EHRHARDT, S.C. - Ehrhardt Town Council members officially accepted a $500,000 Rural Infrastructure Fund grant during their regular meeting Tuesday night.
The grant gives the town the funding needed to begin its proposed $3 million water system replacement project.
Council members also held second reading of an ordinance approving an option and lease agreement with Scana Communications Inc. that will provide a cell phone tower on the town's water tank.
The town will receive a nominal fee for the lease, intending for the agreement to enhance cell phone service for residents and emergency service personnel.
Council also discussed complaints the Ehrhardt Police Department has been dealing concerning individuals tampering with water meters as well as an increase in complaints about copper and scrap metal theft. The penalty for tampering with a public utility meter is a $500 fine and/or thirty days in jail, it was noted.
In other business:
* Councilman Bill Edinger reported he has distributed Better Business Bureau complaint forms to residents concerning cable service. The company providing cable service to Ehrhardt has declared bankruptcy.
* Council members asked the police department to step up enforcement of the town's business license ordinance.
* It was announced that a dedication of the new ballpark will be held at 11 a.m. on April 5.
* Kim Dilling, representing the Ehrhardt Volunteer Fire Department, reported that a plan to award bonuses has been developed and delivered to Edinger. Firefighters will be awarded points for activities such as attending trainings and fire calls, and bonus funds will be allocated based on the points system at the end of the calendar year.
* Council members approved use of the new ballpark as a helicopter landing area for emergency situations.
T&D Correspondent Phyllis A. Overstreet can be reached by e-mail at paoverstreet@bellsouth.net.