The City of Saluda is currently discussing whether or not to pave or tar and asphalt a few streets in need of repair.

The Saluda Board of Commissioners met Tuesday, Nov. 12 and heard estimates from street commissioner Leon Morgan for four streets.

Morgan said he picked Hart Street, Chisholm Street, Shand Street and East Columbia Avenue to consider first because those are some people have complained about, but the board of commissioners could select others.

The city has previously discussed the possibility of laying tar and asphalt on some streets after receiving an estimate of $45,695 for all four streets.

Morgan said he recently received an estimate to asphalt all four streets from Hipp’s Paving for $136,000.

“I know that the asphalt’s better,” Morgan said, “but what can we afford?”

Commissioner Lynn Cass said the city is transferring a certain amount of money each month from sanitation to the general fund and she recommended putting that towards paving. Cass said she also doesn’t want to see Saluda spend money then have a water or sewer leak in the same area and have to destroy the paving. She suggested Saluda make sure all the pipes are sufficient while the asphalt is being done.

“That’s a good way to look at accomplishing both,” said city administrator Erny Williams.

Williams also said looking at paving long-range, if the city is going to do paving every year it would make sense to do asphalt because it’s going to last longer.

Commissioners decided to try to get estimates on what any water and sewer line replacements will cost then make a decision on the paving.

Saluda Mayor Fred Baisden said this year’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) is for infrastructure only and this may be an appropriate time to look at water and sewer lines to see if Saluda can get grant money.