DENMARK - The financial report for July 1 through Sept. 30 of this year shows the city of Denmark has a deficit of $163,511.02 in the general fund and a deficit of $6,306.80 in its water and sewer fund, accountant Rusty Munoz reported during the October Denmark City Council meeting.

He said all accounts payable and notes payable are current and all payroll taxes were paid timely. Munoz noted that all quarterly payroll tax reports were filed.

The audit for the fiscal year July 1, 2006, through June 30, 2007, is expected by the November council meeting, he said.

Also during the meeting, Denmark City Administrator Heyward Robinson updated the council on gas expenditures since the council agreed to allow the police officers to take the city vehicles home with them. During the three-month period, the gas expenditure increased $1,200, he said, noting, however, that the price of gas increased during that three-month period from $2.10 to $2.55 a gallon.

In other business, the administrator reported that two bids were received to paint the city hall, one for $7,500 and the other for $35,000. Robinson said the high bid included preparation work before painting. Because of the big difference in the bids, the council suggested revisiting that job.

During public participation Bettylou R. Terry, president of the Denmark Depot Restoration Society, updated the council on the depot project. She said the objective is to have the depot open as a welcome center and a museum emphasizing the history of the railroads in Denmark.

Also during the meeting, Denmark Police Chief Leroy Grimes reported that 53 case files were created from Sept. 18 to Oct. 15. Charges included assault and battery, burglary, criminal domestic violence, traffic collisions, driving under suspension, malicious injury to personal property, trespassing, shoplifting, harassment, failure to stop for blue light, driving under the influence, disturbing school, false information to police, disorderly conduct, simple possession of marijuana and breach of trust with fraudulent intent.

Grimes also reported that Officer Thomas Collins Jr. completed his ce.jpgication training in Columbia on Oct. 5.

In other business:

* The administrator announced that Johnny Archie was hired as the city animal control officer.

* Council approved second reading of the franchise fee for cable television with Atlantic Broadband. The franchise fee is 5 percent.

* Council accepted the lowest bid of $7,099 for a commercial lawn mower for the water department.

* Mayor Carrie Simmons announced that the Denmark Christmas parade is scheduled for Dec. 8. Anyone interested in entering a unit in the parade is asked to contact Denmark City Hall.

* The mayor announced that Denmark First Baptist Church will offer free dinners on Thanksgiving Day to those who would not otherwise receive one. Those wishing to contribute to this may do so by contacting the First Baptist Church by Nov. 1.

T&D Correspondent Vic Whetstone can be reached by e-mail at vwhets@bellsouth.net or by phone at 803-793-3402. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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