BY TRACY LEE TATE
Special to the Times
The Union County Board of Commissioners heard a proposal concerning the possibility of a new subdivision located in Union County.
Pete Scerbo, with American Land and Lakes, a development firm from Sarasota, spoke to commissioners about his company’s desire to locate a new subdivision in Raiford. This would be the company’s second subdivision in Raiford and its third in the county (with the other being located near Lulu).
Scerbo said his company was in the beginning stages of gathering the information for an application for the project but wanted to speak to the commission about it, answer any questions and let them know the application would be coming soon.
Scerbo also outlined the planned maintenance of the roads in the proposed subdivision, assuring the commissioners that it was not his company’s intent to ask the county to take over the roads and maintain them. He said that rather than establishing a homeowner’s association in the sales agreement for the homes, company planned to establish an annual fee, charged to all subdivision residents, for the upkeep of the roads. This he noted would put no more demand for service on the road department.
Commissioner Mac Johns said he was familiar with the company’s previous two subdivisions and noted that one, or maybe both were located on swampland. He also stated that he did not like seeing outside developers coming into the county and developing it.
Commission Chair Channing Dobbs, commissioner for District Two, where the new project would be located (as well as one other) expressed concerns of the cost to the county such a development would cause. He said it would require more spraying for mosquitoes, and more calls for fire, rescue and law enforcement services. In answer to these concerns Scerbo simply answered that it would increase county tax revenue.
“The biggest concern is leaving this county better for our grandkids,” Dobbs responded. He also stated that he agreed with Johns’ concerns about overextending county services. He also noted that such a project could lead to an increase in tax rates in the future.
All the commissioners agreed that they could not form an accurate opinion based on a small handout and presentation. They asked whether or not his company had already purchased the land and were told no.
Commissioner Donna Jackson said she would have to see a lot more documentation concerning the proposed project saying that in any decision made on such a project “communication is key.”
Scerbo was asked to attend next month’s regular meeting of the board and to bring the site plans and other documentation for the project with him for the commissioners to look over. Scerbo agreed.
In other discussion and action, the Union County Board of Commissioners:
Approved the sealed bid made by V.S. Robinson Corp. As the lowest and best bid for phase one of construction on the new Providence Fire Station.
Approved a proclamation declaring October as National Pharmacists Month in the county.
Considered an appointment of a commissioner to the Juvenile Justice Advisory Board. Jackson made motion to appoint Johns as the board’s representative and the motion passed unanimously.
Considered and approved the State Aid to Libraries Grant and Certification of Hours unanimously.
Considered a newly updated fee schedule for the Union County Building Department in which fees would be raised in an effort to help make the department self-sufficient. The proposed new fees would still be lower than those in surrounding counties. The matter was tabled on a motion by Jackson until the November meeting to allow a comparison spreadsheet of the current fees and the proposed new fees could be given to the board.
Approved an amendment to the county’s holiday policy on holiday pay issues. The amendment will bring county policy in line with state policy on holiday pay.
