WELCOME TO THE TOWN OF GRAY COURT

On behalf of the Town Councilmembers and my Administrative staff, welcome to the Town of Gray Court.  It is an honor to serve as the Mayor of our town that’s embracing growth. 

Thank you for taking the time to visit our website to get a preview of what we are about and view some of the town’s accomplishments.

Some of our top priorities and goals include:

• Fostering a unified town identity
• Enhancing our historical downtown and with renovation of the buildings for new business
• One of our focuses include maintaining the essence of our friendly town while welcoming new opportunities.

Although our growth has been historically weakened, our current robust growth has emerged just the right time.  Fostering a unified town identity, connection between our past and our future.  Today, Gray Court enjoys the diversity within our town with newcomers relocating from various states making Gray Court their new home. 

We are continuing making plans for the present and our next generation. We are very fortunate to have caring, supportive and loving citizens in Gray Court who make our town one of a kind. This continuous journey for Gray Court is not mine alone, it ours.  Your involvement is the cornerstone of our success.

Please do not hesitate to contact me:  (864)876-3482 or cell# (864)871-7130.

Sincerely,

Stellartean Jones, Mayor

                                        Incorporated in 1899 •  “We are striving to improve”

During the November 5, 2024 general election, the Town of Gray Court will hold a referendum. The referendum question will appear on the ballot. Only registered voters who are residents of the Town of Gray Court will be able to vote on the referendum.

For many years, Gray Court has owned and operated a water system. The water system has provided drinking water to the residents of Gray Court. About 5 years ago, Gray Court’s water system manager retired. Gray Court looked for a replacement water system manager but was unable to find someone with the needed training, certification, knowledge and skill for the job. In addition, the Gray Court water system was aging and needed repairs and upgrades. The Town of Gray Court did not have the funds that were needed to make them.

Therefore, Gray Court approached Laurens County Water And Sewer Commission (“LCWSC”) and asked for its assistance by taking over the management of Gray Court’s water system. On November 26, 2019, Gray Court and LCWSC entered a management agreement whereby LCWSC would completely manage the water system on behalf of the town. In addition, LCWSC agreed to undertake making repairs to the water system and install needed upgrades.

The agreement with LCWSC was always intended to be a temporary measure. The agreement was only for 3 years, but it could be extended for another three years. In 2022, Gray Court extended the agreement for 3 years. The agreement could not be extended further and the current agreement runs out on November 25, 2025.

While the agreement allowed LCWSC to make repairs and upgrades to the water system, the agreement also said that the town had to pay for them. The income Gray Court receives from the operation of the water system is not sufficient to pay LCWSC for the repairs.

Gray Court also desperately needs sewer. The town cannot afford to build a sewer system. However, LCWSC is authorized to provide sewer services. Over several years, the town and LCWSC applied for grant funds so that the town could contribute to the cost to begin installing a sewer utility in the town. The town council passed an ordinance that called for a referendum that would allow the town to build, own and operate a sewer utility. However, none of the grants that were applied for were awarded to the town. Without funding, the plans for the town to build and operate a sewer system ended.

During this time, LCWSC managed the water system, and Gray Court saw that it was working well. The water system had been significantly upgraded during LCWSC’s management. Among other things, LCWSC installed new water meters that can be read remotely. This made billing for water more accurate. Water system users also enjoy being able to make payments for water electronically.

Therefore, the Gray Court council determined that the best option for the residents of Gray Court was to transfer ownership of the water system to LCWSC. In exchange, LCWSC agreed to continue to continue its efforts to bring sewer to Gray Court. LCWSC agreed to cancel Gray Court’s obligation to repay it for the water system upgrades if the water system is transferred to LCWSC. In addition, LCWSC agreed to require owners of large tracts of land outside the town limits to annex into the town if the owners ask LCWSC to provide water or sewer service.
 

If Gray Court is going to provide services such as parks and recreation, law enforcement, building inspection, and better roads, the town must grow. Recently Gray Court annexed a large tract of land next to Gray Court Owings School that will be developed into a 260 home subdivision. The Town Council believes that other subdivisions will be coming and that growth will require services from the town.

