This Week in Landrum…….
This Week in Landrum
From the City Administrator’s Office • Monday, September 28, 2026
A Note from the Deputy City Administrator
Fall is one of my favorite times of the year, but in local government it is often the busiest. Fall festivals, Halloween events, fall debris cleanup events and so many other things are taking place. City staff is often juggling all of the extra things that make cities and towns special places to be while still trying to maintain normal services. They are working extended hours while still being mothers and fathers, often caring for aging parents and themselves. We have to remember that everyone who works here at City Hall is first and foremost a person before they are an employee. This is true here in Landrum as well as everywhere else as well as a period of significant transition. This year has been one of transition in Landrum. There has been turnover in the Administrator’s role and with finalist interviews taking place this week, we are optimistic that at October’s council meeting an appointment of a permanent administrator will take place. Each administrator, both permanent and interim, has left their mark on this place. Folks still tell stories about how great Caitlyn was here. Rich left some lasting impressions. Dennis kept the ship afloat in his interim role and is still out in the world instructing others how to be good leaders. Shannon implemented a strong strategic plan and cemented a strong foundation on which to build. JJ developed a roadmap on which to guide the city forward to achieve the goals set forth on that strategic plan. Things are in place for the next administrator to hit the ground running.
Landrum is built on strength, resilience, community and compassion. This city and the people who call it home are beautiful and charming and anyone who will be chosen to lead them will simply be better off because of it. As we march into the rest of this year, know that Landrum is in a good place. JJ made sure of that and continues to tie up the loose ends and ensure that a solid handoff takes place. We are still here to serve you and welcome visits to city hall.
I will be out of the office this Wednesday through Friday attending the first session of the Local Government Leadership Institute in Lake City, SC, but will be available via email at april.williams@cityoflandrumsc.com.
What Happened This Week
Staff are still having conversations with Spartanburg County regarding the Cardinal Point RV park.
Continued Fiscal Year 2025-20 26 close activities, with our third-party independent audit scheduled to begin in October.
Continued recruitment for the permanent City Administrator; applications continue to be received and processed on a rolling basis.
Continued rollout planning for the International Property Maintenance Code enforcement program.
Continued planning and zoning inventory and assessment, in coordination with Deputy City Administrator April Williams and the City Attorney.
Continued onboarding of our new IT provider, Acumen.
Continued implementation planning for the new municipal court system, which must be in place by December 31, 2026.
Continued one-on-one outreach with business owners working through this year’s business licensing process, and continued progress on collecting overdue business licenses.
Continued staff coordination on the Saluda Grade Trail.
What We’re Working on Now
Continued coordination with Spartanburg County on Cardinal Point RV Park and other cross-jurisdictional projects near the City’s border.
Finalizing Frolich Property conservation easement language and next steps toward closing.
Finalizing Fiscal Year 2025-2026 close-out and preparing internal materials for the October engagement with our third-party independent auditors.
Active recruitment and screening for the permanent City Administrator, with preparation for Council review of candidates in the weeks ahead. Finalist interviews will take place in Executive Session Tuesday, September 29 and Wednesday, September 30. Agendas were published and available at City Hall, on the website and social media.
Ongoing commitment to timely annual audits, transparent financial reporting, and full compliance with South Carolina municipal reporting requirements.
Continued stand-up of the International Property Maintenance Code enforcement program.
Continued planning and zoning inventory and assessment.
Continued implementation planning for the new municipal court system.
Continued onboarding of our new IT provider, Acumen.
Continued internal work on next steps from the Classification and Compensation Study Report.
Ongoing maintenance and improvement discussions with Spartanburg County Parks and Recreation District.
Continued coordination with School District One staff, architects, and engineers on the proposed site plans for the new school.
Continued engagement with the South Carolina Main Street Program.
Standing by to assist the Northside (Simmons St.) Park property owners as they work to clear title through the probate courts.
Continued evaluation of existing and needed ordinance updates and additions with the City Attorney.
Continued internal improvements to workflows and processes, including the one-week-in-advanced agenda publication standard.
Looking Ahead
Thursday, October 8: Coffee with the City at Cardinal Coffee & Bistro at 9 a.m. Stop by, say hello, and bring your questions.
October: engagement with our third-party independent auditors begins for the FY 2025-2026 audit.
Continued follow-up engagement on the Saluda Grade Trail. More information at saludagradetrail.org.
Every Saturday, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.: Landrum Farmers Market. Come out, hydrate, and enjoy the season!
Railcar Museum – Saturdays 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. until October 31, 2026
Questions or concerns? Reach us at 864.457.3000 or requests@cityoflandrumsc.com. We always want to hear from you.
Respectfully,
J.J. Sauve, Interim City Administrator
April Williams, Deputy City Administrator
Tricia Taber, Communications Director