Staff Writer

Rising fuel prices could add $50,000 or more to Union County's budget next year.

Union County Council voted unanimously Wednesday to approve second reading of the proposed 2008-2009 budget. Supervisor Donnie Betenbaugh said council is still in the process of drafting the budget and has not arrived at a final figure. He said council is looking at its projected revenues for fiscal 2008-2009 and a final decision will likely be reached in June when the county knows about existing revenue and any possible new revenue which will be coming in this year.

Betenbaugh added that the budget will be balanced as required by law and it will not include a tax increase.

The new budget will probably contain an increase in the allocation for fuel. Betenbaugh said the county budgeted $185,000 for fuel purchases for fiscal 2007-2008, but because of surging fuel costs the allotment was exhausted after only 10 months. Since then, it has been paying for gasoline and diesel fuel out of its contingency fund. He said he believes the county will have to increase its fuel allotment by at least 25 percent if not more for fiscal 2008-2009 to avoid coming up short again.

In a related matter, council voted unanimously to approve the purchase of five new patrol cars for the sheriff's office at a cost of $125,000. Betenbaugh said the vehicles, which will replace older ones now in use, will not be purchased until fiscal 2008-2009.

Assistance request

Council also heard a presentation from Jonesville Mayor Ernest B. Moore and town councilman Steve Thompson asking for the county's assistance on infrastructure and recreational improvements.

Moore asked council to help Jonesville obtain grants to extend its water lines to area residents whose wells are running dry. Earlier this month, residents of the Littlejohn, Parks Farm and Robinson Farm roads asked that the town extend its water lines to them. The town is seeking grants for that as well as extending water lines on Chapman and Cedar Grove roads.

Moore said the town's request is part of its desire for a closer and more cooperative working relationship with the county. He said he feels it is time that Jonesville and Union put past differences behind them and work together for the good of both communities and the rest of Union County.

Moore also asked the county to consider installing a walking trail at the Mac Cunningham Sports Complex on Industrial Park Road. He said the town's senior citizens requested the walking trail to give them a safe place to walk.

Betenbaugh said the county will help the town explore all avenues for financing the extension of its water lines. He said he feels a walking trail is great idea, adding that the county should help expand recreational opportunities in Jonesville and other communities. Moore's call for increased cooperation was also welcomed by Betenbaugh, who said it has always been council's policy to work with all of the communities throughout the county.

Roofing contracts

Council also voted unanimously to award the contract for roofing work at the health department to ATA Roofing for $41,500 and the contract for installation of a metal roof on the task force building to Kingsmore Construction for $20,447.

Industrial Parks

Council voted to approve ordinances amending its multi-county industrial agreements with Spartanburg County. The amendments are designed to accommodate the inclusion of three industries - Lubrizol, Adidas Sales and Centennial - in Spartanburg's industrial parks.

Union County will receive 1 percent of the revenue generated by the fee-in-lieu of taxes agreement between Spartanburg County and the three industries. The revenue will be placed in the county's economic development fund.