Brookwood Park just got another great update!

Our playground steps are now complete, helping make the play area safer and more accessible for families to enjoy.

A big thank you to the City of Landrum’s dynamic duo maintenance crew, Revie & Scott, for their hard work and dedication to keeping our parks in great shape for the community.

Thank you for your continued patience.

The City of Landrum maintenance team appreciates your patience as we make repairs and improvements at Brookwood Park. 

For everyone’s safety, please do not allow your children to play near the work area. Play equipment is accessible on the other side.

Thank you!

The City of Landrum was proud to recognize the Landrum High School Lady Cardinals Basketball Team for their outstanding achievement as the 2A State Champions at tonight’s city council meeting. 

Each player and coach received a proclamation from Mayor Bob Briggs and a plaque from the City of Landrum in recognition of this historic accomplishment.

A special thank you to Representative Josiah Magnuson-District 38, Representative Mike Burns-District 17, and Taylor Wofford, representing Congressman William Timmons-4th Congressional District, for joining us and helping honor these incredible student-athletes. The representatives presented the team with a resolution, certificates, and an American Flag that was flown over the United States Capitol in honor of their State Championship victory.  

We are so proud of the Lady Cardinals and grateful for the opportunity to celebrate their hard work, dedication, and championship season. 

Congratulations again to the Lady Cardinals on an unforgettable season! 

We missed a few Lady Cardinals due to spring sports but as always….

IT’S A GREAT DAY TO BE A CARDINAL! 

Hi folks, here’s our Landrum City Council Special Budget Meeting Recap:

Council authorized the Interim City Administrator to conduct financial business via resolution. This is a standard action taken any time a new Administrator is appointed.

Interim City Administrator Sauve led a budget discussion for Fiscal Year 27 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). Highlights included:

🔹 A Strategic Moment for Landrum

Our community continues to grow—new homes, new businesses, and major planning initiatives are underway. This budget is about aligning resources with that momentum while making disciplined, forward-looking decisions.

🔹 Key Financial Reality

While revenues remain stable and growing modestly, expenditures are increasing at a faster rate. That means this year’s budget requires careful prioritization, sequencing, and aggressive pursuit of grant funding to close the gap.

🔹 Top Priorities Identified by Council

• Public Safety First – Police staffing, equipment, and technology remain the #1 priority. We are actively pursuing federal grant funding to offset costs.

• Investing in People – A citywide Classification & Compensation Study is underway to ensure competitive and equitable pay.

• Strengthening Operations – The addition of a Deputy City Administrator/Planner through reclassification of an Assistant Clerk position expands internal capacity to support growth and reduce reliance on outside consultants.

• Infrastructure & Public Works – Equipment needs including a dump truck and excavator are essential to maintain streets, drainage, and right-of-way services.

• Cybersecurity & IT Modernization – Moving toward managed IT services to protect city systems and improve efficiency.

🔹 Growth Creates Opportunity

Continued residential and commercial growth is strengthening the tax base. At the same time, the City is actively pursuing grants (federal, state, and regional) to fund key initiatives without placing additional burden on taxpayers.

🔹 No Tax Increase Proposed

The current budget framework does not assume a tax increase, though Council will continue evaluating all tools available.

🔹 What Comes Next

• Budget draft presented: June 9

• Public hearing & first reading: June 9

• Final adoption: June 24

This process is about more than balancing numbers—it’s about setting priorities that reflect Landrum’s future.

We appreciate Council’s thoughtful engagement and the public’s continued interest as we work toward a responsible, strategic FY2027 budget.

-JJ Sauve, Interim City Administrator 

-Tricia Taber, Public Relations/Marketing Director 

📄 Full FY27 Budget workshop materials can be found at https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1bDklr93ylewXpnTebz1q1KXLbE6Okkby?usp=sharing

When visiting link, be sure to click on “Sort by” then “Last modified” for newest material.

We’re happy to share that a new ADA ramp has been completed at Brookwood Park, helping improve accessibility for all who visit and enjoy the playground.

The City of Landrum is committed to making our parks more welcoming, inclusive, and accessible for everyone in our community. We appreciate your patience!

Thanks again to our amazing city maintenance guys Revie & Scott for this update!

ALL ABOARD!!!!

The Landrum Rail & History Museum opens for the season on Saturday, April 4, 2026 and we’re excited to welcome everyone back!

Step inside and enjoy a look at Landrum’s railroad heritage and local history that helped shape our community. 

The museum will be open Saturdays from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM, April 4 through October 31, 2026.

Come visit the museum at 211 North Trade Avenue and take a trip through Landrum’s history! 

A Note on Communication, Parks, and Planning

‍Let’s talk for a minute about parks, planning, and how we communicate.