The referendum concerns whether the Town of Gray Court should be authorized to transfer the water utility to LCWSC. The referendum question reads:

“Shall the Town of Gray Court, South Carolina (“Town”), be authorized to transfer its Water System and all of its assets to Laurens County Water and Sewer Commission (“LCWSC”) upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Water Utility Asset Agreement, a copy of which is on file with the Town Clerk, Gray Court Town Hall, 329 W. Main St., Gray Court, South Carolina? “

There are 2 options when you vote. They are:

Yes, in favor of the question [ ]         No, opposed to the question [ ]

If a “yes” vote is cast, it , means that the voter wants to authorize the Town of Gray Court to transfer the water system to LCWSC. If a “no” vote is case. The voter wants Gray Court to continue to own and manage the water system.

If the referendum passes, Gray Court will transfer ownership of the water system to LCWSC. The following is expected to occur if the referendum passes:

• Elimination of the Town’s liability of owning and maintaining an ageing water system. If LCWSC owns the water system, it is expected that LCWSC will continue to invest resources to upgrade and expand the water system where needed. This will ensure the water system is sustainable for future generations.
• LCWSC’s sole mission is to provide water and sewer services. LCWSC has the financial stability to manage and operate the water system. Utility revenue funds LCWSC’s operations and any excess revenue is reinvested in the system for system improvements. This helps to keep rate increases to a minimum.
• Access to LCWSC experienced work force. LCWSC has been providing service to the Laurens County community for over 50 years. It has 50 employees who are trained and experienced. Its sole purpose is to provide high quality water service and environmentally sound sewer service to the Laurens County community. Gray Court citizens will have access to LCWSC staff 24/7.
• LCWSC offers multiple payment and communication options for customer convenience. Online and IVR (pay by phone) payments have been used extensively by Gray Court customers. Over 75% of the Gray Court citizens utilize LCWSC’s online and IVR payment options and 68% prefer options other than cash or check.

Much greater potential for sewer service to be provided in downtown Gray Court and other areas of the town. LCWSC has demonstrated its ability to leverage local dollars (cash match) for grants. As an example, LCWSC contributed $800,000 for the sewer upgrades at Fibertex. This expansion includes the provision of sewer in Gray Court’s downtown area.

Grant funding is getting harder to get. Most grant funding agencies want to provide funding to viable systems to ensure their investment is maximized. What this means is that the grant fund agency wants to know how many people are going to be positively affected by the grant if it is awarded. LCWSC serves a much larger area than the town of Gray Court. Therefore, it is able to demonstrate an impact on more people and territory by its services.

• Ability to annex and grow the City’s tax base to better fund City services in return for water and sewer service through the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) Gray Court has entered with LCWSC.
• Accountable and responsive governance. LCWSC is a governmental entity. Its Board members serve 4-year terms. They are recommended for appointment by Laurens County Council, nominated by the Laurens County Legislative Delegation and then appointed by the Governor. They represent every County Council district and take their responsibility very seriously. LCWSC is not motivated to make a profit, but to always be accountable to the citizens of Laurens County.

If the Referendum fails to pass:

• The town will continue to own the water system.
• The financial burden of operating and maintaining the water system will revert to the town. Existing water system revenue will not cover the cost of its operation and maintenance. The only way to correct that is through substantial rate increases.
• Gray Court will have to find someone with the needed training, certification, knowledge and skill to manage the water system. This is expected to be very difficult because the Gray Court water system is a small utility. This means that the cost of operation is shared by a small group of users.
• Gray Court has not been able to identify a source of funds to build and operate a sewer system. Getting sewer to Gray Court is vital if Gray Court is going to grow.
• Growth of towns and cities in South Carolina is largely through annexation. However, annexation will be difficult because it does not have the funds to build a sewer system or to expand the existing water system. In South Carolina, the vast majority of annexations are done because property owners ask to be annexed. Unless Gray Court has services property owners need such as water and sewer, it is far less likely that property owners will request annexation into the town.

The election where this referendum will be held is on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. In person early voting will begin on Monday, October 21, 2024, and close on Sunday, October 27, 2024. You can vote in person early at the Laurens County Board of Voter Registration and Elections office at 105 Bolt Drive, Laurens, SC, 29360.

4th of July Firework Show at Gray Court Community Park - 9:00PM EST

Swearing In Ceremony of Town Council Member, Brian Carter - May 20, 2024

Gray Court Community Park Ribbon Cutting Ceremony - April 15, 2024

Warm Wishes for a Merry Christmas and a safe, Happy New Year!!

Mayor Stellartean Jones and Mayor Pro Temp, Millie Dawkins at Gray Court-Owings School, delivering Christmas candy to students on Monday, December 4, 2023.

Christmas Parade Registration Form  [Word Doc]