Pleased with its recent bid response in a troubling market, Orangeburg City Council passed a resolution Tuesday that authorizes a $1 million lease agreement with First Citizens Bank for the lease/purchase of capital equipment.

Assistant City Administrator Kevin Bronson said that despite the "chaotic time," the city received five bids when the project was put out in mid-October.

And while other municipalities in the state are operating under an average interest rate of 4 percent, "we did well with our local bank," Bronson said. Many municipalities are only getting one bid, he said.

According to Bronson, the bid was divided into two parts based on the expected life of the equipment. The finance rate, from the low bidder, is for $409,084 at 2.65 percent for three years and $627,250 at 3.01 percent for five years.

The equipment includes a fire truck, garbage truck, police cars, mowers and some computers.

In other business, council tabled the request of Orangeburg County to permanently close Gibson Street in the one-block area between the courthouse and St. Paul's United Methodist Church.

The county has requested the street closure to facilitate courthouse renovations that are designed to improve security.

"There are several issues we need to get some answers to, such as relates to" the Department of Public Utilities, said Mayor Paul Miller.

Also, council received copies of the new brochure that markets the annual Children's Garden Christmas and Kid's Walk at Edisto Memorial Gardens. Council also watched new 30-second television advertisements that are scheduled to run through Christmas.

An estimated 200,000 to 300,000 people visit the light display that runs Nov. 24-Jan. 1.

In order for council members to attend the on-site re-accreditation public hearing for the Department of Public Safety, council met at 5:30 p.m., 90 minutes earlier than usual.

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

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