‍Over the weekend, I received an email from a resident regarding the condition of Brookwood Park. We connected on Monday and had a productive exchange about the concerns. On Monday we had another couple of calls from citizens about our parks as well. On Tuesday, Revie, Scott, Tricia, and I met at the park to assess the situation in person and develop a plan. By Wednesday, the team was already beginning work.

‍That is what responsible reporting of public issues and responsiveness looks like.

‍Revie and Scott quickly outlined a game plan to address what we saw, including aging wood, areas that needed paint, chain replacements, and protective coating work. The team got to work right away, and I expect kids will be enjoying those improvements very soon.

‍This work comes on top of the regular mowing, trimming, and tree remediation that Revie and Scott are already managing across the city. It is a strong example of how our staff responds when issues are brought to our attention through official channels.

‍At the same time, it is important to recognize that not every request can be addressed immediately. Our two-person maintenance team manages a wide range of responsibilities, and they must balance new requests with ongoing work across the city. Sticking to a schedule, prioritizing needs, and following projects through to completion are essential to maintaining efficiency and ensuring that work is done properly.

‍In this case, the team was able to respond quickly, but that will not always be possible depending on workload and priorities, however every need that is officially reported is added to the queue based on priorities and resource availability. That is part of responsible operations for any organizations, public or private.

‍It is also important to note that these are interim improvements. We are actively evaluating long-term options for our parks system, including Brookwood Park and future park investments. We’re in discussions with citizens about how they can help and be volunteers and stewards of our public spaces. We’re in discussions with Spartanburg County Parks and Recreation and other non-profit partners about how we can better serve these areas.

‍Thoughtful planning and community partnerships, combined with practical and actionable steps, are how we ensure the city can provide high-quality services and remains accountable to the public while the community is able to engage and be active players in improving the lives of everyone who lives in and visits the city.

‍I hope the residents who reached out, and others we spoke with at the park, can see and appreciate the work our maintenance team does every day. More importantly, I hope it is clear how willing and eager our entire city team is to work with residents and address concerns when they are reported to us through official channels.

‍

That brings me to an important question: What counts as a “reported” issue?

‍While social media can be a helpful way to stay informed, it is not a reliable or accountable way for the city to receive and track service requests. It would not be an effective use of taxpayer resources to have staff monitoring Facebook around the clock, and those platforms are not always the best place for clear, accurate, and constructive communication.

‍Our official social media pages are intended to provide timely and accurate information, not to serve as open discussion forums. That said, we absolutely want to hear from you.

‍There are several effective ways to reach us:

• Send us a message through our official social media pages

• Call or visit City Hall at 100 N. Shamrock Avenue, (864) 457-3000

• Email requests@cityoflandrumsc.com

• Submit a request through the city website at www.cityoflandrumsc.com

• Contact City staff or Council members directly using the contact information available on our website

• Attend an official city event such as a Work Session, Council Meeting, Public Hearing, or our informal Coffee with the City events

‍These official channels matter because they allow us to speak to people directly, track requests, respond efficiently, and remain accountable. Like any well-run organization, we rely on work orders and service tracking to understand what issues are occurring, how quickly they are being addressed, and how we can improve.

‍We cannot do that effectively through scattered or informal communication, and it would not provide the level of accountability that our residents deserve.

‍At the end of the day, our goal is simple: to be responsive, transparent, and effective in serving the community in immediate issues and long-term planning. The more we can work together through clear and consistent communication, the better we can achieve those goals.

‍Thank you as always!

- J.J. Sauve ‍

Interim City Administrator

j.sauve@cityoflandrumsc.com

‍

-Tricia Taber

PR/Marketing Director

tricia.taber@cityoflandrumsc.com

‍ ‍

‍ ‍

‍This Week in Landrum…..

‍This past week marked the beginning of my service as Interim City Administrator. I want to thank Mayor Briggs and City Council for the opportunity to serve during this transition. Landrum is a special place, and for me, it has always been part of my home. Even though I was a Tryon Tiger (Tryon Middle, not High… I’m not quite that old) and a Polk County Wolverine, the rivalry we had with the Cardinals led to lifelong friendships and a love and respect for these communities.

‍One of the most important things I’ve learned in my 20+ year career working in and with local governments, small businesses, non-profits, and small communities is that respectful and effective communication is key to any successes. As part of that process, I want to begin these weekly update messages for the community. My focus on going into this role is simple: to help keep the city moving forward while preserving the character and values that make our community what it is.

‍Here’s what we worked on this week:

• This week was a little hectic for me to settle into the interim role and meet with Shannon to go over our transition plan. I want to again thank Shannon Baldwin for his hard work and dedication over the past year in Landrum. He was able to work with Council and the community to accomplish a lot!

• Met with the Farmers Market Board as they prepare for the 2026 season—we’re looking forward to another great year with a staple of the community.

