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Cheraw Town Council unanimously agreed Tuesday evening to help pay for the festivities the Cheraw Fire Department is hosting at the fire station Sunday, Feb. 17, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m., to celebrate 100 years of continuous service to the community. Cheraw Fire Chief John L. Melton requested, and was given, $1,000 for the event, but not without reprimand for protocol from Mayor Andy Ingram.

The request, just five days before the event, does not allow enough time for all the pertinent information to be gathered, said Ingram. Cheraw Town Administrator Mike Smith said an itemized estimate for things such as pens, cake, and t-shirts had been submitted, but a copy had not been distributed to each council member.

When Ingram asked Cheraw Town Clerk Tina Ellis from what account the money might be taken, she was unsure because a requested dollar amount had never reached her desk.

“We need to know where the money is going to come from before the decision is made,” said Ingram.

A motion by Randy Butler called for the approval of the request, with the money to be taken from the line item remaining balance for Cheraw, Inc. The motion passed unanimously.

The station is next door to Bilo, parking will be available there and at the station.

As part of the 100th anniversary, service awards will be given to members, an auto extrication demonstration, and fire extinguisher training will take place, along with food, fun, and fellowship.

For questions contact the Cheraw Fire Dept at 843-537-5941

Council also passed a recommendation to eliminate a portion of the town’s employee salary continuation policy, but not with opposition. According to Smith, there was an old policy for employees, before as much insurance was offered, that would pay 60 percent of one’s salary for 90 days, under certain circumstances, after all vacation, holiday and sick days had been used.

Through the Aflac insurance programs available to town employees, about 80 percent now have that option or better, said Smith.

“What happens to the 20 percent left out?” asked Councilwoman Jacqueline Ellerbe Shannon. “It’s most likely, since they don’t have insurance, they can’t afford insurance? Where does that leave them?”

Her question was not answered. When it was brought to a vote, she was the only to vote against it.

At Councilman Butler’s request, council agreed to table a recommendation on the evening’s agenda concerning possible shifts in fire district responsibilities for Country Club Acres and the Deerfield neighborhood off Old Cash Road. The issue will be taken back to the Public Safety Committee, said Butler, “for further review.”

Council agreed to hire the engineering firm of Davis & Floyd to complete the town’s drainage improvement project. The contract price is $49,900.

The first reading of an ordinance authorizing the town to sell a piece of property located at 1550 West Market Street passed unanimously Tuesday. According to the ordinance, “Mayor and council had previously agreed in November 2011 to sell this property to the Byrds (Layvonne and Larry Byrd), who are the adjoining property owners.”

The property has been appraised at $3,700.

— Staff Writer Karen Kissiah can be reached at 843-537-5261, or by email at kkissiah@civitasmedia.com.