NEWBERRY – Newberry city commissioners approved midyear budget amendments, authorized the purchase of property for the expansion of Martin Luther King Jr. Park and appointed four new members to the city’s Planning and Zoning Board during their June 8 meeting.
Commissioners also adopted an ordinance establishing standards for the acquisition and disposition of city-owned real estate, approved changes to the city’s holiday policy and issued proclamations recognizing the U.S. Army’s 251st birthday and Juneteenth.
City staff reported that Newberry remains in compliance with its adopted fiscal year 2025-26 budget as the city moves through the second half of the fiscal year.
According to staff, the city was approximately 60 percent through the fiscal year as of May. Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution amending the budget to account for changes needed after the second quarter.
The amendments affected both the General Fund and Special Revenue Fund.
Commissioners also unanimously approved, on second reading, an ordinance designed to establish consistent procedures governing how the city acquires and disposes of real property.
Another item focused on future improvements to Martin Luther King Jr. Park. During preliminary design work for the planned expansion, city officials determined that acquiring two nearby lots in Holt’s Addition would benefit the project.
Following discussion, commissioners authorized staff to move forward with purchasing Lots 4 and 5, Block 6, Holt’s Addition, identified as Parcel ID No. 02376-000-000.
The property was appraised, and city staff negotiated a purchase price of $70,000 with the owner. Officials said the acquisition will support planned park improvements.
The commission also filled four seats on the Planning and Zoning Board.
“The City received 10 applications for the June 22, 2026, appointment date,” Community Development Director Stacey Hectus told commissioners.
Appointed to the board were Jason McGehee for Resident Seat 1, Bonnie Houser for Resident Seat 2, Shawn Walker for Resident Seat 3 and Daniel Thomas for Resident Seat 4.
Mellina Parke will continue serving in Resident Seat 5, with her current term expiring April 30, 2027.
Newly appointed board members will complete required training before attending their first meeting on July 6.
Commissioners also approved revisions to the city’s holiday policy. Under the updated policy, the city manager will designate 10 holidays each calendar year when administrative offices will be closed.
The designated holidays must coincide with or be observed in conjunction with state or federally recognized holidays, while allowing flexibility in scheduling observances.
“The amendment also clarifies that the City Commission may designate additional days as paid holidays,” Assistant City Manager and Chief Financial Officer Dallas Lee said.
The meeting concluded with two ceremonial proclamations. One recognized the U.S. Army’s 251st birthday, while the other commemorated Juneteenth, the annual observance marking the end of slavery in the United States.
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