Council rejects transfer of the detention center to the Sheriff’s Office
The council voted down a motion to place the detention center under the direct control of the Sheriff. Members emphasized that the current detention facility is performing well and that maintaining separate administrative oversight provides necessary checks and balances for the county.
12 votes9 passed3 failed4 split
The vote behind the headline
Transfer of Detention Center to Sheriff’s Office:Council rejected a proposal to move the county detention center under the Sheriff's control.Public safety
Yes 1 · No 6
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How they voted
• Julian Burns · not recorded• Russell Brazell · not recorded• Sammie Tucker Jr. · not recorded• Ben Connell · not recorded• Jimmy Jones · not recorded• David Snodgrass · 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.
What this was about
Council rejected a proposal to transfer the administrative control of the Kershaw County Detention Center from the county administration to the Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff argued that consolidating the facility would improve training, recruitment, and operational synergy. However, public speakers, including the circuit public defender, and several council members expressed concern about the potential for conflicting duties and the loss of checks and balances. The detention center is currently operating well under its existing structure, and council members were reluctant to change a system that is not broken. The motion failed 6-1, with only Jimmy Jones supporting the transfer. Following the vote, the County Administrator confirmed that he would proceed with the search for a new jail administrator to lead the facility.
FAILEDFor 1 · Against 6. Council members cited the facility's current success and the importance of maintaining the current administrative structure
Amendment to the Council Meeting Calendar (Adding September 24th, October 22nd, and November 26th cancellations):This vote consolidates the council schedule to one meeting per month through the end of 2019.
Yes 5 · No 2
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How they voted
✗ Jimmy Jones✗ Derek Shoemake• Julian Burns · not recorded• Russell Brazell · not recorded• Sammie Tucker Jr. · not recorded• Ben Connell · not recorded• David Snodgrass · 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.
Following a request from the County Administrator to ensure predictability for public hearing advertisements, the council amended its schedule to cancel the second meeting dates for September, October, and November. This change shifts the council to a one-meeting-per-month cadence for the remainder of the year. Councilman Jimmy Jones opposed the move, arguing that the council should maintain its tradition of meeting twice monthly to handle important county business. The amendment passed 6-1, with Jones casting the lone dissenting vote. The council noted that while these meetings are canceled, an emergency call session can still be convened with 24 hours of notice if exigent circumstances arise. The move reflects a broader trend among South Carolina counties toward monthly meeting schedules, though some members expressed a desire to revisit the two-meeting structure during the upcoming spring budget cycle.
PASSEDFor 5 · Against 2. This moves the council to a one-meeting-per-month schedule through the end of the year
Conveyance of Property to Bethune Rural Water Company (1st Reading):Council approved transferring water infrastructure to the Bethune Rural Water Company.Water & sewer
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ David Snodgrass✓ Tom Gardner
This ordinance authorizes the transfer of property owned by Kershaw County to the Bethune Rural Water Company. The infrastructure, which includes a water tank and lines, was originally constructed in 1980 through a grant from the Farmers Home Administration. For the past 39 years, the Bethune Rural Water Company has maintained and operated these assets. Because the county has no functional involvement in the day-to-day operations or maintenance of the utility, members viewed this as a routine housekeeping measure to formalize ownership. The vote was unanimous. The measure will proceed to a second reading in September to finalize the legal conveyance of the title.
PASSED (Unanimous). This authorizes the transfer of water infrastructure to the water company that has maintained and operated it for 39 years
Amendment to Retirement Benefit Plan (for 17 retirees):A motion to restore health benefit coverage for retirees who left between 2011 and 2019 failed.
Yes 3 · No 4
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How they voted
✗ Derek Shoemake✗ Ben Connell✗ Danny Catoe✗ Sammie Tucker Jr.• Julian Burns · not recorded• Russell Brazell · not recorded• Jimmy Jones · not recorded• David Snodgrass · 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.
What this was about
Council considered a motion to restore retirement health benefits for 17 employees who retired between January 2011 and June 2019. The amendment sought to reinstate a 50/50 cost-sharing plan for these individuals, which would cost approximately $23,416 annually. Proponents argued that these employees were promised grandfathered benefits that were lost due to administrative changes in 2011. However, opponents raised concerns regarding the fiscal impact and the potential precedent of reopening long-standing policy decisions. The county accountant warned that expanding these benefits would increase the county's OPEB liability significantly, potentially affecting bond ratings. Ultimately, the motion failed in a 3-4 vote, with members suggesting that a more comprehensive retirement benefit strategy should be addressed during the spring budget process.
FAILEDFor 3 · Against 4. The motion intended to restore benefits for employees who retired between 2011 and 2019
Main Motion to Restore Retirement Benefit Plan (for all eligible employees):A broader motion to restore retirement benefits for all eligible employees also failed.
Yes 1 · No 6
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How they voted
• Julian Burns · not recorded• Russell Brazell · not recorded• Sammie Tucker Jr. · not recorded• Ben Connell · not recorded• Jimmy Jones · not recorded• David Snodgrass · 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.
What this was about
Following the failure of the amendment to cover only the 17 recent retirees, the council voted on the main motion to restore the retirement benefit plan for all employees hired prior to January 2011. This proposal aimed to grandfather those employees into the older retirement plan, which carried an estimated long-term OPEB liability increase of $2.7 million according to the county CPA. While proponents emphasized the importance of employee retention and fairness, the majority of the council remained wary of the long-term debt and the risk of setting a policy precedent by retroactively changing benefits. The main motion failed with only Jimmy Jones voting in favor. The council expressed a consensus that retirement benefits should be re-evaluated as part of a formal, holistic budget discussion in the spring.
