Phillip Clardy

Photo by Ken Ruinard

The town of Williamston, S.C. has a municipal government center along S.C. 20 (Main Street), across the street from the popular Mineral Springs Park.

WILLIAMSTON — The town of Williamston saw much progress in the year 2007 that has set a sure path of continued accomplishments for 2008.

Internally, the sacrifices of the residents and businesses have brought great stability to the fiscal condition of the town through the leadership of the mayor and Town Council. Ending a near 15-year trend, residents were introduced to a minimal property tax increase in 2007. The increase broadened the tax base of revenue for the town and placed the town in a position of opportunity to continue the services that residents utilize and enjoy every day.

Even though a newly applied sanitation fee was reduced, it continues to relieve the financial burden of the town, as town residents had never been asked to pay such a fee in the past for this vital service to the betterment of our town. The proceeds from the fee allowed for the purchase of a new tractor and garbage packer for the street department in excess of $150,000.

The benefits of a new 2 percent hospitality tax to the food establishments in Williamston already can be seen in much-needed improvements throughout the town. Coupled with several grants awarded to the town, the tax has helped Brookdale Park to receive new playground equipment and would support numerous other projects that will be presented by the mayor to town officials for consideration.

The Municipal Park, Williamston’s very heart, received countless improvements and changes throughout 2007. Several volunteer individuals and groups joined efforts by the town to transform the park’s presentation while keeping the small-town charm residents and guests enjoy year after year. Metal roofing and new paint for the pavilions; restoration of a much-loved bridge; and a beautiful new paint scheme for the amphitheater and Bethlehem building are just some of the changes. Work on new decorative lighting and landscaping will continue into 2008 with our park’s transformation. Adjacent to the park, kids and young adults now enjoy the completion of the soccer fields to enhance our successful athletic programs.

Phase One of the downtown revitalization project received a renewed focus in 2007 that will spur tremendous progress in 2008 and years to come. By summer 2008, our residents will begin to witness downtown Williamston receive a total makeover involving decorative lighting, railings and streetscape improvement that are sure to add to the town’s rich beauty and growing economic base.

Williamston residents can see the tremendous improvements over the past several years. Those changes, however, are only a sure footing for greater things to come in 2008 and beyond.

Phillip Clardy is the mayor of Williamston.