Council initiates process for professional countywide fire service
Council voted to begin the implementation of a professional fire service through a phased, five-year plan. The initial stage will utilize fees, with future plans to transition to a millage-based funding model to support full-time coverage.
10 votes10 passed2 split
The vote behind the headline
User fees for fire protection services (1st Reading, Title Only):Council authorized a fire protection fee to fund the transition to a professional fire service.EMS & fire
Yes 6 · No 1
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How they voted
✗ Jimmy Jones• Sammie Tucker Jr. · not recorded• David Snodgrass · not recorded• Ben Connell · not recorded• Tom Gardner · not recorded
The meeting video didn't make clear how the members in grey voted; their votes fill in automatically once the county posts the official minutes.
This vote approves a first reading of an ordinance to establish user fees for fire protection services in the county. This is a central component of the council's phased, five-year plan to implement a full-time, professional, 24-hour fire service to replace the current reliance on volunteers. The fee serves as an immediate mechanism to generate revenue for building stations and hiring staff. Supporters cited the increasing call volume in unincorporated areas and the difficulty in recruiting new volunteer firefighters as primary drivers. The move was controversial, with some members arguing that the funding method should have been decided via a public referendum rather than a council vote. The fee applies to parcels and vehicles in the unincorporated areas.
Amend Zoning Act for Westville area project (3rd Reading):Council approved a rezoning request for a commercial development project near the Carolina Motorsports Park.Development
Unanimous · 5-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ David Snodgrass✓ Ben Connell✓ Tom Gardner✓ Jimmy Jones
This measure finalizes the rezoning of land situated in the Westville area directly across from the Carolina Motorsports Park. The project, which was supported by unanimous votes in its two previous readings, includes plans for 144 RV park spaces, 30 cabins, a filling station, a car wash, and a wellness center. Council members expressed strong support for the development, noting its potential to bring tourism and growth to the district. This is the third and final reading, meaning the zoning change is now officially adopted for this parcel. No public controversy was raised regarding this specific location during the meeting. The developer may now proceed with the project according to the newly approved zoning regulations.
Extension of base lease for SC Equine Center (3rd Reading):Council extended the lease for the South Carolina Equine Park by five years with an renewal option.County property
Unanimous · 5-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ David Snodgrass✓ Ben Connell✓ Tom Gardner✓ Jimmy Jones
This ordinance approves a five-year extension for the base lease and operating agreement between Kershaw County and the South Carolina Equine Promotion Foundation. The park, which is celebrating its 10-year anniversary, is a major economic driver for the region, hosting equestrian events that bring visitors to local hotels and restaurants. The Equine Promotion Foundation manages the facility, which includes a million-dollar covered arena. This third reading solidifies the legal framework for the park's continued operation. Officials noted the park's importance to the county's brand and tourism efforts. Future plans involve a 2.2 million dollar third phase of infrastructure upgrades, including new barns and RV facilities, though no funding for these specific upgrades was authorized by this particular vote.
Rezoning 21 acres from R-15 to RD-1 (2nd Reading):Council moved forward with rezoning a 21-acre parcel from residential to a development-ready classification.Development
Unanimous · 5-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ David Snodgrass✓ Ben Connell✓ Tom Gardner✓ Jimmy Jones
Council approved the second reading of an ordinance to rezone approximately 21 acres of land from R-15 to RD-1 zoning. This change is intended to align the property's designation with planned usage. The measure previously passed its first reading without objection. Zoning changes from R-15 (a residential district) to RD-1 often allow for more flexible development patterns. This vote keeps the measure on track for final adoption at a subsequent meeting. No members of the public offered comment on this specific property during the proceedings. The rezoning process will conclude once the third reading is approved at a future council meeting.
Budget appropriations for fiscal year 2019-2020 (1st Reading, Title Only):Council introduced the draft budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which remains balanced without tax increases.Taxes & budget
Unanimous · 5-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ David Snodgrass✓ Ben Connell✓ Tom Gardner✓ Jimmy Jones
This first reading in title only initiates the official budget process for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2019. County officials emphasized that the proposed draft is balanced and does not include any tax or fee increases for residents. Council members acknowledged that this is only the first of three required readings and that amendments are expected before the budget is finalized. The discussion touched on the challenges of the long, comprehensive budget process. The document will be available for public review as the council proceeds through the remaining readings in the coming weeks. The vote was unanimous, reflecting general agreement on the current draft's structure.
User fees for fire protection services (1st Reading, Title Only):Council authorized a fire protection fee to fund the transition to a professional fire service.EMS & fire
Yes 6 · No 1
▸detailsless
How they voted
✗ Jimmy Jones• Sammie Tucker Jr. · not recorded• David Snodgrass · not recorded• Ben Connell · not recorded• Tom Gardner · not recorded
The meeting video didn't make clear how the members in grey voted; their votes fill in automatically once the county posts the official minutes.
