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ELLOREE -- A public hearing on the town of Elloree's proposed 2007-2008 fiscal year budget totaling $472,647 will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 28.

Second reading of the proposed spending plan, which will require a 4.52 percent millage increase, was approved at the Elloree Town Council's June 5 meeting.

The town's current millage rate is 67. If the proposed budget is approved, the tax rate for FY 2007-2008 would be 70 mills.

The council also announced at its June meeting that a public hearing on proposed zoning ordinances will be held on Tuesday, June 26. The council members approved second reading of an ordinance related to overgrown lots and dilapidated houses in Elloree.

Later in the meeting, Orangeburg County Councilman Johnny Ravenell reminded residents to clean up and maintain their properties so that the county doesn't have to do it and then assess the cleanup charges to property owners' tax bills.

Also during the meeting, Mayor Van Stickles recognized Thomas Eklund of the Boys' and Girls' Club of Orangeburg County, and the council approved a contract with the club for a program in Elloree. Eklund noted that the program will be held at the old Elloree gym.

The Boys' and Girls' Club program in Elloree got under way Monday, and Eklund said children throughout the town and surrounding communities are invited to participate in the activities.

In other business, Elloree Town Administrator John Singh reported that acts of vandalism continue to occur in Loyn's Park and in Joe Miller Park. He asked that residents be vigilant of all activities in the parks and alert police if they witness any vandalism.

Singh also reported that the police department purchased a 2006 Crown Victoria with a Department of Justice grant.

Elloree Water Commission General Manager Larry McDowell reported that his department completed 41 work orders and billed 636 customers. Estimated water loss in May was 18.3 percent, he said, up from 17 percent in April.

McDowell also reported that Professional Pump and Well began installing the new well on Hampton Street during the week of May 1. The work should be completed by July, he said. McDowell noted that the upgrade at the wastewater treatment plant has been completed, with 16 new aerators installed.

Also during the meeting:

* The police department reported 21 calls for service and three arrests in May. The department made 28 traffic stops and issued 21 uniform traffic tickets.

* It was announced that the Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce will join the town in holding Business After Hours at the Elloree Heritage Museum & Cultural Center from 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, June 14.

* Singh noted that the Elloree Farmer's Market will be open selling fresh, local produce every Saturday morning until August.

* The administrator thanked everyone who made the town-wide cleanup a success including Orangeburg County which provided a dumpster for trash collection.

T&D Correspondent Danielle Sanders can be reached by phone at 803-378-2710. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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