SPRINGFIELD - Almega Cable Company will no longer provide cable TV service in the town of Springfield.

Mayor Marilyn McCormick at the November Springfield Town Council meeting reported Almega sent a letter saying it would cease cable TV service in Springfield because there weren't enough customers there to make it profitable.

McCormick asked residents who have bills from Almega to forward them to her for resolution.

Also during the meeting, the mayor announced the delay of second readings of ordinances dealing with an agreement between the town and Orangeburg County related to cleanup and/or removal of unsightly or hazardous properties in Springfield. She said because the town had not received one of the ordinances it was awaiting from the county, second reading would be rescheduled for the December council meeting.

In other business:

* Councilwoman Lydia Lackey reported the new street signs were completed and should be installed soon. The total cost of the project was $1,904.75, with the original cost projected at $1,830.75, she said.

* Lackey reported the library at the old Springfield High School is open but lacks smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. She said the county, however, provided detectors and extinguishers in the library. McCormick said the upstairs of the school is still under construction, and while the current sprinkler system was inspected in 2000, another inspection is currently being done. She said Springfield's fire chief inspected the library, along with the county, and informed the town about work that still needs to be done. McCormick said some detectors are there but are not yet on the walls. She said the town will ensure that they are installed.

* Councilman Lee reported the police department had 34 calls in October. The department handled eight reports of vandalism, made one grand larceny charge and one larceny charge and responded to two alarms.

* A resident said the town needs more security at night, particularly at the local video store

* A resident asked if the county pays rent for the library space, shares expenses or provides maintenance for the building. It was noted that it is the county's responsibility to provide books and equipment; to pay the phone bill, for Internet service and for the post office box and to pay staff, benefits and training.

* A resident asked about the disposition of the juveniles responsible for recent tire slashings. Police Chief Bing Jones explained the process, saying he was handling the situation.

* The town's financial report for October showed the following account balances: General Fund - Beginning balance, $784.37; income, $16,208.45; expense, $16,301.21; ending balance, $691.61. Water and Sewer Fund - Beginning balance, $4,713.15; income, $16,114.39; expense, $12,825.06; ending balance, $6,811.26. Municipal Fund - Beginning balance, $13,413.18; income, $4,125.00 expense, $9,000.00; ending balance, $8,538.18. Savings - Beginning balance, $9,479.72; ending balance, $9,479.72.

T&D Correspondent Peggie Walter can be reached by e-mail at pbwred@tds.net. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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