Council initiates the redistricting process to comply with 2020 Census data
The council voted to adopt a resolution establishing the criteria for redrawing district lines, which is required to maintain the one-person-one-vote standard following population growth. This process will continue through the end of the year, with multiple public map options to be presented for community feedback before a final vote in December or January.
11 votes11 passed
The vote behind the headline
Resolution Outlining Redistricting Criteria (General):Council adopted guidelines for redistricting and extended the final adoption deadline to January 2022.
Unanimous · 7-0
▸detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ David Snodgrass✓ Tom Gardner
This resolution establishes the official criteria for redrawing Kershaw County Council district lines following the 2020 Census. The guidelines prioritize complying with federal one-person-one-vote standards and the Voting Rights Act while aiming to minimize the splitting of municipalities and precincts. During the meeting, the Council amended the resolution to push the final adoption deadline to January 2022 to ensure sufficient time for public input and map refinement. The resolution provides a framework for selecting a final plan from the three draft options provided by consultants.
PASSED (Unanimous). The council voted to amend the deadline for final adoption to January 2022 to allow for more public input
The Council formally adopted the meeting agenda at the start of the session. This is a standard procedural step required to officially open the meeting and set the order of business. During this time, the Chairman noted that a community cleanup event was scheduled for November 6, 2021, and that staff would post relevant information on the county website. Adopting the agenda ensures that all items, including proclamations, resolutions, and ordinances, are properly brought before the board for consideration and public record. The vote was unanimous, allowing the meeting to proceed to the scheduled presentations and business items.
This proclamation honors the memory of Robert Vaughn, a long-time volunteer and treasurer for the Kershaw County Library Board of Trustees who passed away on September 6, 2021. Vaughn was recognized for his expert financial stewardship through eight annual budget cycles and his instrumental role in securing funding for children's programs and library improvements. Council members expressed deep condolences to his wife, Ponza, and recognized Vaughn's legacy of quiet, dedicated service to the community. The measure serves as a formal county acknowledgment of his contributions to the institution.
This proclamation supports the annual Wreaths Across America initiative, which aims to place remembrance wreaths on veterans' graves on December 18. The measure highlights Kershaw County's long history of military service and the importance of teaching younger generations about the cost of freedom. The Council urged local organizations, including the American Legion, VFW, schools, and churches, to support the activity through participation and donations. It serves to formalize the county's commitment to honoring those buried in local cemeteries like the Quaker Cemetery.
Proclamation for National Fire Prevention Month (General):Council proclaimed October as Fire Prevention Month to promote home safety and awareness.EMS & fire
Unanimous · 7-0
▸detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ David Snodgrass✓ Tom Gardner
What this was about
This proclamation marks October as National Fire Prevention Month in Kershaw County, focusing on the theme 'Learn the Sound of Fire Safety.' The resolution emphasizes the life-saving potential of working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and encourages residents to develop and practice fire escape plans. Council members used this opportunity to reaffirm their support for the county's transition toward a career-based firefighting system while noting that volunteers remain a vital component of local public safety. The proclamation serves as an educational tool for residents to engage with first responders and improve household preparedness.
The Council formally approved the minutes of the September 14, 2021 meeting. This record-keeping action serves to finalize the official history of the proceedings, ensuring that all votes, discussions, and motions are accurately reflected for public inspection. The minutes are a critical component of government transparency.
Resolution Outlining Redistricting Criteria (General):Council adopted guidelines for redistricting and extended the final adoption deadline to January 2022.
Unanimous · 7-0
▸detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ David Snodgrass✓ Tom Gardner
This resolution establishes the official criteria for redrawing Kershaw County Council district lines following the 2020 Census. The guidelines prioritize complying with federal one-person-one-vote standards and the Voting Rights Act while aiming to minimize the splitting of municipalities and precincts. During the meeting, the Council amended the resolution to push the final adoption deadline to January 2022 to ensure sufficient time for public input and map refinement. The resolution provides a framework for selecting a final plan from the three draft options provided by consultants.
PASSED (Unanimous). The council voted to amend the deadline for final adoption to January 2022 to allow for more public input
Rezoning 86 Acres from RD-1 to R-15 (2nd Reading):Council gave second-reading approval to rezone 86 acres to allow for residential development.DevelopmentHousing
Unanimous · 7-0
▸detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ David Snodgrass✓ Tom Gardner
The Council voted to rezone approximately 86 acres of land from RD-1 (Rural Development) to R-15 (Residential). This measure facilitates a proposed residential project that involves half-acre lots. Councilman Brant Tomlinson noted that the project is consistent with surrounding developments like the King Hagel subdivision and that staff reports confirmed the infrastructure can handle the development. The developer met with neighbors concerned about property boundaries and agreed to install a six-foot privacy fence to address those specific grievances. This second reading confirms the board's support for the land-use change.
