Council splits on Salem water line project

Oconee County Council, by 3-2, split last night on whether to take $210 thousand dollars from the county’s economic development account and appropriate it to the town of Salem to complete the loop of a water line on the east side of highway 11 from Park Avenue south. The idea is to allow for improvements and expansion of existing businesses and an impetus for growth along the route. But the divide on this issue broke the typical way when council is in disagreement. Voting yes as majority were Cammick, Hart, and McCall. Voting no were Cain and Davis. Julian Davis said that while he recognizes Salem requires basic water service, he has concerns and believes considering the money involved such an economic development matter deserves a public hearing and three readings of an ordinance.