After a budget discussion where several changes were made, Ehrhardt Town Council members gave second reading approval to its 2012-13 budget.

Also during the meeting:

• Chief of Public Safety Chad Dilling reported the fire department responded to four calls during the month; including a mobile home fire and a structure fire on Clear Pond Road. Chief Dilling reported “a lot busier” month in the police department with 14-case files created including: A warrant being taken out on a suspected who allegedly was caught on video tape knocking down 16-road signs around town. “I plan to make an example of him,” Chief Dilling said of the suspect, who was preliminarily identified as the person knocking down the signs and who was presently out of town. Chief Dilling also noted that a drivers’ license check point in town led to the police department confiscating three pistols and to the arrest of several wanted fugitives.

• In the public works department report, Commissioner Freddie Copeland reported revenues for the month of April were: $12,646.45. During the month 15 customers were cutoff for non-payment of water bills. Revenues for May to date were reported at $9,407.25. Also in the public works department report it was noted that the water meters of the two residents that complained about excessive water usage last month were replaced but had not been sent off yet. Water department officials will check with Will Martin at the Bamberg BPW to see where they should be sent to be checked. Town Administrator Kathie Stroman noted that the public works department is showing $12,000 in past due bills, which she noted “was a huge balance to carry each month.”

• In discussions of a community disabilities grant that could be tied to a police car and sidewalk for the town and an officers safety grant that is also available; Mayor Bill Stanley noted the town should also be thinking about a streetscape project. The town of Swansea was identified as an example of streetscape project other towns were doing. “We’ll see what we can do,” Mayor Stanley said.

• Council members also gave their approval for space in the town hall to be used for a summer feeding program. Council members noted that their main concern was that the area be kept clean.

• Council members also approved a donation of $150 to a request from Erin Chassereau for the startup of a library for children in the town. Chassereau, who worked in the library at USC in Allendale and the computer lab at the college, said that organization of the library would be “key.” Chassereau noted the library would not be affiliated with the Bamberg County Library and would be open for a couple of hours during the week. “We do appreciate your interest, time and effort in what you are doing,” Mayor Stanley told Chassereau.