PICKENS — Pickens County Council voted Tuesday to retain outside legal counsel regarding a state budget proviso that deals with the sale of school property.

County Council Chairman Neil Smith said the proviso states the school district doesn’t need the local governing body to approve the sale of property.

“This was used when the school board pushed the Greenville Plan. They got a budget proviso that stated that the sale of school property does not have to go through county council approval,” Smith said. “It was done without our agreement. It was done at a time in which we felt it would harm the taxpayers of Pickens County if we didn’t step up. In this situation we’re basically saying is that if you’re going to change the state law, change it, but don’t do it by budget proviso.”

Council took the vote in part to make a political statement to the General Assembly, Smith said.

Smith also said that the county might be interested in the old Liberty Middle, Pickens Middle, Dacusville Middle schools, especially because of the gyms and the auditoriums.

“Our standpoint is: we’re looking out long term,” Smith said. “We’ve got more and more demand for recreational services. We’re thinking that in 20 years, they’re going to be used. Two of them (Pickens and Dacusville) are in great shape.”

In other news, council voted to proclaim May 16-22 as EMS week. Council also held public hearings regarding an ordinance to have a fee in lieu of tax agreement with T and T Holdings North America.

Council also voted on second reading in favor the 2010-11 proposed budget.