Government

Moncks Corner approves $6.6 million budget for 2015

budgetMONCKS CORNER, S.C.—Tuesday night Moncks Corner town council unanimously approved its $6.6 million budget for 2015—an increase of about $795,000 over the current year.

The new budget passed on second reading after a series of budget workshops and hearings with the public.

The town’s newest budget includes the hiring of one police officer for approximately $55,689. The Moncks Corner Police Department also hopes to hire two additional officers with the financial assistance from a federal grant.

This comes as good news for homeowners eager to see extra officers patrolling the town.

“Items have been stolen from our cars, garages, back doors of homes have been kicked in, vehicles stolen in our small town of Moncks Corner,” Patricia Whaley recently wrote in a Letter to the Editor. “What do we do? Who do we turn to for help? I’ve gone to town council and the mayor for help.”

The department recently applied for a COPS grant which would provide the two extra offers over a three year period for a 25 percent match for years two and three.

The budget also includes the purchase of two unmarked vehicles, five marked vehicles, one in car camera, four 800 dual band radio, and license plate reader trailer for the police department.

Town leaders also recommended that the new budget include contracting services with the Berkeley Co. Sheriff’s Office to provide victim advocate services in the amount of $32,000.

Other highlights from the budget included funding for the completion of the town’s new regional recreation complex, the paving of the Railroad Avenue parking lot and the new Foxbank fire station.

This is the last budget for Bill Peagler as mayor of Moncks Corner. He will officially step down from his role as mayor on December 31st to become the new supervisor for Berkeley County after beating current supervisor Dan Davis in June.

The town’s new budget begins on October 1st and will run through September 30th of 2015.

 

Nikki Gaskins Campbell
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