Kershaw County Council members moved forward with a series of land-use and fiscal measures, including the adoption of a revised redistricting plan featuring a new option for public review
The council also celebrated the completion of an Eagle Scout project at the county airport and accepted a generous land donation for a new dog park.
9 votes9 passed
The vote behind the headline
Kershaw County Council Redistricting Plan (2nd Reading):Council amended the redistricting plan to include a fourth option, 2B, for public review.
Unanimous · 7-0
▸detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ David Snodgrass✓ Tom Gardner
Council approved the second reading of the redistricting ordinance, but amended it to include a new mapping option, 2B, for further public consideration. The amendment moves one census block in the Cottonwood Lane neighborhood from District 5 back to District 2, which better balances the population deviation across those districts. This adjustment brings the deviation down to approximately 7.9% of the mean. Council emphasized their commitment to transparency and directed staff to make high-quality, interactive maps available online to ensure the public can clearly see the proposed boundaries. No final vote on the specific map was taken; instead, Council will review four options in December before the final reading.
PASSED (Unanimous, as amended to include Option 2B for further public consideration)
Proclamation Honoring Scout Elias Altieri (Resolution):Council honored Eagle Scout Elias Altieri for repainting the static F-4 Phantom display at Woodward Field.
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 formally recognized Scout Elias Altieri of Troop 777 for his Eagle Scout service project at the county airport. Altieri successfully led the restoration of the McDonnell F-4C Phantom static aircraft display, a task that saved the county significant funds as professional quotes were as high as $16,000. Under Altieri's leadership, the aircraft was stripped and repainted, the area was landscaped, and signage was replaced for under $4,000. The project involved the Scout, his family, and members of his troop, with stencil work and decals provided by local donors after difficulty obtaining support from Shaw Air Force Base. Chairman Ben Connell and members of Council praised Altieri's leadership, fiscal responsibility, and dedication to maintaining the airport as a professional gateway for the county. Altieri plans to receive his official Eagle Scout rank at a ceremony on December 18.
Acceptance of Mason Family Bark Park Deed and Easement (Resolution):Council accepted a land donation for the new Mason Family Bark Park.Parks & recCounty property
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 approved a resolution to accept a 2.5-acre land donation from the Play Foundation to establish the Mason Family Bark Park. Located off Highway 1, the park is a community-driven recreation project that saved the county the high costs of purchasing land and installing irrigation. The agreement includes a vehicular parking easement and a joint-use agreement to manage the space. During the meeting, officials noted that membership will be required, with fees set at $40 for county residents and $50 for non-residents to cover ongoing maintenance. A ribbon-cutting is scheduled for November 16, followed by a grand opening on November 20. Council members expressed deep gratitude toward donor Mark Mason Sr. and the Play Foundation for providing this asset at no cost to the taxpayers.
Council approved the third and final reading of an ordinance to rezone approximately 86 acres of land along King Street from RD1 (Rural District) to R15 (Residential). This measure allows the developer, Robert Lackey, to proceed with a residential project. Council members expressed satisfaction with the development process, noting that the developer maintained proactive communication with neighboring residents to mitigate concerns about density and property impacts. This approval marks the final step in the rezoning process after earlier successful readings. The project is seen as an example of responsible growth where developers work closely with the existing community to maintain local harmony.
Multi-County Business Park with Lee County (3rd Reading):Council approved an amendment to the multi-county business park agreement with Lee County.Jobs & 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
What this was about
The Council passed the third reading of an ordinance amending the existing multi-county business park agreement between Kershaw and Lee counties. This technical amendment ensures that the park's legal framework remains compliant with the recent industrial investment by Prestige Farms at the Governor’s Hill Industrial Park. The move maintains the necessary legal structures to provide tax credits and fee-in-lieu-of-tax arrangements for incoming industries. Council held a public hearing on this matter prior to the vote, during which no public comments were offered. The ordinance passed unanimously, ensuring continued economic development alignment between the two neighboring counties.
