092523 Study Session Mins AdoptedPage 1 of 3
MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 25, 2023
Briton S. Williams, Mayor
Jenafer F. McCauley, Councilmember – Mayor Pro Tem
David B. Buck, Councilmember
Pat C. Carpenter, Councilmember
David W. McGhee, Councilmember
Eric H. Presnell, Councilmember
Kevin W. Toole, Councilmember
ORDER OF BUSINESS
STUDY SESSION
The Study Session of September 25, 2023 for the City Council of the City of North Augusta, having been duly
publicized, was called to order by Mayor Briton S. Williams at 6:01 p.m. and also streamed online for public
viewing at the City Facebook page: “City of North Augusta – Public Information” and City YouTube page: “City of
North Augusta Public Information.”
Per Section 30-4-80(e) notice of the meetings was sent out by email to the current maintained “Agenda Mailout”
list consisting of news media outlets and individuals or companies requesting notification. Notice of the
meetings was also posted on the outside doors of the Municipal Center, the main bulletin board of the Municipal
Center located on the first floor, and the City of North Augusta website.
Members present were Mayor Williams, Councilmembers Carpenter, McCauley, McGhee, Presnell, and Toole.
Member absent was Councilmember Buck.
Also in attendance were James S. Clifford, City Administrator; Rachelle Moody, Assistant Administrator; Thomas
C. Zeaser, Director of Engineering and Public Works; James Sutton, Director of Public Services; Chief John
Thomas, Director of Public Safety; Rick Meyer, Director of Parks, Recreation & Tourism; Thomas L. Paradise,
Director of Planning and Development; Lynda Williamson, Director of Finance, Kayla Ferguson, Manager of
Human Resources; Ricky Jones, Manager of Information Technology; and Jamie Paul, City Clerk.
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ITEM 1. CITY COUNCIL MEETING:
Administrator Clifford led Council’s discussion of items for the October 2, 2023 regular meeting. (See
Attachment #1)
ITEM 2. DEPARTMENT DETAILS:
City department directors and managers provided departmental updates. (See Attachment #2)
ITEM 3. MAYOR’S MATTERS:
(A) FOCUS ITEM(S):
i. Proposed FY 2024 Consolidated Budget – Council Review and Discussion
Administrator Clifford, Assistant Administrator Moody, and Finance Director Williamson presented the
proposed balanced Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 consolidated budget to Council. (See Attachment #3Ai)
Mr. Clifford highlighted on budget drivers such as the 4% increase in PEBA insurance cost to the
employers, 4% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) to all City employees, grade changes, additional
personnel, and transitioning from Lease-Purchase to outright purchase. (See pages 4 through 9 of
Attachment 3Ai)
Ms. Moody explained to Council the proposed organization charts where the organizational chart will now
have Parks and Recreation as one department and Tourism as another department. Currently, Parks,
Recreation, and Tourism department are under one organizational chart. (See pages 10 and 11 of
Attachment 3Ai)
Discussion ensued relating to the new structure and personnel within the proposed two departments.
Mr. Clifford commented on staff requests that were not funded on personnel and equipment, personnel
change, project/equipment additions, and the Community Fund requests and allocations. (See pages 12
through 17 of Attachment 3Ai)
Discussion ensued relative to the Community Funds and the Friends of North Augusta Animals (FONAA)
request. Mr. Clifford clarified that the request from FONAA included items that the City already budget for
such as the trap and neuter program (TNR) under Public Safety budget for $5000.
Ms. Williamson reviewed the updated PRT, Sanitation, Wastewater, Stormwater, and Fire Protection fee
schedules. She clarified the increases on each and confirmed that Sanitation fees have no increase. (See
pages 18 through 25 of Attachment 3Ai)
Ms. Williamson stated that the effect on the residents with the proposed balanced FY2024 budget will be a
2.0 Mil increase which on a typical home value in North Augusta is approximately $237,095 for a tax
increase of approximately $19.00. In addition, she reviewed the Riverside Village Debt Service payment
process. (See pages 26 through 27 of Attachment 3Ai)
It was the consensus of the board to hold the Public Hearing at 5:30pm on October 16, 2023 as well as the
first reading of the budget ordinance. The public hearing notice will be posted on September 28, 2023.
