Economic development concerns were the subject of County Council votes last night, including two resolutions for support of new Spec Buildings in Laurens and Clinton. Both buildings are to be financed by loans from Santee Cooper that require no payback for three years, and interest-only for the next 7 years, should it take that long for them to be sold for industrial use. The financing is to be handled through the Laurens County Development Corporation, with eventual payments coming from Laurens CPW and Clinton Economic Development.
The first resolution supports the construction of a 100,000 square foot Spec building in Hunter Industrial Park with responsibility of eventual repayment to the Laurens CPW. The second resolution is for construction of a 50,000 square foot Spec Building in the Clinton Corporate Park with responsibility of repayment to the city.
Before the vote on the resolution of support for the Spec Building in Laurens’ Hunter Industrial Park, Councilman Keith Tollison voiced his need for assurance that the county would not become financially responsible.
A provision of the resolution was noted that states that, “No recourse shall be had for the repayment of the note or interest or any part against the general fund of Laurens County.” That satisfied Tollison, but it did not satisfy Councilman Joe Wood, who said, “I do not care what it says, we could still be held responsible.” Wood also complained that there was no one was here from the city of Laurens, and that he heard that the C.P.W. is thinking of raising rates, while going into debt.
Despite Wood’s objections he was the only “no” vote and the resolution was approved.
During discussion on the vote of support for the 50,000 square foot Spec Building in Clinton Corporate Park, Councilman Tollison said he had confidence that County Attorney Sandy Cruickshanks would protect the county from any undue financial responsibility.
Councilwoman Diane Anderson said “I feel that we need to help Clinton because they are part of Laurens County and I am willing to give them a try and I hope you will do that as well.”