The Dearing town council has voted to apply for a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant for 2012.
“This is for water line and other improvements in areas of our town that really need it,” Mayor Sean Kelley said during Tuesday’s monthly town council meeting.
The grant would include plans for three phases of improvements: Phase I would cover Camellia Drive and include a new 6-inch water line, filling in ditches along the road and sidewalks; Phase II would cover similar improvements on Magnolia Drive; and Phase III would cover Davis, Reeves and Reid roads.
“The grant would call for Dearing to put up $30,000 of the towns funds, but only if we get the grant,” Kelley said. “What we’re voting on tonight is to spend the $2,500 needed to apply for the grant.”
The motion was made by council member Bobby Aldred and unanimously approved.
The council also voted to renew the three-year agreement with the Cleveland Group for Agreed Upon Procedures.
“It’s basically an audit,” Kelley said. “They’ve done a good job for us the past three years.”
In other business, resident Donna Justice complained about speeding on Neal Mill Road.
“We’re patrolling the area and writing tickets to anyone we catch speeding,” said Maj. Ronnie Williamson of the McDuffie County Sheriff’s Department, who was at the meeting.
Dearing also announced that the annual Soup, Chili and Stew Cookoff will be Feb. 25 at Dearing Elementary School, from 4 to 7 p.m.
“This is a Mayfest fundraising event,” Kelley said. “There’s no entry fee, so anyone wanting to enter a soup, chili or stew, or even all three, are encouraged to do so.”
Tickets cost $5, no more than $15 for a family. There will also be a cake auction.
