ELLERBE — The Ellerbe Town Council received updates on sewer infrastructure, approved monthly bills and heard reports on upcoming community events during a brief meeting Monday.
Mayor Lee Berry said he signed a contract for the town to purchase a new sewer jetter to “clean out all the sewer lines and start pulling maintenance on the sewer line.”
Last year, the board approved $150,000 for the purchase, and the town spent $77,000 on the machine.
“We made a couple of adjustments to it and we should take delivery about 20 more days on it,” Berry said.
Berry also updated the council on sewer pump repairs being completed with the assistance of electrician David Richardson.
“We’ve got three pumps that were sitting at the maintenance shop and had never been sent off to be repaired, so we’re gonna have a nice little bill,” said Berry. “We had no backup pumps, so we sent all three off. Two are being rebuilt, one could not be rebuilt, so I ordered a new one for that one. It was like $8,000, but we needed it— there’s no question about that.”
Berry said the rebuilt and new pumps are expected to arrive within the next 30 days.
“With David’s ability, we’re going to put two brand new pumps down at Neal Grant’s and pull the other two out and do a little maintenance on them and have those just as backup… Sewer has always seemed to be an issue in the town here and water,” Berry said.
During council reports, Councilman Jimmy Bowles said one of the town’s trucks was involved in an accident after the driver experienced a seizure. The truck struck a fence at the school bus garage and was declared a total loss.
“We’re waiting to see what we’re going to get insurance-wise, and then we’re gonna have to find another truck to take its place,” said Bowles.
The council also approved July bills totaling $135,680.12.
Berry said the town’s tax collection rate stands at 91%.
For June, the Ellerbe Fire Department responded to 24 calls, the Ellerbe Rescue Squad responded to 46 calls and the Richmond County Sheriff’s Department responded to 683 calls.
During commissioners’ reports, Councilwoman Heather Pack said the town recently wrapped up its softball and baseball season with an awards banquet.
“We got to use our new sound system, which sounded fantastic, and so now we’re gonna start soccer very soon,” said Pack.
Councilwoman Jean Fletcher said she and Pack will soon begin planning Ellerbe Hometown Christmas, scheduled for Friday, Dec. 4, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.