Transfer of Detention Center to Sheriff’s Office:Council rejected a proposal to move the county detention center under the Sheriff's control.Public safety
Yes 1 · No 6
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How they voted
• Julian Burns · not recorded• Russell Brazell · not recorded• Sammie Tucker Jr. · not recorded• Ben Connell · not recorded• Jimmy Jones · not recorded• David Snodgrass · 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.
What this was about
Council rejected a proposal to transfer the administrative control of the Kershaw County Detention Center from the county administration to the Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff argued that consolidating the facility would improve training, recruitment, and operational synergy. However, public speakers, including the circuit public defender, and several council members expressed concern about the potential for conflicting duties and the loss of checks and balances. The detention center is currently operating well under its existing structure, and council members were reluctant to change a system that is not broken. The motion failed 6-1, with only Jimmy Jones supporting the transfer. Following the vote, the County Administrator confirmed that he would proceed with the search for a new jail administrator to lead the facility.
FAILEDFor 1 · Against 6. Council members cited the facility's current success and the importance of maintaining the current administrative structure
Reappointment of Beth Ford to Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee:The Council unanimously approved the reappointment of Beth Ford to the Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee.Taxes & budgetAppointments
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ David Snodgrass✓ Tom Gardner
What this was about
This measure officially reappoints Beth Ford to serve on the Kershaw County Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee. This body plays a critical role in advising the Council on how to distribute funds generated by local hospitality and accommodations taxes, which are essential for promoting regional tourism and supporting local cultural events. The appointment is a routine administrative matter that ensures the committee maintains its required membership and operational continuity. Beth Ford’s continued service allows the committee to maintain consistency in its review process for grant applications and funding requests. No public controversy or debate surrounded this specific appointment, and Council members expressed unanimous support for her ongoing participation. Following this approval, Ford will continue her term as a member, helping the county manage the allocation of tourism-related revenue effectively.
Reappointment of Wanda Swan and Dennis Outlaw to Clean Community Commission:Wanda Swan and Dennis Outlaw were reappointed to the Clean Community Commission.Appointments
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ David Snodgrass✓ Tom Gardner
Council reappointed Wanda Swan and Dennis Outlaw to the Clean Community Commission. The commission has been active in organizing litter cleanup efforts across the county. It was noted that Lena Shoemake, who previously served as chairperson, is stepping down to pursue teaching, and the council plans to appoint a replacement at a future meeting.
Annette Little was appointed to the Kershaw County Library Board. This appointment fills one of several vacancies on the board, which provides oversight and governance for the county library system.
Appointment of Johnny Cornegay to Library Board:Johnny Cornegay was appointed to the Library Board.Parks & recAppointments
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ David Snodgrass✓ Tom Gardner
What this was about
Johnny Cornegay was appointed to the Library Board. The board works closely with library staff to support programming and facility maintenance throughout the county.
Tana Simmons was appointed to the Library Board, filling a vacancy and ensuring the board remains fully staffed to continue its work in supporting the county’s library services.
Awarding Bid for Main Library Conference Room Renovation:The council awarded a $57,391.20 contract to MECA Contracting for library renovations.Parks & rec
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ David Snodgrass✓ Tom Gardner
Council approved a contract for $57,391.20 to MECA Contracting of Lexington for the renovation of the main library conference room. The project is being funded by the Friends of the Library. Councilman Ben Connell expressed interest in seeing more granular detail on future projects, such as square footage and cost-per-square-foot analysis, to ensure a high return on investment for taxpayer-funded renovations.
PASSED (Unanimous). The bid was awarded to MECA Contracting for $57,391.20
Awarding Bid for Elgin Sewer Pump Replacement:Council awarded a $197,335 contract to Site Concepts to replace critical sewer pumps in Elgin.Water & sewer
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ David Snodgrass✓ Tom Gardner
Council awarded a contract to Site Concepts for the replacement of Elgin sewer pumps one and two for a total cost of $197,335. This infrastructure upgrade is part of a larger ongoing effort to improve the Southern Loop sewer system. These specific pumps had reached the end of their functional lifespan, and the county had recently been forced to issue an emergency purchase order for $19,000 just to keep the failing equipment operational until a permanent replacement could be procured. Council members engaged in a brief clarifying discussion regarding the terminology used in the agenda, which initially labeled the project as a renovation rather than a replacement. Despite the phrasing, members confirmed the necessity of the project to maintain utility service in the Elgin area. This award secures the necessary equipment to ensure long-term reliability for the sewer network, with the project moving to the construction phase immediately.
PASSED (Unanimous). The contract was awarded to Site Concepts for $197,335
Executive Session: The council held a private session regarding two contractual matters related to economic development. No action was taken.
Future Budget Planning: Council discussed the need to evaluate retirement benefits and potential compensation adjustments during the upcoming budget cycle.
Project Updates: The Administrator provided status reports on various infrastructure projects, including the Mason Lane EMS station, Watery River Park, and the new fire station in Cassett.
Public comment▸showhide
Residents expressed concerns regarding the proposed merger of the detention center with the Sheriff’s Office, with some noting that the current system works well and others worrying about the impact on the Sheriff's workload.
Citizens also voiced frustrations over tax assessments and specific county spending projects, including requests for more transparency in how tax dollars are allocated.
Coming up▸showhide
Next Regular Meeting: Second Tuesday of September.
Future Agenda Items: The council plans to revisit the retirement benefit structure and compensation policies during the spring budget sessions.
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.
