By Nikki Rutledge,  For The Courier

SIX MILE — Six Mile officials gave a preliminary OK to the town’s new budget at last week’s town council meeting.

The budget, which comes in at $220,220, passed its first reading with unanimous approval following a motion from councilman James Atkinson, who said he believed council was successful in balancing the budget.

Atkinson also told those in attendance at the meeting town officials had been in touch with Hubbell Lighting about the company using the town as a test site to try to lower the cost of lights throughout Six Mile, including at Ponderosa Park.

In addition, council voted unanimously to approve a Pickens County Animal Control intergovernmental agreement. Mayor Roy Stoddard told council members Six Mile needs animal control assistance from the county.

Council members also approved a request to make a change to the town’s employee handbook to include social networking guidelines, as the town has recently become active on social media.

Councilman Tom Yongue expressed concerns about an increase in speeding tickets issued in Six Mile. Yongue also mentioned his concerns about the amount of 911 calls concerning other issues, including property damage, shoplifting, drug possession, child neglect and battery. He urged those in attendance to spread the word to town residents to call 911 if they see anything suspicious.

Stoddard also took an opportunity to address council concerning a tree limb on the century-old tree in front of Town Hall. The mayor expressed his concerns about future liability issues should the limb fall and cause damage and told council members he would call a tree expert to handle the issue.

“The 100-year-old tree is as old as the Town of Six Mile itself, and I would hate to see it cut down,” Stoddard said.

In other action, former Six Mile mayor John Wade read a letter to council from Gary Clary, one of two Republican candidates in Tuesday’s race to replace Six Mile resident B.R. Skelton in the State House District 3 race. In the letter, Clary expressed his thanks to the town for welcoming him and for support during his campaign.

“I consider Six Mile a part of my home and I deeply appreciate the kindness shown to my family and I,” the letter read.

Wade also pointed out that during the 2012 election, Six Mile boasted the highest percentage of voters based on population in the District 3 race. Six Mile has a population of approximately 675.

Ridgeland Drive Baptist Church pastor Tim Friar was also present for the meeting to personally invite council to represent Six Mile at an upcoming event at the church. On July 27, the church will hold a celebration to mark its 15-year anniversary of being an established congregation.