Starnes hired as administrator

HEATH SPRINGS – Tony Starnes has returned to municipal government.
Following a closed session at its April 16 meeting, Heath Springs Town Council voted 3-1 to hire Starnes as a part-time administrator.
Councilman Eddie Moore voted against the measure and Councilman Ted Sowell was absent.
For years, Mayor Ann Taylor has assumed the town’s administrative duties. Councilman Mark Bridges, who suggested the idea of a part-time administrator, said this move will take a lot of the burden off Taylor.
“She’s up there (at Town Hall) so much,” Bridges said. “In the long run, this will relieve her a little bit.”
Taylor didn’t have much to say about the decision.
“I appreciate the fact they think they’re doing a favor for me,” she said.
Starnes, whose salary will be paid through the town’s general fund,
started work in Heath Springs Monday, April 22.
A lot of his time in the first week was spent becoming familiar with the town’s funds and structure.
Bridges said the town is happy to have him.
“Tony has a lot of experience,” Bridges said. “We just felt it was a good fit.”
Starnes began work in 2003 as administrator for the town of Kershaw.
Starnes resigned about a year ago.
At the time, he cited the desire to spend more time with family as the chief reason for stepping aside.
Before working for the town of Kershaw, Starnes, a Lancaster native, spent more than 25 years with Springs Industries, working at various plants, including Springs locations in Virginia and Mexico.

Contact reporter Jesef Williams at (803) 283-1152