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PUBLIC POWER HOUR
October 2, 2023 – 5:30 p.m. - Municipal Center – 100 Georgia Avenue, 3rd Floor - Council Chambers
DRAFT AGENDA: CITY OF NORTH AUGUSTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
October 2, 2023 – 6:00 p.m. – Municipal Center – 100 Georgia Avenue, 3rd Floor - Council Chambers
The Public Power Hour and Regular City Council meeting will be streamed for public viewing online at:
• “City of North Augusta – Public Information” on www.Facebook.com
• “City of North Augusta Public Information” on www.YouTube.com
CITIZEN COMMENTS: Citizens may speak to Mayor and City Council on each item listed on this agenda. The Mayor will call
for comments prior to Council’s discussion. Speakers shall give their name and address in an audible tone of voice. Speaker
Forms are provided on the credenza at the entrance for speakers desiring that the minutes indicate that they addressed Council
on a specific topic. The form will be included as part of the minutes of the meeting. Citizen comments are limited to five
minutes.
CITIZEN ASSISTANCE: Individuals needing special assistance or sign interpreter to participate in the meeting, please notify the
Administration Department 48 hours prior to the meeting.
1. CALL TO ORDER:
2. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
3. ROLL CALL:
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
• City Council Meeting minutes of September 18, 2023
• Study Session minutes of September 25, 2023
NEW BUSINESS
5. PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT: Ordinance No. 2023-16 to Amend the Zoning Map of the City of North
Augusta, South Carolina by Rezoning ± 9.84 Acres of Land Owned by CSRA Development Company,
Aiken County Tax Parcel No. 007-15-03-002 from R-10, Medium Lot, Single-Family Residential to R-7,
Small Lot, Single-Family Residential – First Reading
6. PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT: Ordinance No. 2023-17 to Change the Corporate Limits of the City of
North Augusta by Accepting the Petition Requesting Annexation by the Landowners and Annexing
±0.27.48 Acres of Property Located at 244 & 246 Clearmont Drive and Owned by Pearle E. Hewitt,
Isabella Mackie, Terrce A. Mackie, & Anna Margaret Edwards – First Reading
7. ADMINISTRATION: Resolution No. 2023-37 to Authorize the Issuing of a Parade Permit to North
Augusta Lions Club to Conduct the 2023 Christmas Parade on Sunday, December 3, 2023
8. PARKS, RECREATION, AND TOURISM: Resolution No. 2023-38 Authorizing the City of North Augusta to
Accept a Contract for Sharon Jones Amphitheater Additions, Plaza, and New Boat Dock Projects
ATTACHMENT #1 Page 1 of 2
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9. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
10. PRESENTATIONS/COMMUNICATIONS/RECOGNITION OF VISITORS:
A. Citizen Comments: At this time, citizens may speak to Mayor and City Council regarding matters not listed on
the agenda. Speakers shall give their name and address for the records. Speaker Forms are provided on the
credenza for speakers desiring that the minutes indicate that they addressed Council on a specific topic. The
form will be included as part of the minutes of the meeting. Citizen comments are limited to five minutes.
B. Council Comments:
11. ADJOURNMENT
ATTACHMENT #1 Page 2 of 2
FINANCE:
• Cycle 2 Disconnect Dates – October 3rd and 4th
• Cycle 1 Due Date – October 5th
• Delinquent Tax Postings on properties - October 2nd and 3rd
PUBLIC SERVICES:
• Declined Trees Replacement
• Wastewater System Smoke Test Update & Revco Road/Industrial Park
• Clay Street Pump Station
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT:
• BZA meeting next Tuesday
• Clean-up of 10051 Atomic Road
PUBLIC SAFETY:
• Thursday September 28, Chief will meet with the board members of the Public Safety
Foundation
• Currently we have 6 openings in the department. 5 Officers and 1 Dispatcher
• Chief Thomas has announced his retirement date of December 29, 2023
PARKS, RECREATION, AND TOURISM:
• Fall banners and Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee banners are going up this week in downtown North
Augusta.
• The Coastal Carolina football team will be staying at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Friday night and
using the Riverview Park Activities Center on Saturday morning for team breakfast and pre-game
meetings. Coastal Carolina will be playing at Georgia Southern on Saturday night.
• Augusta Ironman event.
ENGINEERING AND PUBLIC WORKS:
• Brick Pond Boardwalk
• Cypress Drive Sidewalk
• Stormwater Conference
HUMAN RESOURCES:
• See the following page for the Employment Opportunities list
DEPARTMENT DETAILS
for September 25, 2023
ATTACHMENT #2 Page 1 of 2
To apply and to see full job descriptions please visit www.northaugustasc.gov/jobs. You may also contact Human Resources
for more information at 803-442-5710 or kferguson@northaugustasc.gov.
