Greer City Council moved forward Tuesday evening with a request from the Greer Commission of Public Works (Greer CPW) seeking the council’s approval for CPW to take on $6.08 million in debt to fund upgrades to the utility system.
Ordinance 33-2026 and Ordinance 34-2026 request that the City Council concur with the Commission's decision to take on debt for two upcoming projects. Ordinance 33-2026 aims to expand the drinking water system, and Ordinance 34-2026 aims to rehabilitate or replace existing wastewater lines.
The projects are worth a combined $6.08 million, to be taken from revolving state funds. The cost will be repaid by Greer CPW using utility system revenue. City Council’s approval of the ordinances is a procedural step for Greer CPW to take on the debt, according to S.C. Code § 5-31-260.
“Greer CPW does its best to stay ahead of capital needs, [and] these projects have been identified in our Capital Improvement Plan for up to 3 years,” said Alison Rauch, Public Information Coordinator at Greer CPW. “... [We are] always looking for creative ways to fund projects whether through grants, State Revolving Fund (SRF) with low interest, or conventional borrowing to maintain affordable and reliable services for our customers.”
Council approved both ordinances 6-1, with Councilmember Karuiam Booker voting in opposition. He cited a lack of information from Greer CPW as to how the projects could affect utility rates as the reason for his “no” vote.
Both ordinances will return to Council in October for a second and final reading. GreerNews will continue to provide updates on these utility projects.
Also in new business, Council heard the first reading of Ordinance 32-2026, which aims to annex 0.5 acres at 5224 W Wade Hampton Blvd. into the city with a zoning of commercial corridor. An official intent for the property has not yet been identified. Council approved the ordinance unanimously on first reading and will consider it once more at its next meeting.
Council’s last item of new business was an award recommendation for the city’s banking services. City staff recommended these services continue to be awarded to Countybank of Greer, and Council approved this recommendation unanimously. This item does not require a second reading.
Council also had two items of old business to consider.
Ordinance 30-2026 changes the statement of intent for the Blaize Ridge Development on Gibbs Shoals Road. The change will allow the developer to convert eight planned townhomes into five single-family homes. Council approved the ordinance unanimously on its second and final reading.
Ordinance 31-2026 changes the zoning classification of 3.79 acres of city-owned property on Groce Meadow Road. The property will be rezoned from Planned Development to Office Professional, with the intent to build a municipal fire station. Council approved the ordinance unanimously on its second and final reading.
For more information on the Greer City Council, visit its website.
Correction, Sept. 10, 2026: This article was updated on Thursday evening to better reflect the financing structure for two of Greer CPW’s upcoming utility projects.
