Walhalla — At its January 21, 2025 meeting, Walhalla City Council approved an agreement to continue providing water service to the Town of West Union and authorized the City Administrator to pursue a real estate agreement related to City owned property.
During the meeting, City Council voted to table Ordinance 2024-16, which would have cut the time allotted to public comments from five (5) minutes to three (3) minutes. Public comments will remain at five (5) minutes per speaker with no cap on total time.
Council also passed Ordinance 2025-01 to amend the budget on first reading. This amendment adds the $4.25 million SC Public Safety Department appropriation for a new police station and reflects the City’s higher than anticipated Hospitality tax (HTAX) revenues.
Further, Council approved, on first reading, Ordinance 2025-02 authorizing the City to enter a $200,000 five-year lease purchase agreement for a new trackhoe for use in cleaning out sediment ponds at the city water plant and for a variety of city water and sewer-related projects. would be used city-wide and specifically at the water plant. In other actions, the council recognized February as Black History Month and American Heart Month in the City of Walhalla.
Near the conclusion of the meeting, the Council received two resignations. Mr. Pace is relocating closer to grandchildren; and Mr. Thomas cited family and business responsibilities. The Council expressed their heartfelt thanks to both gentlemen for their leadership and service, wishing both well in their future endeavors.
Council Roles for 2025:
Mayor Pro Tem – Councilman Josh Holliday.
Public Utilities Committee: Kenny Johns (Chair), Grant Keehn, Sarai Melendez
Public Safety Committee (Police and Fire): Grant Keehn (Chair), Kenny Johns, Josh Holiday
Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Committee: Sarai Melendez (Chair), Kenny Johns, Vacant
Public Works Committee (Streets & Facilities and Sanitation): Vacant (Chair), Josh Holiday (acting chair), Grant Keehn
Finance Committee: Josh Holiday (Chair), Vacant, Vacant
Planning and Community Development: Vacant (Chair), Sarai Melendez (acting chair), Vacant
General Government: Chair: Mayor; all council members
