Anderson County Update with Administrator Rusty Burns

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

From building a new detention center to record concerts to upgrades at Green Pond Landing and Events Center to chasing funding for road work, Anderson County is running at full throttle to accommodate the rapid growth according to Administrator Rusty Burns.

Burns said council’s recent approval of the $83 million Anderson County Detention Center might be the biggest news in recent weeks. The new facility will seek to reduce recidivism with better services, including helping those with mental health needs or addictions. Groundbreaking for the new facility is Friday at 11 a.m. on the site, and construction is expected to begin Monday.

Roads are at the forefront, as council is asking voters to approve a one-penny sales tax in November to be used exclusively for roads and bridges. County and municipal roads will be funded by the expected $35 million annual funds generated if the referendum is approved. Burns said it is a safety issue as well as an economic development issue when surrounding states have better roads which are and have been maintained. Anderson County has never had funding for the 1,550 miles of county roads, and currently has more than a third of roads failing or already failed. A third of the county’s 162 bridges are is such poor condition they cannot be used by school buses or fire trucks.

Meanwhile Anderson has landed on the radar of concert promoters after the success of “Rock the Country,” Burns said. Future music festivals, including music beyond country, is being considered. Celebrate Anderson/Hot Air Affair is also scheduled Labor Day Weekend.

Burns also updates countywide EMS, challenges at PAWS and the Anderson Humane Society, the new mental health court, expansion at Kid Venture and Green Pond Landing and Events Center in this interview with the Anderson Observer.