• Met with the Dark Corner Classic Car Show team and everyone is excited about this year’s event! Organizers are expecting at least 300 vehicles this year. Come out to enjoy the excitement, explore downtown Landrum, and experience one of the city’s favorite annual events.

• Met with our partners in the region to discuss land conservation opportunities, youth engagement opportunities, and the future of the Saluda Grade Trail project.

• Traveled to Columbia to advocate for Landrum’s strategic vision with partner organizations including the Municipal Association of South Carolina.

• Spent much of the week diving into the budget, ordinances, and ongoing projects, and meeting with staff, Council members, and residents. If I haven’t met with you yet, don’t worry, I’m going to be visiting local businesses and will be at community events, so please don’t hesitate to come up to me and introduce yourself or ask any questions you have about the hard work the Landrum team is doing behind the scenes.

• Staff continued as always to work hard behind the scenes, keeping the city going by working to clearly identify needs and priorities and execute our strategic plan.

 What we’re working on now:

• Getting ready for our next Budget Workshop on proposed revenues (April 8)

• Our next regular City Council Work session and City Council Meeting are scheduled for the second Tuesday in April (April 14)

• Working with PR/Marketing Director, Tricia Taber to launch “Coffee and Conversations”—informal opportunities to meet, talk, and stay connected with what’s happening in the city at some of our great local coffee and breakfast spots.

• Assessing our city assets and infrastructure and planning for the future.

• Exploring ways to improve communication, including regular updates like this and the infrastructure needs to restart recording or live streaming of meetings.

Looking ahead:

• Continued meetings with Council, staff, and community partners

• Ongoing transition work and budget preparation

• Opening Day of the Landrum Farmers Market is Saturday, April 4, 2026 from 8:00am-12:00pm. Please come out for fresh market finds and friendly faces of our local vendors. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for another wonderful market season! Our Landrum Middle and High School FFA groups will be doing some spring cleaning this week to get the pavilion ready! We appreciate our Cardinals!

• The City of Landrum looks forward to partnering with Spartanburg County Parks and Recreation to explore planning initiatives and funding opportunities for upgrades and park improvements.  

Landrum, and the areas around it, continue to grow, and we want to make sure that growth is handled the right way—through thoughtful planning and responsible budgeting—so we preserve what makes this place special. 

I appreciate the opportunity to serve our community and look forward to continuing to meet and hear from members of the community.

—J.J. Sauve
Interim City Administrator

j.sauve@cityoflandrumsc.com

—Tricia Taber

Public Relations/Marketing Director

tricia.taber@cityoflandrumsc.com

City of Landrum Appoints John “J.J.” Sauve as Interim City Administrator

LANDRUM, S.C. — Landrum City Council appointed John “J.J.” Sauve, JD, MPA as Interim City Administrator at a special meeting Friday evening, March 13, 2026. Sauve was appointed and will begin serving immediately as the city transitions following the resignation of City Administrator, Shannon Baldwin.

Mayor Bob Briggs said council believed Sauve’s combination of professional experience and deep local roots made him well suited to help guide the city during the transition.

“J.J. brings something to this role that really matters to our community—he grew up right here in this area and understands what makes Landrum special,” Briggs said. “He’s got the education and experience from working in local government and consulting for more than twenty years, but he’s also someone who’s been part of this community for a long time. Council felt like J.J. was the right person to help guide things during this transition.”

Sauve said he is grateful for the confidence placed in him by the Mayor and City Council and looks forward to working with Baldwin over the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition.

“I appreciate the opportunity to serve the City of Landrum during this transition,” Sauve said. “Shannon has devoted a great deal of energy over the past year to advancing some very important initiatives for the city. I look forward to working with him and with Council to ensure the hard work that’s already underway continues moving forward and comes to fruition.”

During his tenure, Baldwin helped lead several key planning initiatives, including the development of Landrum’s first strategic plan, work on the Trailside Downtown Master Plan and Market Pavilion Master Plan, and efforts to map the City’s streets and sidewalks. He also oversaw the hiring of a new streets department supervisor and police chief and helped position the city for future planning efforts tied to anticipated growth.

Sauve brings a background in law, consulting, and public-sector management to the role. He holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and has completed advanced municipal leadership training through the UNC School of Government and the International City and County Management Association. His public service career spans more than two decades, working with local governments, nonprofit organizations, and private-sector clients on governance, project management, and organizational strategy.

He recently completed a two-year assignment as Deputy City Manager for the City of Beaufort, South Carolina, where he worked with staff and elected officials to modernize internal operations and strengthen long-term planning. His work included updating municipal policies and procedures, implementing new technologies to improve organizational effectiveness, and organizing the City’s first project management system and comprehensive Capital Improvements Program to better coordinate infrastructure investments.

Although his professional experience has taken him throughout the region, Sauve emphasized that the Landrum and Tryon area has always been home.

