Laurens City Council Marks 180th Anniversary, Hears Public Comment on Amphitheater Financing, Votes on Ordinances

Laurens City Council met Tuesday evening, December 16, with Mayor Nathan Senn opening the meeting by commemorating the City of Laurens’ 180th anniversary.

Mayor Senn shared that the city observed the milestone earlier in the day with a short program held at 11 a.m. on December 15, the official date of Laurens’ founding. The program highlighted the city’s history and reflected on the community’s growth over the past 180 years.

Following the mayor’s remarks, Jason Pridgen, Director of Laurens Parks and Recreation, addressed council and introduced members of a local youth football team who were present for recognition. The team advanced to the Upper State Championship after recent victories over Greenwood and Seneca before falling to Rock Hill, a program drawing from a significantly larger population base. Council recognized the team for its accomplishments and competitive season.

Public Comment

During the public comment period, Jake Cooper, owner of Big Air Laurens, addressed council regarding the proposed amphitheater project and its associated financing.

Cooper asked council members whether they were familiar with the specific terms of the proposed bond.

He questioned why a proposed bond of approximately $4.7 million—described as having a fixed interest rate for the first 10 years before shifting to market rates—was tied to a budget amendment that included funding for promised city employee pay raises. Cooper stated that, in his view, the items could have been presented as separate votes rather than combined into one budget action.

Cooper also expressed concern about the long-term financial performance of the amphitheater project, stating his belief that it would not generate sufficient revenue to support itself.

Before his time expired, Cooper referenced a special council-appointed committee established to oversee the project, stating that to his knowledge the committee had not met since mid-May. He questioned why a vote was moving forward prior to final plans being submitted and before the city had completed acquisition of the property involved.

Cooper concluded his remarks by urging council members to prayerfully consider their decision, characterizing the issue as one that would impact future generations. He closed by quoting Luke 14:28: “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it.”

Council Action

Following public comment, council moved into voting items. The city’s attorney joined the meeting remotely to explain the bond details and provide guidance to council.

Council first considered Ordinance 11-25-01, an ordinance authorizing and providing for the issuance of limited obligation bonds (hospitality fee pledge) of the City of Laurens, and Ordinance 11-25-02, an ordinance providing for the issuance and sale of a not-to-exceed $4,750,000 limited obligation bond (hospitality fee pledge), Series 2025. The two ordinances were voted on together.

After much discussion and guidance from the city’s attorney, council defeated the combined ordinances by a 3–4 vote.

Council then considered Ordinance 11-25-03, an ordinance amending the City of Laurens’ budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026, which included a $300,000 increase designated for payroll expenses. That ordinance was also defeated by a 3–4 vote. Following the vote, council moved to reinstate and table the ordinance, allowing the option to discuss the matter further at a later date.

Laurens City Council meets regularly at City Hall, with meeting agendas and information available through the City of Laurens.