County Millage Rate for Fiscal Year 2021 (3rd Reading):Council finalized the millage rate, which reflects a slight decrease after a reassessment year.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
Council approved the third reading of an ordinance setting the county millage rate for the 2021 fiscal year. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the loss of hospital-related revenue, the county achieved a slight decrease in the overall millage rate. Officials noted that while property values may have shifted due to the reassessment, the actual tax burden on the county was reduced through debt restructuring and conservative fiscal management. Council members credited the finance department and the auditor for successfully navigating the budget year while maintaining four months of operating reserves. This vote concludes the final stage of the county's annual budget setting process.
Project Bobcat Fee in Lieu of Tax Agreement (2nd Reading):Council advanced a fee-in-lieu-of-tax agreement for a local industrial expansion, Project Bobcat.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
Council approved the second reading of an ordinance authorizing a fee-in-lieu-of-tax (FILOT) agreement for an existing industry in the county, referred to as 'Project Bobcat.' The project involves a $4 million capital investment. While the company requested confidentiality regarding its identity until the third reading, officials confirmed it is an upgrade to an existing operation. The expansion is expected to bring between 15 and 25 jobs to the county. Council members noted that the use of FILOT agreements is a standard practice to encourage existing industries to remain and grow within Kershaw County. The ordinance will return for a third and final reading next month.
Council approved the second reading of the redistricting ordinance, but amended it to include a new mapping option, 2B, for further public consideration. The amendment moves one census block in the Cottonwood Lane neighborhood from District 5 back to District 2, which better balances the population deviation across those districts. This adjustment brings the deviation down to approximately 7.9% of the mean. Council emphasized their commitment to transparency and directed staff to make high-quality, interactive maps available online to ensure the public can clearly see the proposed boundaries. No final vote on the specific map was taken; instead, Council will review four options in December before the final reading.
PASSED (Unanimous, as amended to include Option 2B for further public consideration)
Agreement for Magistrate to Serve as Bethune Municipal Judge (Resolution):Council approved an agreement allowing a county magistrate to serve as the Bethune municipal judge.
Unanimous · 7-0
▸detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ David Snodgrass✓ Tom Gardner
Council approved a resolution authorizing County Magistrate James Davis to serve as the municipal judge for the Town of Bethune on a temporary basis. The resolution was amended to specify that there will be no financial compensation for this service, addressing concerns raised by Council members regarding the lack of a set fee in the original form agreement. Magistrate Davis will be required to keep all judicial functions, bank accounts, and supplies entirely separate from his county duties. The town of Bethune will be responsible for listing the magistrate under its liability insurance during his tenure. The agreement will now proceed to the town of Bethune for execution before returning to the county.
PASSED (Unanimous, as amended to specify zero compensation)
Council unanimously approved the appointment of four new members to the Employee Grievance Committee. This committee plays a critical role in the county's personnel policy, as its members are tasked with hearing grievances filed by county employees following disciplinary actions. The committee makes recommendations to the County Administrator regarding the outcome of these disputes. The appointees represent a diverse cross-section of county departments to ensure balanced representation during hearings. Council members thanked the staff for their work in identifying qualified candidates for these volunteer positions.
Council members discussed the ongoing safety concerns regarding the floating boat dock at the Waterey River, with members agreeing on the urgent need to address potential hazards for river users.
Additionally, there was a briefing on the annual financial audit, which showed a healthy increase in fund balance, and a presentation on the Kershaw County Opportunity Zone intended to spur economic development along the Highway 521 corridor.
Public comment▸showhide
One resident, Tom Webb, spoke during public comment to express appreciation for the restoration of the F-4 Phantom display and shared personal poems regarding civic engagement.
During the public hearing portions, two residents voiced concerns regarding the clarity of the redistricting maps provided by the county and requested more definitive mapping systems before the final reading.
Coming up▸showhide
Next Council Meeting: Tuesday, December 14, 2021.
Tinsel Trail: Opens at Waterey River Veterans Park on November 30 and runs through January 3.
Redistricting Finalization: Council will review four options for redistricting ahead of the third and final reading in December.
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.
