By Ben Robinson
Staff Reporter

brobinson@thepccourier.com

PICKENS — In a brief special called meeting of Pickens City Council Monday night, council approved four contracts and some amendments to its 2014-15 budget.

The budget amendments were approved with a 5-0 vote, with councilmen Isaiah Scipio and Fletcher Perry absent.

A contract with Young Plumbing Company for a six-inch high pressure main project for $34,540 was also approved with a 5-0 vote.

A contract for $182,525 to J&M Construction for the Fox Squirrel Ridge and Hendricks Road Project was approved with a 5-0 vote.

Council approved a contract for $15,000 to Utility Advisors Network to conduct a utility revenue sufficiency study and another contract with Southwest Securities to provide financial advisory services.

Southwest Securities has previous worked with the City of Clemson and the School District of Pickens County.

Following the meeting, council members held a work session.

Pickens recreation director Cheri Anthony reported a busy time for the recreation department with the drafts for fall football complete and signups for fall soccer ending Friday.

The recreation volleyball program is also going strong, with local coaching legend Peggy Anthony leading camps this summer.

In addition, two Pickens Recreation softball teams advanced to the state playoffs.

Council also heard about upcoming events in the city, including an Aug. 2 Cruise In and Founders Day Sept. 13.

Council member Patti Welborn reported that a recent audit of the city’s books turned out really well. Mayor David Owens pointed out that the credit for a successful audit belongs to the city employees, not the auditors.

Police chief Rodney Gregory reported that two new police cars are now at the dealership and should be in use in three weeks.

Brian Gravely said the water department was forced to use both pumps in the past weeks due to the rainfall.

Owens complimented Gravely, saying Pickens has “some of the best drinking water in the state.”