This vote approves a first reading of an ordinance to establish user fees for fire protection services in the county. This is a central component of the council's phased, five-year plan to implement a full-time, professional, 24-hour fire service to replace the current reliance on volunteers. The fee serves as an immediate mechanism to generate revenue for building stations and hiring staff. Supporters cited the increasing call volume in unincorporated areas and the difficulty in recruiting new volunteer firefighters as primary drivers. The move was controversial, with some members arguing that the funding method should have been decided via a public referendum rather than a council vote. The fee applies to parcels and vehicles in the unincorporated areas.
Establishment of fire service special tax district (1st Reading, Title Only):Council authorized a special tax district to eventually transition fire funding from fees to millage.Taxes & budgetEMS & fire
Yes 6 · No 2
▸detailsless
How they voted
✗ D. Snodgrass✗ Jimmy Jones• Sammie Tucker Jr. · not recorded• Ben Connell · not recorded• Tom Gardner · not recorded
The meeting video didn't make clear how the members in grey voted; their votes fill in automatically once the county posts the official minutes.
This ordinance creates a special tax district that will eventually allow the county to transition from the previously discussed user fee to a millage-based funding model, effective July 1, 2020. The year-long delay is intended to allow staff time to negotiate with the City of Camden and the towns of Elgin and Bethune to ensure that residents currently served by these municipalities are not unfairly taxed or double-charged. Council members stressed that this is an ordinance of authorization and can be repealed if better solutions are found. The vote highlights the complexity of funding fire services under the restrictions of state law known as Act 388. Despite the year-long lead time, some council members remained concerned about the potential for future double-taxation.
Millage rate for fiscal year 2019-2020 (1st Reading, Title Only):Council voted to keep the millage rate unchanged for the upcoming fiscal year.Taxes & budget
Unanimous · 5-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ David Snodgrass✓ Ben Connell✓ Tom Gardner✓ Jimmy Jones
This measure sets the property tax millage rate for Kershaw County for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2019. In alignment with the previously presented draft budget, this ordinance keeps the millage rate at its current level, meaning no tax increase for property owners. Council members confirmed that this vote tracks with the budget process and is a necessary procedural step for tax collection. Like the budget appropriation, this is a first reading, with two more to follow before final adoption.
Amending and restating utilities ordinance (1st Reading, Title Only):Council updated the county's sewer ordinance to meet federal and state permit requirements.Water & sewer
Unanimous · 5-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ David Snodgrass✓ Ben Connell✓ Tom Gardner✓ Jimmy Jones
This vote advances the first reading of an ordinance to amend and restate the county's utilities regulations. The changes are required to bring the existing sewer-use code into compliance with new standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). These updates are triggered by the reissuance of the county's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. This is a routine but necessary housekeeping item to ensure the county remains in legal compliance for its utility operations.
Inmate health service contract with Medeco (New Business):Council awarded a new inmate medical services contract to Medeco for better data ownership and service.
Unanimous · 5-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ David Snodgrass✓ Ben Connell✓ Tom Gardner✓ Jimmy Jones
Council voted to award the inmate health services contract to Medeco, replacing the current provider, Southern Health Partners. Although Medeco's bid was slightly higher, staff recommended the change because the contract offers several value-added features. These include a flat-fee structure regardless of inmate population, ownership of the electronic health records system by the county rather than the provider, and coverage of items like X-rays and emergency kit restocking. The jail operates 24 hours a day, making reliable medical care essential. Council members expressed confidence in the committee's evaluation of the two competing bids and the staff recommendation.
Governor's Hill roadway and entrance improvements (New Business):Council approved a contract for road and signage improvements at the Governor's Hill industrial site.Roads
Unanimous · 5-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ David Snodgrass✓ Ben Connell✓ Tom Gardner✓ Jimmy Jones
Council awarded a contract to Armstrong Construction for roadway and entrance improvements at the Governor's Hill industrial site. The project involves constructing an interior road that bisects the 210-acre county-owned property, including a bridge over wetlands for which mitigation credits have already been secured. The improvements also include a monument sign to increase visibility from the interstate, intended to boost 'curb appeal' and attract economic development prospects to the site. Funding for this project is derived from a 2015 bond dedicated to economic development. Council members viewed the infrastructure investment as a necessary step to transform the site into a viable location for new business.
Council discussed the re-appointment of members to the Planning Commission, including George Harkins, Ben Strickland, and Mike Jones.
Additionally, the council heard a presentation on the South Carolina Equine Park's annual performance and future infrastructure needs.
Public comment▸showhide
Residents raised concerns regarding the poor condition of Cottage Lane, school district funding shortages, and the transparency of the public comment guidelines.
Other speakers addressed the need for improved RV infrastructure to boost tourism and expressed concerns regarding fire protection funding methods and government taxation.
Coming up▸showhide
The next county council meeting is scheduled for May 28, 2019.
A seminar on Opportunity Zones is scheduled for May 30, 2019, at 90 Campus Boulevard.
The annual Yak in the River event will take place this coming Saturday.
independent summary, generated from the county's public video, not an official county communication.
How this recap was made: Prepared from the meeting's live-stream transcript. The county's official minutes (the verified vote record) will be cross-checked automatically once the county publishes them, often a couple of months later. This is an automated summary written by software (a neural-network summarizer working from the documents above). Rely on the official county record for anything important.
