By Samantha Lyles, Staff Writer, slyles@newsandpress.net
Hartsville City Council bid farewell to one of their own last week. The Dec. 11 regular meeting marked the last official appearance for Councilman William “Billy” Shirley, who resigned his seat to spend more time with his family.
Shirley won election to the District 6 seat in March 2002, and he said that after 16 years on council, he was ready to step back and enjoy some leisure time. Shirley said that he and his wife, Johnna, plan to move to Anderson to be closer to their children and grandchildren, and – he said – to be closer to the “winner’s circle” of Clemson University athletics.
As of press time, two candidates had filed for the District 6 seat: Casey Copeland and Bobby McGee. A special election will be held Feb. 19, and those interested in filing can contact Sherron Skipper at Hartsville City Hall (843-383-3015) for details.
In other business, Jon Shannon, executive vice president/CIO at the Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics, spoke about the upcoming dedication of a historical marker on the GSSM campus.
“I just wanted to make council aware that on Feb. 15 at 11 a.m. on the Governor’s School campus, we will be dedicating a commemorative marker, working with the Darlington County Historical Commission, to honor the Milliken mill and the contributions that Milliken made to this town over the years,” said Shannon.
On the regular agenda, council passed final reading of Ordinance 4354, adding a collection cost of up to $25 to defray expenses related to collecting any delinquent debts. This ordinance also states that the administrative fee charged by the Municipal Association of South Carolina (which submits claims to the S.C. Department of Revenue on behalf of the city) is also a collection cost and will be added to the delinquent debt total. No one spoke at the public hearing that preceded this reading.
Council also passed final reading of Ordinance 4355, leasing property at 145 and 147 W Carolina Ave. to GSSM for three years. Lease terms for 145 West Carolina Ave. call for $1 per year as rent for the first year, $300 per month in the second year, and $600 per month in the third year. 147 W Carolina Ave. will be leased for $1,200 per month. No one spoke at the public hearing for this ordinance.
Ordinance 4356, amending city codes to allow murals “to promote history and culture through displays of public art,” also passed without objection and without public comment.
