Clover Council Holds Tax Rate Steady, Approves Utility Rate Hike and Capital Projects

At the July 14, 2025, Clover Town Council meeting, key actions included the first reading approvals of Ordinance 25-04 to raise water and sewer rates by 5% and Ordinance 25-05 to set the 2025 millage rate at 130.9 mills with no tax increase. Council approved a contractor change for the Armory equipment shed, awarded a $20,500 contract for electrical meter conversions at the Guinn Street parking lot, and authorized the final AMI project payment using capacity fee funds. The Gallery 120 Board was restructured as a committee. Council also recognized the Officer of the Year, Citizens Academy graduates, and the 12U Diamond Softball All-Star Team.

Key Actions and Highlights:

• Ordinance 25-04 (Water/Sewer rate increase): Passed first reading. A 5% increase to volumetric water and sewer rates was approved, with implementation on bills issued after August 20, 2025.
• Ordinance 25-05 (Property Tax Levy): Passed first reading. Sets the Town’s millage rate for 2025 at 130.9 mills with no increase in taxes due to rollback adjustments.
• Recognitions: Police Officer of the Year, Citizens Academy graduates, and the 12U Diamond Softball All-Star Team were honored.
• New Projects and Approvals:
  • Approval of contractor Ryan Co. Construction for the Armory equipment shed.
  • Final AMI water meter project payment of $183,818.41 using capacity fee funds.
  • Contract awarded to Polk Electric ($20,500) for converting electrical meters to underground at Guinn Street parking lot.
  • Gallery 120 Board restructured as a Committee.
• Staff Reports: Updates included progress on capital projects, recreation agreements with York County, and financial reports showing revenues exceeding projections.

Detailed Agenda Review and Council Actions

I. Public Hearings

• Ordinance 25-04: No public comment. Proposes a 5% increase in volumetric water/sewer rates. Intended to maintain system financial health, meet regulatory standards, and reflect rising costs.
• Ordinance 25-05: No public comment. Establishes the 2025 tax levy. Millage set at 130.9 (129.1 operational, 1.8 capital), aligned with York County’s reassessment and rollback provisions.

II. Amendments to Agenda

• None.

III. Public Address, Awards & Presentations

• Officer of the Year: Recognized by Chief Grice.
• Citizens Academy Graduates: Participants from the third Citizens Academy class honored.
• 12U Diamond Softball Team: Recognized for advancing to state tournament and earning the program’s first state-level win.

IV. Approval of Minutes

• Minutes from June 9, 2025, meeting approved unanimously.

V. New Business

• Ordinance 25-04: First reading approved. The ordinance adjusts rates based on a utility rate study conducted by Willdan Group, with second reading scheduled for August 11, 2025.
• Ordinance 25-05: First reading approved. The ordinance maintains revenue neutrality and includes York County tax collection processes.
• Armory Equipment Shed:
  • Council approved replacing the original contractor (Youngblood) with Ryan Co. Construction.
  • Ryan Co. bid: $123,050 plus 6% material tariff, totaling $130,433.
• AMI Water Meter Final Payment:
  • Council authorized using capacity fee funds to pay $183,818.41 due to un-itemized but necessary field services.
  • Public Works assisted with larger meters to reduce external contractor costs.
• Guinn Street Parking Lot – Electrical Meter Conversion:
  • Council approved $20,500 contract to Polk Electric to convert 21 electrical meters from overhead to underground.
  • Project remains under the $1 million budget with $156,123.23 remaining.
• Gallery 120 Board Status Change:
  • Council approved converting the Gallery Board into a Committee.
  • Town staff now manage gallery operations, reducing the need for a formal board structure.

VI. Staff Reports

• Personnel: Openings in recreation, customer service, and operations roles.
• Recreation and York County: Ongoing discussions about intergovernmental agreements, stipends for unincorporated participants, and facility access.
• Capital Projects:
  • Guinn Street parking lot to begin July 21.
  • Fire substation nearing completion.
  • Fieldhouse project RFQ to be issued.
  • Continued work on sewer rehab project and IT upgrades.
• Community Engagement:
  • July 4th event had 1,200+ attendees.
  • Visit Clover website and public art initiatives underway.
  • Main Street farmers markets receiving positive feedback.
• Public Works: Commended for work on AMI project and ongoing infrastructure support.

VII. Council Comments

• Appreciation expressed for July 4 events, Veterans Committee, and recent business openings such as Soda Lab, Cattle Car, and Milk Train Creamery.
• A moment of remembrance for Dave Edwards, a respected community member who passed away.

Next Meeting: Scheduled for August 11, 2025.