BAMBERG - Bamberg City Council members voted in favor of a resolution supporting a proposed regional water and wastewater system during their regular meeting Monday night.

Prior to voting for the resolution, members heard a presentation from Bamberg County Administrator Rose Dobson-Elliott and County Councilman Chris Wilson concerning the project.

Dobson-Elliott noted the county has been seeking resolutions from all the municipalities in the county, with a plan to move forward to seek $10.5 million in funding for the water portion of the project and $25 million for the wastewater portion.

The ultimate goal of the regional project is to improve water and wastewater service throughout the county and promote increased economic and community development.

Also during the meeting, City Clerk Bruce Watson reported $72,000 more in business license revenue was collected than originally anticipated for the 2008 fiscal year, primarily through insurance tax collections conducted by the South Carolina Municipal Association on behalf of the city.

Council members heard a lengthy report from Police Commissioner and Mayor Pro Tem Buddy Sandifer in regards to numerous issues, including whether or not officers should continue to unlock cars for residents. Sandifer said the department would continue with the practice for now and only provide the service once per year per resident.

Other issues discussed included an increase in gasoline station drive-offs, particularly at stations in town that do not require customers to pre-pay before they pump.

In other business, the council:

* Approved the 2009 fire contract with Bamberg County, with the city receiving $50,500 for providing fire service beyond the city limits.

* Approved a $400 donation to the Dixie Youth Baseball League to defray travel costs to the state championship game.

T&D Correspondent Phyllis A. Overstreet can be reached by e-mail at paoverstreet@bellsouth.net.

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