ANDERSON COUNTY — In the face of criticism from citizens during a public hearing on Tuesday night, the Anderson County Council moved forward on an ordinance authorizing a $10 million bond.

The bond is to pay for: a new animal shelter; a spay/neuter clinic; the Ronald P. Townsend Government Building; renovation of the former McCants School; a community center on Broadway Lake; construction of two parks; construction of a burn building for fire training; renovation of the social services building; renovation of parks along Warner and Roush Roads; and renovation of a community center in Honea Path.

Residents protested during the public hearing.

“I want to appeal to each of you not to pass this general obligation bond until the economy improves,” said Betty Sue Webb of District 1. “I just don’t think we need additional debt. I feel certain there are places (in the budget) you could cut back.”

For some, the issue of how the bond would be paid for was a concern.

“I’d hope you all would vote against this… it’s a rough economy right now,” said Gary Thompson of Iva. “The cost of fuel is sky high, food prices are sky high, taxes are sky high. There’s no good relief out there and you’re wanting to burden us with this. We can’t go to our employer and say we need more money. Government doesn’t seem to do this. They pass it on to us.”

Rick Freemantle with the Original Anderson County Taxpayer’s Association said he questioned the county spending money on parks and community buildings instead of roads and fire trucks.

Some citizens asked that the bond be left until January for the new council to vote on.

Councilwoman M. Cindy Wilson made a motion to amend the ordinance to require half of the bond money to be spent on roads. The amendment failed with council members Ron Wilson, Gracie Floyd, Bill McAbee and Chairman Michael Thompson voting against.

The bond is to be paid off in installments through 2024. Though payments would begin at $400,000 a year on the principal amount, they would increase to $750,000 by 2017 for the remainder of the loan. The second reading passed five to two with council members C. Wilson and Bob Waldrep voting against. One more reading is required for the action to be approved.