Lexington approves police aid agreement, lighting contract

The Lexington Town Council approved a mutual aid agreement between Lexington and Batesburg-Leesville at its meeting on Monday, Oct. 5.

According to town documents, the town of Batesburg-Leesville recently appointed a new police chief. With the change in leadership, a new mutual aid agreement was needed between the towns of Lexington and Batesburg-Leesville to reflect the transition and ensure interagency cooperation and assistance.

Town documents further state that “the Batesburg-Leesville Police Department desires to enter into such an agreement with the Lexington Police Department for the purposes of securing each other benefits of mutual aid in the event of natural disaster, disorder, special events, emergency situations and any other law enforcement activities.”

The council voted unanimously to approve the agreement.

In other news, the town voted to enter into a lighting agreement with Dominion Energy that will cost about $790.10 per month for 12 lights in the North Church Street parking lot. These 12 LED, 14-foot octagonal, Charleston-style fixtures will cost the town just under $9,500 a year.

“One of the main questions was ‘Did we consider solar?’” Director of Transportation Rand Edwards said. “I've unfortunately learned so much about solar lighting in the last two weeks. The main takeaway from solar is that it still is a fairly new product. Our goal was to have safe 24/7 lighting in the parking lot.

“Solar would have been half the cost if we were to purchase in-house. We did recommend entering into this contract with Dominion. One is because of the flexibility of doing something different with the lot in the future. Two, the long-term cost is more expensive, but there is no maintenance cost and no up-front cost. It's also an ease on staff to allow Dominion to maintain those lights.”

Edwards further explained that solar lights also require regular battery maintenance or some type of electrical backup to provide lighting.

“One of the biggest challenges in South Carolina with solar is the batteries. They don't like the heat, so you have to figure out how to cool the battery,” Edwards said.

Council members determined that while there is a monthly cost for the lights, the town would save money in the long run because Dominion Energy would be responsible for maintenance and upkeep. There would also be no upfront or electricity costs to the town.

The council voted unanimously to approve the agreement.

In other news, Councilmember Ron Williams introduced the first reading of a purchase agreement for the town to acquire real estate as part of its Sunset Split Project.

According to town documents, the town plans to purchase 16 acres of property adjacent to the town limits, identified as TMS No. 003500-03-007. Once the appraisal of the land is complete, town officials will ask the council for permission to negotiate the purchase price.

Williams clarified that the purchase would not be funded by taxpayers.

“The funds will be available through the Sunset Split Project, so it won't be costing town citizens any tax dollars,” Williams said.

The closing is currently scheduled for Nov. 6, and more details will be available to the public once the deed is signed.

The council voted unanimously.