“This community has always been home for me,” Sauve said. “It’s where I grew up, where I first started serving as a junior firefighter and summer laborer, and where I later built my professional life as a police officer, prosecutor, and local attorney working with families, small businesses, and public organizations. It’s also where my wife and I go to church, where she built her business, and where we are raising our children. Like so many other residents, I want to see Landrum and the surrounding areas grow in a way that respects the history and character of the community while planning responsibly for the future.”

Sauve recently joined longtime Tryon attorney Andy Haynes in legal practice, forming the firm Haynes & Sauve, Attorneys and Advisors. His wife, Nikki Sauve is a local business owner and long-time equestrian in the region.

Sauve has also been active in local volunteer service. He has done work with the Tryon Fire Department since 2005 and has worked with the Landrum Area Fire and Rescue District since 2021. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Columbus Fire Department.

Sauve said his focus during the transition will be working closely with City staff, Council, and residents to ensure the city continues moving forward while preserving the values and character that have long defined the community.

“Landrum has a strong foundation and a lot of positive momentum,” Sauve said. “My goal is simply to work alongside Council, staff, and the community to make sure that momentum continues in a way that reflects the priorities and values of the people who call this place home.” 

For additional information, contact:

Tricia Taber, Public Relations & Marketing Director

City of Landrum

100 N. Shamrock Avenue 

Landrum, SC 29356

(864)-457-3000

tricia.taber@cityoflandrumsc.com

YOU’RE LOOKING AT THE 2A GIRLS BASKETBALL STATE CHAMPIONS! 

🏆❤️🖤🏆

IT’S A GREAT DAY TO BE A CARDINAL! 

Congratulations to our Landrum High School Lady Cardinals on an incredible season and an unforgettable championship victory! Your hard work, determination, and team spirit have made the entire Landrum community proud!!!! 

🏆FIRST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE  FOR GIRLS BASKETBALL IN LANDRUM HIGH SCHOOL HISTORY

From the opening tip to the final buzzer, these Lady Cardinals showed heart, grit, and championship-level play. This title is a testament to the dedication of these amazing student-athletes, their coaches, and the unwavering support of their fans and community.

SMALL TOWN…BIG CHAMPIONS!

⏰ Reminder: 
Spring Forward one hour this Saturday night! Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 8, 2026!

The City of Landrum is soliciting sealed proposals from qualified janitorial service providers to furnish professional cleaning services for designated municipal facilities. The intent of this RFP is to secure reliable, high-quality services that maintain a clean, sanitary, and safe environment for employees and the public.

Please click on link below to submit a proposal:

City of Landrum Appoints New Chief of Police

The City of Landrum is pleased to announce the appointment of Levi Bouwkamp as Chief of Police for the Landrum Police Department. Chief Bouwkamp has served as Interim Police Chief for the past six months and brings several years of law enforcement experience to the role.

A native of Spartanburg, South Carolina, Chief Bouwkamp developed an early interest in public service after interactions with emergency personnel during his school years. He later served on the Landrum Police Department’s command staff as a sergeant prior to his appointment as Interim Chief.

Chief Bouwkamp and his wife, Andrea, have been married for more than a decade and reside in Inman, SC. He is an active member of The Well Church in Landrum and enjoys automotive work and mechanical projects in his spare time. Chief Bouwkamp is guided by core values of honesty and loyalty in both leadership and service.

With a focus on community engagement, team building, and public safety, Chief Bouwkamp aims to ensure the department remains well-staffed, well-equipped, and prepared to serve a growing community.

“I want people to know they are safe in Landrum,” said Chief Bouwkamp. “We have a great team, and I’m honored to continue serving this community.”

The City of Landrum looks forward to Chief Bouwkamp’s continued leadership as the Landrum Police Department grows with the community and continues its commitment to safety, professionalism, and public service.

Landrum City Hall will be closed on Monday, February 2, 2026. City Hall will operate on a regular schedule when conditions become safe.

⚠️A significant winter storm will impact the area Friday afternoon through Saturday night bringing heavy snowfall and very cold temperatures 

☃️Snow accumulations have increased and a band of heavy snowfall may impact at least portions of the area.

There are indications that the heaviest axis of snowfall may shift southwest towards the I-26 corridor. At least 2-4" of snow is expected area wide. 

☃️Very cold temperatures will allow snow to quickly stick to roads with significant travel impacts through the weekend. 

☃️Residents are encouraged to stay informed and prepare now. Monitor forecasts and alerts from the National Weather Service and trusted local media.

Per GFL Environmental, all City of Landrum Wednesday (today) garbage pick-ups will be NEXT WEDNESDAY. 

All THURSDAY pick-ups will be on REGULAR  SCHEDULE. 

*PLEASE TAKE CARTS OUT THE NIGHT BEFORE YOUR PICK-UP DAY*

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE!