The Sweetwater Regional Planning Commission on Monday approved a site plan for a new 5,000-square-foot headquarters for PGM Recovery in the city's industrial park.
The company currently has a plant in the industrial park behind Fire Hall No. 2, however its office staff is based in North Charleston, S.C.

The company wants to move its office to Sweetwater this summer, Sweetwater Planning and Codes Enforcement Officer Scott Wilson said.
PGM R specializes in precious metal recovery. For more information, visit the company Web site at www.pgmrllc.com.

In other business, Laura Smith, state planning advisor to Sweetwater, told planning commissioners she and Wilson continue to work on an annexation study for the Planning Commission.
The Planning Commission has requested a study and cost analysis on annexing 120 lots in about nine different areas near the current city limits.

The annexation study will have a cost analysis that will compare the cost of taking in the land and providing services for the areas versus any potential tax and other revenue from any newly incorporated properties.

Smith said the study needs additional information, including a population analysis for the areas.
She said the state currently provides $102.47 per person in states-shared revenue based on a city's population, however that figure and property taxes must be weighed against costs of services, such as police and fire protection and road upkeep along with any water and sewer upgrades that might be needed.

Wilson gave an update on Mayor and Planning Commissioner Doyle Lowe's request that he study codes in other cities to see how they provide protection for citizens against fly-by-night companies doing home repairs, remodels, HVAC and other work.
Lowe said he has heard numerous complaints from citizens who have received shoddy work and then have been unable to locate the contractors afterward.

"They don't have any recourse," Lowe said.
Wilson said the city of Athens requires contractors to get permits for some repairs, such as hot water heater installation, HVAC and other work. That way the city code/building inspector can help citizens make sure they will get good work.
Wilson and city planners agreed Monday there are still many questions about how to make such requirements work for Sweetwater.

tommy.millsaps@advocateanddemocrat.com | 337-7101