PASSED (Unanimous). This project involves residential development near existing infrastructure
Multi-County Business Park Amendment for Project Prestige (2nd Reading):Council passed an amendment to include land in a multi-county business park for Project Prestige.Taxes & budgetJobs & economyParks & rec
Unanimous · 7-0
▸detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ David Snodgrass✓ Tom Gardner
This ordinance amendment adds property associated with 'Project Prestige' to an existing multi-county business park. This mechanism allows the county to offer fee-in-lieu-of-tax (FILOT) incentives to the industrial project, which is a common economic development tool governed by state law. Council members clarified that this specific project is an industrial expansion and is separate from the controversial hotel incentive project discussed previously. The vote on this second reading continues the process of harmonizing local tax agreements to facilitate industrial investment within the county.
PASSED (Unanimous). This action harmonizes existing fee-in-lieu-of-tax agreements
The Council approved the second reading of an ordinance setting the county millage rate for the 2021-2022 fiscal year. As a result of reassessment, the rate was rolled back from 100.6 to 100.2 mills. Despite the loss of revenue from the hospital's conversion to a non-profit status, the Council emphasized that they successfully maintained top-tier emergency medical services without raising taxes. The action reflects a focus on restructuring bond debt to reduce long-term obligations while maintaining services. This vote marks a significant achievement in the current budget cycle.
PASSED (Unanimous). The millage rate was successfully rolled back from 100.6 to 100.2 mills
Fee-in-Lieu-of-Tax Agreement Amendment (1st Reading):Council approved the first reading in title-only for an amendment to an existing industrial FILOT.Taxes & budget
Unanimous · 7-0
▸detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ David Snodgrass✓ Tom Gardner
This item involves a title-only first reading of an ordinance to amend an existing Fee-in-Lieu-of-Tax (FILOT) agreement for a local industrial entity. Administrator Vic Carpenter explained that the industry plans to invest additional capital into its current project, necessitating an amendment to the existing incentive structure. As this was a first reading, the specific name of the company was not disclosed to protect competitive business interests, a standard practice for industrial negotiations. Council members clarified that industrial FILOTs are distinct from commercial hotel incentives and remain a routine part of economic development.
PASSED (Unanimous). This item was presented in title only regarding an expansion for an existing local industry
Redistricting Plan Adoption (1st Reading):Council passed the first reading of an ordinance to adopt a new redistricting plan.
Yes 6 · No 0
▸detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
• 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.
The Council passed the first reading of an ordinance to officially adopt a redistricting plan for the county. This step is necessary to bring the county into compliance with federal one-person-one-vote requirements following the 2020 Census. The consultant, Joel Opperman, briefed the Council on the technical requirements, explaining that three different map options would be under consideration. The plan includes a public hearing during the second reading in November to allow for community feedback. Councilman Jimmy Jones abstained from the vote. The goal is to finalize the map by early 2022 before the March candidate filing deadline.
Broadband Infrastructure: Citizens spoke regarding a proposal for $1 million in ARPA funding to expand fiber internet through Lynch's River Electric Cooperative, specifically citing the needs of northern county residents.
Public Safety and Waste: Residents raised concerns regarding dump site congestion on Springdale Road and suggested Sunday and Wednesday service expansions.
Parks and Recreation: Staff provided an extensive update on recent community events, including the Touch-a-Truck event, senior golf tournaments, and the upcoming Tinsel Trail holiday project.
COVID-19 Update: Administrator Vic Carpenter reported that daily COVID-19 cases have declined to an average of 20 per day, though deaths remain higher than previous benchmarks.
Public comment▸showhide
Public comments were marked by significant constituent concern regarding transparency, the "Project Siegel" hotel incentive package, and the perceived lack of internet access in northern portions of the county.
Several speakers criticized council procedures during meetings, including door locking and chair removal policies, while others thanked council members for their availability outside of official sessions.
Concerns were also raised regarding dog waste in public parks and a request for a refund on road maintenance fees.
Coming up▸showhide
November 9, 2021: Next County Council meeting, featuring a public hearing on redistricting map options and a second reading of the redistricting ordinance.
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.
