Reynolds) discussed the town’s intent to file for any available compensation to cover overtime pay for town workers called to duty during the storm.

Darlington city manager Howard Garland, a guest at the meeting, suggested that the town should save all landfill tipping fee receipts for storm related debris as those expenses are also eligible for disaster relief compensation.

Council member Willie Howell said the tree trimming company contracted by Duke Energy to cut back trees encroaching on power lines is just about finished with their work in town. Clements said that he had received complaints from Lamar residents alleging that a tree company claiming to work with Duke had demanded cash payment before they would do any work.

“I’ve had three people call me and tell me that the tree company had come up to their house and told them the only way they would cut bushes was for them to pay $75,” said Clements.

Clements said he spoke with the tree company supervisor and asked him to look into these allegations, then to let report back. Clements said the supervisor did not contact him.

“Which leads me to believe he probably didn’t do anything about it,” Clements said.

Howell offered to contact Duke Energy directly to discuss the matter.

Author: Jana Pye

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