The City of North Augusta is an Equal Opportunity Employer
EMPLOYMENT
OPPORTUNITIES
Heavy Equipment Operator I – Streets & Drains
Grade: 9
Salary/Pay Rate: $17.96 - $21.56
Closing Date: Until Filled
Maintenance Technician – PRT
Grade: 12
Salary/Pay Rate: $20.76 - $24.91/hour
Closing Date: Until Filled
Meter Reader/Service Technician – Utilities
Grade: 9
Salary/Pay Rate: $17.96 - $21.56
Closing Date: Until Filled
Public Safety Officer – Public Safety
Grade: 15
Salary/Pay Rate: $22.04 - $26.45/hour
Closing Date: Until Filled
Utility Technician – Utilities
Grade: 9
Salary/Pay Rate: $17.96 - $21.56
Closing Date: Until Filled
Utility Service Technician – Utilities
Grade: 13
Salary/Pay Rate: $21.69 - $26.03/hour
Closing Date: Until Filled
ATTACHMENT #2 Page 2 of 2
SEPTEMBER 25, 2023
North Augusta City Council
Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Briefing
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Purpose:
To update the public and city council on the proposed Fiscal Year 2024 balanced
budget proposal
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FY 2024 Budget Calendar
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Budget Drivers
4% increase in PEBA insurance costs to all local governments in South Carolina
4% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) to all City employees (Archer study recommended 3.7 –4.2%)
2023 COLA was 4% against a 9.8% recommendation
Grade changes to Public Safety & CDLs
Additional personnel (4 FT, 1 PT)
Transitioning from Lease-Purchase to outright purchase
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Budget Drivers (Public Safety)
Largest cost driver of the budget
Market Forces are driving the salaries within the State of SC higher
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Budget Drivers (Public Safety)
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Budget Drivers (Public Safety & CDLs)
Position 2023 Grade 2023 Minimum 2024 Grade 2024 Salary 2024 Salary (COLA)
Captain 26 $ 70312.65 27 $ 72250.88 $ 75140.92
Lieutenant 20 $ 58,685.45 21 $ 60,622.60 $ 63,047.50
Sergeant 17 $ 52,871.85 18 $ 54,809.00 $ 57,001.36
Corporal 16 $ 50,933.63 17 $ 52,871.85 $ 54,986.72
Public Safety Officer 15 $ 48,995.40 16 $ 50,933.63 $ 52,970.98
Investigator 15 $ 48,995.40 16 $ 50,933.63 $ 52,970.98
Narcotics Officer 15 $ 48,995.40 16 $ 50,933.63 $ 52,970.98
Communications Tech II 11 $ 41,243.57 12 $ 43,181.80 $ 44,909.07
Communications Tech I 9 $ 37,367.12 10 $ 39,305.34 $ 40,877.55
Utility Service Technician 13 $ 45,120.03 14 $ 47,058.25 $ 48,940.58
Foreman 13 $ 45,120.03 14 $ 47,058.25 $ 48,940.58
Vehicle Operator III 10 $ 39,305.34 11 $ 41,243.57 $ 42,893.31
Vehicle Operator II 9 $ 37,367.12 10 $ 39,305.34 $ 40,877.55
Heavy Equipment Operator I 9 $ 37,367.12 10 $ 39,305.34 $ 40,877.55
Heavy Equipment Mechanic I 9 $ 37,367.12 10 $ 39,305.34 $ 40,877.55
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Budget Drivers (Lease-Purchase Transition)
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Personnel Additions:
DPW Engineering Inspector, 1 July start
DPW Building Inspector, 1 July start
PRT Maintenance Supervisor
PRT Program Coordinator II –Activities Center
Finance Part Time Customer Service Representative (Utilities fund)
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PRT Restructure:
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PRT Restructure:
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Requested, but not funded (Personnel):
Public Safety PSOs x 3
Public Safety Fire Lieutenant
Public Safety Administrative Captain
Public Safety Records Clerk (Need to add in 2025 for new PSHQ)
PRT Park Ranger (Mitigation plan –Community Policing Grant Request 2024)
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Personnel Changes:
Public Safety Officers -> Captains grade Increase by one
Public Safety Dispatchers grade increase by one
Commercial Driver Personnel (all funds) grade increase by one
Healthcare cost share by employees ($35,000 savings):
Reduction of employer subsidy of employee-only from 75% to 50%
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Project / Equipment Additions:
P&D: US 78 Traffic Studies x 2
Public Safety Rifles & Optics
Public Safety K9 x 1
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Community Funds:
Requested Allocated
Aiken Area Council on Aging $5,500 $4,500
North Augusta Cultural Arts Council $5,500 $4,000
Friends of Nancy Carson Library Foundation $20,000 $5,000
North Augusta Forward $20,000 $6,000
Olde Towne Preservation Association $10,000 $6,000
Public Education Partners $7,000 $3,000
The RECing Crew $2,300 $2,300
Friends of North Augusta Animals $10,000 $0
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Requested, but not funded (Equipment):
Public Safety:
Ladder Truck (FEMA Grant request/CPST 5)
Brush Truck (CPST 5)
4 x Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles -> pushing for one more year on lower mileage vehicles
Public Services/DPW:
Bolin Road Paving
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Requested, but not funded (Equipment):
PRT: (future General Fund / CPST V / ARPA)
Creighton Park Equipment and surface
Outdoor Pickleball Courts
Resurface tennis courts
Golf Cart
Activities Center Track Surface
Activities Center replacement track surface
* Awaiting Parks Master Plan recommendations
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Updated PRT Fee Schedule:
In City Out of City Senior
Activities Center Annual Individual $80.00 Individual $150.00 Individual $50.00
Family $185.00 Family $405.00 Outside $100
Activities Center Partial Quart Semi Quart Semi Quart Semi
Payments Individual $35 $55 Individual $60 $95 Individual $20 $35
Family $85 $135 Family $140 $230 Family N/A N/A
Recreation Programs W/Mem.$55.00 W/Mem.$75.00
W/O Mem.$60.00 W/O Mem.$80.00
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Updated PRT Fee Schedule:
In City Out of City Senior
Community Center Room Rental Fee
Large Room $2000.00 Fri, Sat –10 Hr.
