The following information is published in the public interest, and in accordance with the S.C. Freedom of Information Act:

GOVERNMENT: Forest Acres is governed by a City Council, consisting of the Mayor and four Council members elected for staggered four year terms. Frank Brunson is Mayor and Council members serving in 2006 are Curt Rye, Ginger Dukes, Shell Suber and Charlie Fetner..

Council appoints a City Administrator (Mark M. Williams, “mwilliams@forest-acres-sc.gov”) to supervise the day-to-day operations of the City.

MEETINGS: City Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month in Council Chambers, City Hall, 5205 N Trenholm Rd, at 5:15 PM.

Notice of any special meetings of City Council, the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Planning Commission, or other committees, or commissions is posted at City Hall 24-hours in advance of the meeting, published as required by the FOIA and the news media notified. The Zoning Board of Appeals customarily meets at 6:00 PM on the second Thursday of the month and the Planning Commission at 6:00 PM on the third Thursday of the month. However, neither planning/zoning body will meet unless there are items to consider. All meetings are open to the public unless the meeting body votes to enter executive session as authorized by the SC Freedom of Information Act. All official actions must take place in open, public session.

FINANCES: The tax rate for FY 2005-06 is 51.4 mills, which in combination with other city revenues enables the city to provide its various municipal services to the residents.

The General Fund Budget for the City of Forest Acres for fiscal year 2005-2006 is $4,782,816. A summary of budget expenditures follows, but more detailed information is available at City Hall.

City Council 69,948

City Attorney81,367

Municipal Court343,234

Administration326,203

Public Buildings57,021

Code Enforcement193,301

Police Department1,932,663

Victims Advocate54,829

Recycling183,148

Streets & Parks246,223

Sanitation1,364,827

General Fund Total4,782,816

SERVICES: The City provides Police, 911 Emergency Dispatch, Garbage, Recycling and Trash Collection, Street Lighting, Parks, Planning, Zoning and Building Inspection, Code Enforcement and various regulatory services to promote the public health, safety and general welfare. The City Council and staff also maintain contacts and liaison with other agencies to assure that Forest Acres benefits from services and funds available through other governmental agencies and the private sector.

As funds are available, City Council also approves distribution of Hospitality Tax Funds after due consideration of requests for projects or activities that enhance or further tourism promotion.

OTHER INFORMATION: The City observes the following holidays: New Years Day, President’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and the day after, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Any holiday which falls on Saturday is usually observed the preceding Friday and any holiday which falls on Sunday is usually observed the following Monday.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

PLEASE CALL CITY HALL, 782-9475

http://forest-acres-sc.gov

(1-06-06)