Here is a recap of the Fountain Inn City Council meeting on April 9.
Final approval: Bond issue for natural gas upgrades
Council unanimously approved to allow the issuance and sale of around $7 million in South Carolina Natural Gas System Revenue bonds.
The project includes:
- $3.3 million to replace the Fountain Inn Natural Gas system’s City Gate, which was first built in 1954.
- $1.2 million to install three miles of six-inch high-pressure steel pipeline to connect the northern end of the city’s service area, along with an additional regulator.
- $2.65 million to install plastic pipes to serve new subdivisions and ongoing growth.
The city selected Huntington Bank to issue a 20-year loan at 4.38% interest rate. Each year, the city will pay around $524,000, and the loan may be paid back before 2035 with a 1% penalty or after 2035 with no penalty. The city’s first loan payment is due Oct. 1, and work on the $1.2 million project is scheduled to begin in May, said City Administrator Shawn Bell.
Other items
Council unanimously voted to:
- An agreement with Love Bailey LLC to provide auditing services for the city for fiscal years 2026-2028. The services will be $39,500 for 2026, $40,500 for 2027, $41,500 for 2028, and $3,500 per year if a single audit is required.
- The appointment of Taylor Jones to the Mayor’s At-Large seat of the Planning Commission. Her term will run through 2029.
- Accept Parsons and Cherry streets as part of the city-owned road network.
Sewer rehabilitation update
During his report to the Council, Bell said the sewer rehabilitation project is scheduled for completion by May 1. The project included cleaning and inspecting 76,489 linear feet of sewer main, lining 59,687 linear feet of vitrified clay pipe, completing 97 point repairs and rehabilitating 84 manholes.
