Laurens City Council Receives SAFE Designation Recognition, Moves Forward on Key Ordinances

At its regular meeting on Tuesday, November 18, Laurens City Council received significant recognition and moved forward on a full agenda of municipal business, including holiday preparations, financial ordinances, and committee appointments.

Laurens Awarded SAFE Designation

Sabrina Guest, representing the South Carolina Victim Assistance Network and the Forensic Nursing Task Force, presented the City of Laurens with a SAFE Designation, a recognition awarded to communities that provide exceptional care and support to survivors of sexual assault.

The designation follows specialized training completed by city officials and staff through SLED and the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office. Guest commended Laurens for its commitment to survivor-centered response.

Veterans Day Reflections and New Capitol Theatre Director

Mayor Nathan Senn highlighted the city’s recent Veterans Day program held at the Capitol Theatre. During the ceremony, Hunter Holmes was introduced as the facility’s new director. Holmes, a local musician with experience working alongside performers, is expected to be an excellent fit for guiding the theater into its next chapter.

Senn thanked the residents, veterans, and organizations who attended the event, noting that the strong turnout “reflects the values of our community.”

Holiday Events Announced

The City of Laurens is preparing for several upcoming seasonal events:

• Santa Village & Tree Lighting – Friday, December 5, from 5–9 p.m.
  The celebration will include live holiday music, a Christmas market, and activities for families.

• Laurens Christmas Parade – Saturday, December 6, at 4 p.m.

Mayor Senn encouraged residents to join in these downtown festivities and support the community’s holiday traditions.

Business License Ordinance Updated

Council unanimously approved the second reading of an update to the city’s business license ordinance. The revisions bring Laurens’ class schedules and requirements into alignment with updated statewide guidelines.

Financial Ordinances and Resolutions Passed on First Reading

Council also unanimously approved several financial measures on first reading, including:

• An ordinance authorizing the issuance of limited obligation bonds (hospitality fee pledge) and related matters.

• An ordinance providing for the issuance and sale of a not exceeding $4,750,000 limited obligation bond (hospitality fee pledge), Series 2025.

• An ordinance amending the FY 2025–2026 city budget.

• Resolution 11-25-01, consenting to the inclusion of certain property within the City of Laurens in a joint county industrial park.

Committee Appointments

Council also approved Resolution 11-25-02, appointing members to the Historic Preservation Committee and naming a hearing officer pursuant to Section 16 of the City’s Business License Ordinance, adopted under the 2022 MASC Model Business License Ordinance.