Laurens City Council Recap: Budget Passes on First Reading Despite Controversy, Fire Department Earns Recognition

The Laurens City Council met Tuesday evening, May 19, 2026, for a session that covered upcoming community celebrations, departmental achievements, youth recognition, and a contentious budget vote.

Cleanup Crackdown Still in Effect

Mayor Senn opened the meeting with a reminder that the city’s cleanup crackdown remains active. The initiative, which began April 1, runs through June 30, with code enforcement set to begin in early July. Residents were also encouraged to apply for open positions on city boards and commissions.

Historic Courthouse Reopens

Mayor Senn recognized the May 15 dedication and reopening of the city’s historic courthouse, calling the project the result of significant effort by many people. “I want to thank all involved in this project, from its inception to completion, because it involved a whole lot of work by a lot of people,” he said. He also acknowledged business owners on the square who endured disruptions during construction.

Community Yard Sale a Success

Credit was given to Councilman Martin Lowry, who donated his property to host a community yard sale that drew more than 90 vendors and up to 500 attendees. The event was facilitated by the American Legion, Big Air Volunteers, city staff, and Front Porch Turn.

Budget Approved on First Reading

Council voted on the first reading of the fiscal year budget, which contains no tax increases, maintains competitive pay for city employees — particularly those in streets, sanitation, and first responder roles — and prioritizes reinvestment in city reserves. No public works or trash collection fees were increased.

The vote came only after a lengthy three-hour discussion sparked when Councilor Alicia Sullivan stated she could not support the budget due to what she described as incomplete financial information. “At this time I cannot support the budget request due to the lack of complete financial information provided to myself,” Sullivan said.

Mayor Senn responded that questions raised could have been addressed at the second budget workshop. Councilmen Lowry, Bolt, and the mayor each noted that objections had their appropriate place in workshop discussions. The budget passed on first reading with Councilors Campbell, Miller, Lowry, and Bolt along with Mayor Senn voting yes. Councilors Sullivan and Whitmire voted no.

Fire Chief Delivers First Department Report

In response to a council request for regular departmental updates, Fire Chief Neil Roberts delivered the first monthly report.

Roberts announced that Laurens Fire Department Senior Engineer DJ Jackson was awarded the 2026 South Carolina State Firefighter of the Year by the American Legion at the state convention in Columbia. Jackson will now advance to represent South Carolina at the national competition in Kansas City.

Roberts reported the department currently staffs six personnel per shift with two administration positions, and four part-time volunteer firefighters. The department answered 764 alarms last year and is on pace to potentially break 2,000 alarms in the current year — which would be a first for the city.

The Laurens Fire Department has also earned the South Carolina Fire Safety Award for three consecutive years, recognized for fire education efforts in schools and the community.

Roberts also addressed the department’s ISO rating, noting that maintaining the city’s ISO One designation is increasingly challenging as requirements tighten. “ISO says a department our size is required to have 14 full-time firemen per day, we are sitting at 6,” Roberts said. “That is difficult for a city our size, but I think we are giving it a good run.”

Mayor’s Youth Council Honored

Pictured left to right: Natalie Marsh, Ann Barrett Penland, and Addison Hornberger

Mayor Senn honored members of the Mayor’s Youth Council and their families, highlighting their contributions throughout the year and announcing that each member will receive a $500 scholarship from the city. “I hope that there is a future member of the city council and a future mayor sitting out there tonight,” Senn said.

Members present at the meeting were Natalie Marsh, Ann Barrett Penland, and Addison Hornberger. Also recognized were Jay Williams, Margaret Collins, Mary Babb Davis, Dillon Eclavea, Ellie Raedell Jones, Ethan Lanham, Omariye Thompson, and Janiya Williams.

Upcoming Events

Several major community events were announced:

The annual Juneteenth Weekend Celebration runs June 12-14, 2026, on and around the Historic Downtown Square, featuring a talent show, community breakfast, parade, and downtown festival.

Carolina Day on June 28, 2026, will mark the America 250 commemoration with a special church service, courthouse grounds events, and the unveiling of a Revolutionary War exhibit at the Laurens County Museum.

The Capitol Theater will celebrate its 100th birthday June 26, 2026, with a screening of “Charlie’s Aunt” — the first film shown there on June 26, 1926. A silent movie pianist accompanist has been secured for the event.

Freedom Fest 2026 takes place July 3 in Downtown Laurens from 5 to 10 p.m., featuring a Veterans Tribute, Kid Zone, food trucks, live music, and a fireworks finale.

Other Business

Council unanimously approved on second reading Ordinance 04-26-01, rezoning a parcel at 1025 W. Main Street from neighborhood commercial district to suburban district. The ordinance had previously received planning commission approval.

A resident concern about speeding in a residential area was raised by Councilor Campbell on behalf of a constituent, citing the danger to children. A proposal to allow council member comments at the close of meetings was not approved.