The Bamberg Board of Public Works voted to submit a letter of support for the funding of a $25 million grant at the July Board meeting Tuesday night. County Administrator, Rose Dobson Elliott, requested a letter of support from the board for the funding of the grant that would partially help implement a countywide water system.

“This is an opportunity to receive upwards of $25 million of which the Board of Public Works will receive substantial benefits,” Dobson Elliott said of the program.

County Council Chairman Chris Wilson told the board that the purpose of the letter of support was to show in the grant process that all major players were on board in the county that would benefit the grant process.

As a matter of information, Bruce Ellis, Board of Public Works Manager, informed the board that State Law Makers had overturned the “Sprinkler Bill” that had been vetoed by Governor Mark Sanford earlier this year. Ellis said, “when you tie in for sprinkler service in commercial buildings, right now, the developer pays for the impact on the system, the new bill says that it will be put in at no charge to the developers. Now the tax payers will have to handle the cost.” Ellis continued to say that he felt the intention of the bill was good, but that it was made in an emotion decision and that the effect on the taxpayers of the new bill had not been considered.

Ellis also informed the board that their were new updates that would need to be applied to the Cross Connection Control, or Back Flow Prevention. The Cross Connection Control/Backflow Prevention program is a state mandated backflow program designed to protect the public's drinking water from contamination by identifying and eliminating cross connections. Every public water system must initiate and maintain a viable cross connection control program. This is accomplished by surveying the distribution system for unprotected cross connections. Once identified, these connections can be eliminated through the proper use of backflow prevention assemblies. Procedures changes will be voted on in the near future.

The Board briefly discussed cost of living increases for Board of Public Works employees. Ellis informed the board that the state publication recommended 5.5%, which is the average rate that the cost of living has increased in the southeast.

During the discussion, Board Chairman, Bob Clary commented, ”I think we need to note that our fellows (BPW employees) face a lot more adversity than most of the city employees.” The board ultimately decided to keep the matter in consideration and make a decision during the upcoming budget review.

During public comments, Board of Public Works, O&M Supervisor, Gene Searson, thanked the board for the appreciation and understanding that they expressed for the risk and long hours the BPW employees work.