BLYTHEWOOD – While Mayor J. Michael Ross reported that expenses ($9,056) at the Manor continue to outrun revenue ($3,885) this month, Town Administrator Gary Parker said a yearly comparison of the shortfall is looking better.
“From July 1 to Jan. 1, 2014 the shortfall was $34,000-plus,” Parker said. “That same period from July 1 to Jan. 1, 2015, the shortfall was $25,000-plus. This is a big improvement.”
Parker said it looks like things might continue in that direction in the coming fiscal year.
A-Tax Disbursements
Town Council approved several recommendations by the Accommodations Tax (A-Tax) Committee for disbursements of A-Tax revenue on Monday evening. The Voice was not notified of the meeting, which was held on Jan. 29. The following disbursements were approved:
• $15,000 to the Blythewood Historical Society to establish Phase 2 of the outdoor historical museum at the Langford-Nord House. The Society’s budget for the museum is $100,000 and it estimates 2,000+ people will attend the museum in 2015.
• $5,000 to the Blythewood High School JROTC to help fund a 5K Run during April in downtown Blythewood. The JROTC has budgeted $11,000 for the event and expects 1,000+ in attendance.
Another disbursement of $750 of A-Tax revenue was approved by the mayor for a luncheon for the USC equestrian team and certain invited town government officials prior to the team’s meet on Jan. 31.
Parker recommended that all the requests be approved. He said the A-Tax fund has a balance of $50,000. Parker said all of the Town’s media would be notified of A-Tax meetings in the future.
Doko Meadows Foundation
Council approved up to $3,000 for start-up costs for the Doko Meadows Foundation, which was organized to seek financial donations for the completion of the Doko Park. Those start-up costs would include fees for filing the corporation and the organization’s 501(c)(3) status, insurance, administration and bookkeeping. Parker said the Foundation met on Jan. 22 to discuss organizational structure, goals, the amphitheater, potential funding sources as well as the need to draft proposed by-laws.
Industry Appreciation Week Breakfast
Council members approved up to $1,000 for an invitation-only breakfast on March 31 at the Manor to recognize industry in the community and surrounding areas, including Fairfield County. The Town’s Economic Development consultant, Ed Parler, suggested inviting about 60 people from industries, Town officials, the Chamber members and Town and County officials from neighboring Fairfield County and the S.C. Department of Commerce.
