The Charleston Town Council held a regular meeting on July 2, 2026, to address several municipal matters, including the adoption of the 2026 tax rate and the implementation of a temporary fireworks ban. The meeting, presided over by Mayor Doug Clements, also covered updates regarding land use enforcement and upcoming Pioneer Day events.
During the meeting, the council voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 2026-07, which accepts the 2026 tax rate set by the county. The council decided to postpone the approval of June 2026 financials until August 2, 2026, due to pending invoices for the end of the fiscal year.
Regarding public safety and local regulations, the council voted to adopt a temporary fireworks ban in support of a request from Governor Cox. Mayor Clements noted that fireworks will be limited to authorized professional displays, though no professional displays are currently scheduled for the upcoming 4th of July.
The council also discussed the enforcement of land use ordinances, specifically concerning RV compliance and weed control. Mayor Clements and council members expressed support for enforcing existing rules to maintain town standards, noting that some ordinances have been in place since 1973.
The council discussed several municipal projects and potential funding. Mayor Clements is working with Nancy O’Toole on a $11 million state grant that could fund park upgrades, such as replacing the pavilion roof, adding jogging trails, or upgrading restrooms. The proposed grant applications total approximately $85,000 and must be utilized by mid-next year.
Maintenance updates included work at the cemetery and the town shop, as well as plans for repairing the stucco on the Town Hall building. Additionally, the council discussed a potential grant involving the Charleston Water Conservancy to replace leaking water lines.
The meeting concluded with updates on Pioneer Day preparations, including the splash and grab event, a race, a corn hole tournament, and a car show. The next Town Council meeting is scheduled for August 6, 2026.
The meeting was attended by Mayor Doug Clements, Don Sant, Scott Solum, Jim Brown, and Michael Bauer, along with various staff members and members of the public.
