By Ben Robinson
Staff Reporter

brobinson@thepccourier.com

EASLEY — Easley City Council opened its May 11 meeting with a public hearing for its proposed budget for fiscal year 2015-16.

Each councilman seemed satisfied with the budget of just more than $13 million.

Local business owner Vicki Ciplickas complained about the large amount listed under “miscellaneous.”

“In a corporate world, that would never be allowed,” Ciplickas said.

Various council members offered guesses as to where the “miscellaneous” fund were going to, as the budget was prepared by former city administrator Fox Simons before he left for another position last month, but none satisfied Ciplickas.

Finally, mayor Larry Bagwell promised to check the figures with the city auditor and bring an answer to Ciplickas’ place of business this week.

Councilman Kent Dykes commended the streets and sanitation department for its efforts on the city’s recent “cleanup” day. Dykes said workers collected more than 13 tons of trash that day.

Dykes said the city will now make the cleanup day an annual event, with next year event already planned for April 27.

In other news, councilman Terry Moore said a drug store is moving into the former Shadyside Florist location on Fleetwood Drive.

Council also approved a municipal state highway project agreement for an extension project on S.C. Highway 153.

In addition, council members named the week of May 11-15 Peace Officers Memorial Week.

On Saturday, May 23, flags at Easley City Hall and the Easley Law Enforcement Center will be flown at half-mast in honor of fallen peace officers.