Clinton City Council Welcomes New City Manager, Moves Forward on Budget, Zoning, and Historic Project

The Clinton City Council convened for its regular meeting on Monday, June 2, addressing a full agenda that included leadership changes, historical preservation efforts, zoning updates, and the city’s proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

Joey Meadors Sworn In as City Manager

In a significant moment for the city, Joey Meadors was officially sworn in as Clinton’s new City Manager. Meadors, who retired in 2020 after more than 45 years with the city, returns to lead with deep institutional knowledge and experience. His appointment was confirmed by a 6–1 council vote in May.

Having previously served in multiple key roles, including Assistant City Manager, Meadors’ return was met with broad support from council and city staff. His leadership is expected to bring stability and continuity as Clinton continues to grow and evolve.

Highlighting Revolutionary War History

Council also approved the installation of an educational kiosk at the Depot to honor Clinton’s Revolutionary War heritage. The new kiosk will include:

• Detailed maps of troop movements and battle sites

• A timeline of regional Revolutionary War events

• Biographical information on notable local figures

• QR codes linking to digital resources and videos

The project, which will not require funding from the City, may become part of a broader heritage tourism initiative in the Upstate designed to attract visitors interested in South Carolina’s Revolutionary War history.

New Residential Zoning Category Created

In a unanimous vote, Council approved the first reading of a new zoning category, RS-3. This designation is intended solely for single-family detached homes, barring future developments of townhomes or multi-family units in designated RS-3 areas. The change will apply only to future projects and does not affect current zoning.

Budget for 2025–2026 Introduced

City Council gave first-reading approval to the proposed 2025–2026 general operating budget of $23.3 million. The budget includes a 5% pay raise for city employees and maintains the property tax levy at 41.49 mills—no tax increase is proposed.

Councilmember Anita Williams cast the only dissenting vote, raising concerns over the year-to-year increase of more than $1 million and the proposed rise in sanitation fees from $20.63 to $24.75.

“Our citizens are asked to spend more and more each year,” said Williams, who suggested a tiered raise system based on income: 4% for those earning under $50,000, 3% for those earning $50,000–$75,000, and 2% for those earning over $75,000. Council ultimately rejected the proposal, citing the need to bring all employees closer to a cost-of-living standard.

A public hearing and second reading of the budget is scheduled for June 17. Residents are encouraged to attend and provide feedback.

Rezoning Approved for North Adair Street

Council approved, on first reading, the rezoning of two properties totaling approximately 41 acres on North Adair Street (Tax Map Nos. 901-09-01-007 and 901-09-01-019). The land will be split between R-1 (low-density residential) and R-2 (medium-density residential) zoning.

Councilmember Williams again cast the lone vote in opposition, voicing concern about the development’s proximity to Mt. Moriah Baptist Church.

Annexation of 50 Acres Near Highway 56

Council also approved, on first reading, the annexation of three parcels into the city limits. The parcels (Tax Map Nos. 614-00-00-001, 636-00-00-013, and 614-00-00-051) total approximately 50.3 acres and are proposed to be zoned R-2. One of the parcels includes about 20 acres with roughly 800 feet of frontage on SC Highway 56.

The next meeting of the Clinton City Council will be held Tuesday, June 17, when the second reading of the city’s budget will take place.