Large Room $1500.00 Mon –Thurs –10 Hr.
Large Room $170.00 Hourly
Medium Room $400.00 8 Hr. -$50 per additional hour
Medium Room $200.00 4 Hr. -$50 per additional hour
Full Center $2500.00 10 Hr.
Full Center Holiday Rate $3500.00 10 Hr.
Municipal Center Room Rental Fee
Palmetto Terrace $3500 Saturday –10 Hr.
Palmetto Terrace Holiday $4500 10 Hr.
Palmetto Terrace $1500 Mon. –Fri. –4 Hr.
After 5pm
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Updated Sanitation Fee Schedule (No Change):
In City Out of City
Residential Roll Carts Monthly $21.44 Monthly $30.18
2nd Can or yard waste can Monthly $5.16 Monthly $7.27
Electronics Disposal Fee Per Item 25.00 Per Item 25.00
Commercial Roll Carts 100 Gal.$21.44 100 Gal.$30.18
Commercial Bulk Cont.Base + /cu.yd.Base + /cu.yd.
2 cu. yd.$51.64 $2.86 $51.64 $4.04
3 cu. yd.$54.05 $2.86 $54.05 $4.04
4 cu.yd.$56.44 $2.86 $56.44 $4.04
6 cu. yd.$61.73 $2.86 $61.73 $4.04
8 cu. yd.$67.54 $2.86 $67.54 $4.04
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Updated Wastewater Fee Schedule (Increase):
In City Out of City
Base + Per 1,000 Gal.Base + Per 1,000 Gal.
Monthly Charges $11.22 $3.50 $15.02 $4.16
Add. Usage (Over 15,000,000
Gallons)
2.78 2.78
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Updated Water Fee Schedule (Increase):
In City Out of City
Minimum Monthly Charges Minimum Min. Usage Minimum Min. Usage
5/8" x 3/4"$12.88 3,000 $25.76 3,000
1"$17.84 6,000 $35.68 6,000
1 1/2"$22.48 9,000 $44.96 9,000
2"$31.87 15,000 $63.74 15,000
3"$46.09 24,000 $92.18 24,000
4"$55.57 30,000 $111.14 30,000
6"$150.43 90,000 $300.86 90,000
Usage Above Minimum Charge/1,000 Over Minimum Charge /1,000 Over
Minimum
Next 10,000 $1.45 $2.90
Next 27,000 $1.40 $2.80
Next 160,000 $1.35 $2.70
All Additional $1.25 $2.60
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Updated Stormwater Fee Schedule (Increase):
Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU)$6.00
Single-Family Residential Property 1.00 ERU
Multi-Family Residential Property .75 ERU
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Updated Fire Protection Fee Schedule (Increase):
Water Service
Customer
Contract Customer
Outside Fire Protection Service $8.33 per month $100.00 per Year
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Impacts on residents:
Water Rate Increase
Waste Water Increase
Stormwater Increase
Fire Protection Fee increase (largely commercial and non-residents)
PRT Fee Increase out-of-town memberships
2.0 MIL Property Tax Increase
Not increasing:
Sanitation Fees
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Effect of 2.0 Mill increase on NA residents:
Typical Home Value in North Augusta is
approximately $237,095 (Zillow Home Report, 9/25/23)
Tax increase will be approximately $19
•2022 Full Size SUV = approximately $4 increase
•2022 Full Size Sedan = approximately $3.45 increase
*Per Aiken County records, the average tax collected on vehicles in the City of
North Augusta is $46. The 2.0 millage rate would increase the average by $1.20
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SEPTEMBER 25, 2023
North Augusta City Council
Discussion
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