Town of Bluffton issued the following announcement on Jan. 12
Palmetto Electric and Hargray gave $90,000 to the Town of Bluffton during its Town Council meeting Tuesday. These funds will be reserved for an economic development project and a reflection garden for the Bluffton Police Department.
Palmetto Electric awarded $55,000 in Utility Tax Credits which the Town will use for environmental assessments and land surveys to prepare 10.5 acres of town-owned property for development. The land, located in the Willow Run area, is one of the last remaining, large, contiguous parcels with frontage on U.S. Highway 278 and is a prime location for economic development.
In accordance with the South Carolina Rural Development Act, Palmetto Electric is allowed to assist municipalities with development in lieu of paying a portion of its taxes.
“Economic development plays an important role in Palmetto Electric’s Commitment to Community,” said Berl Davis, Palmetto Electric President and CEO. “We are honored to work closely with the towns and counties we serve in order to provide quality jobs and economic opportunities for our members.”
Hargray granted the Town of Bluffton $35,000 through its community engagement initiatives to be reserved for a reflection garden, which will be constructed in the back of the Bluffton Police Department. This garden, in memory of Officer Jonathan Garcia, who died by suicide, will be symbolic of the department’s commitment to mental health and wellness of its officer and civilian colleagues.
“Officer mental health is leading issue in law enforcement,” Chief Stephenie Price said. “Nationwide, officers are more likely to die by suicide than die in the line of duty. This garden will provide a place for department staff to share a meal, connect and discuss personal and professional issues. This is place, away from our desks, which, I hope, will be catalyst for causal and crucial conversations.”
Hargray representatives say this award was important due to this project’s commitment to our community’s spiritual, physical, financial an emotional well-being.
“Our commitment to the Bluffton community is a crucial part of our mission,” Jose Vargas, regional manager for sales and retention, said. “Hargray’s purpose is to empower people and communities to connect and thrive and we are proudly supporting that mission by donating to the Town of Bluffton’s Police Department and their cause to raise awareness around mental health in their community.
Town Manager Stephen Steese said community partnership are a crucial and essential part of the business of the Town.
“We are always more than sum of our parts,” Steese said. “Whether it’s economic prosperity or our collective health as a community, we can do more with our community partners, such as Palmetto Electric and Hargray. On behalf of the Town, I am grateful for these awards and their commitment to assist us in our abilities to accomplish these projects.”
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up