ST. MATTHEWS - Tax reform passed by state lawmakers will cost Calhoun County an extra $25,000 in modifications to the software contract with the offices of the auditor and treasurer.

County Council approved the extra cost Monday, after hearing from Tom McLeod of Smith Data Processing.

"We're working on how to calculate a tax notice. The changes touch about everything we do in taxes," said McLeod. "And, keep in mind, the Legislature meets again in January."

According to McLeod, the tax reform measures, which exempt school taxes on owner-occupied houses, will have a large impact on the collection mechanisms.

"You can see how deep this thing cuts. Everything has to be looked at," he said. "It impacts your computer system here and what we do on the front and back end. We think we've got our arms around it and know where we're heading ... if it doesn't change."

County Administrator Lee Prickett said that council has "no choice" but to approve the single-source contract with the Columbia-based firm that the county has been doing business with for over 15 years.

In other business, council gave first reading, by title only, to two ordinances establishing fines for those who build structures or install manufactured housing without permits.

The building codes ordinance would be amended to impose a fine of $100 or double the permit fee, whichever is greater, if construction begins before a permit is received.

Also, permits may be denied if there's a demonstrable history of poor work.

As for manufactured homes, a $100 fine would be imposed if a mobile home is placed in the county without a proper installation permit.

In addition, manufactured structures must be used for the purpose they were intended. For an example, an office or portable school room could not be used later for a residence.

Council also received, as information, a report that end-of-the-year figures show the county has added 56 "stick built" homes, compared with 44 manufactured homes.

That's the "first time in many years that stick built has outpaced manufactured," said Prickett.

In other business, council:

* As recommended by the Planning Commission, gave second reading to an ordinance amending the zoning ordinance to provide consistent language for mobile home parks.

* Received a $50,000 check from Marty Phalen, vice president of gas operations for South Carolina Electric and Gas, to help with economic development. SCE&G is providing gas to the new Starbucks site in the county.

* Approved the request for out-of-state travel to allow an employee to attend an emergency medical dispatch training session in Tennessee. A grant pays for the course.

* Agreed to accept Howell Lane, a short road in a subdivision, into the county's system of maintenance.

* Agreed to defer the matter of Time Warner, which operates cable television service in a very small area of the county, to the town of St. Matthews. Time Warner has sought a petition for special relief to be exempt from any rate regulations.

* Received, as information, a report from the administrator that talks are ongoing with school district officials concerning use of the old St. John school property for recreation.

* Received, as information, a report from the administrator that he is looking for quotes to determine the flood maps base elevation.

* In closed, executive session, received a legal briefing concerning Columbia Energy (Calpine).

* In closed, executive session, discussed a contractual matter concerning the sale/lease of properties on Doodle Hill Road and on U.S. Hwy. 176.

T&D Government Writer Tucker Lyon can be reached at tlyon@timesanddemocrat.com or by calling 803-533-5545.

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