Council approved a resolution to provide an $85,460 matching grant for the purchase of new fire apparatus for the Bethune Fire District
The project will be funded through the current fire department budget, meaning no tax or fee increases for residents.
9 votes9 passed2 split
The vote behind the headline
Resolution for $85,460 Matching Grant for Bethune Fire District:Council authorized matching funds to help the Bethune Fire District acquire a new fire apparatus.EMS & fireGrants
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Tom Gardner
Council approved an $85,460 matching grant to support the Bethune Fire District in acquiring new fire equipment. The funding, provided through the Community Development Block Grant program, is specifically earmarked for a new fire apparatus to improve emergency response capabilities in the Bethune area. County staff emphasized that the required matching funds are already allocated within the existing fire department budget, ensuring that the project will not result in any tax or fee increases for residents. The measure is seen as a win for public safety, as the new equipment will serve a district where more than half of the residents fall into low-to-moderate income brackets. Council members expressed broad support, viewing the purchase as a cost-effective way to enhance fire protection services across the rural northern portion of the county.
Proclamation Honoring Mr. Robert Samuel Jones (1st Reading):Council recognized 91-year-old veteran Robert Samuel Jones for his military service and community contributions.
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Tom Gardner
Council unanimously approved a proclamation honoring Robert Samuel Jones, a local resident and veteran of the Korean War. The resolution highlights his service as a rifleman with the 32nd Infantry Regiment, where he earned multiple honors including the Combat Infantry Badge and the Korean Service Medal. Beyond his military career, the proclamation notes his lifelong dedication to his family and the DeKalb community, where he remains an active member of DeKalb Baptist Church. Council members and the community celebrated his upcoming 91st birthday, noting his role as a pillar of the county. This recognition serves as a formal expression of gratitude for his selflessness and his ongoing positive impact on Kershaw County residents.
The Council formally approved the minutes from the previous meeting. This routine administrative action ensures the official record of county council proceedings is accurate and verified by the governing body.
Resolution for $85,460 Matching Grant for Bethune Fire District:Council authorized matching funds to help the Bethune Fire District acquire a new fire apparatus.EMS & fireGrants
Unanimous · 7-0
▸detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Tom Gardner
Council approved an $85,460 matching grant to support the Bethune Fire District in acquiring new fire equipment. The funding, provided through the Community Development Block Grant program, is specifically earmarked for a new fire apparatus to improve emergency response capabilities in the Bethune area. County staff emphasized that the required matching funds are already allocated within the existing fire department budget, ensuring that the project will not result in any tax or fee increases for residents. The measure is seen as a win for public safety, as the new equipment will serve a district where more than half of the residents fall into low-to-moderate income brackets. Council members expressed broad support, viewing the purchase as a cost-effective way to enhance fire protection services across the rural northern portion of the county.
Southern Loop Sewer Improvement Phase II Financing (1st Reading):Council moved to finance the second phase of the Southern Loop sewer project through a low-interest loan.Water & sewer
Yes 5 · No 1
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How they voted
✗ Jimmy Jones• Julian Burns · not recorded• Russell Brazell · not recorded• Sammie Tucker Jr. · not recorded• Ben Connell · not recorded• Brant Tomlinson · 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.
Council approved the first reading of an ordinance to borrow $2,745,000 to complete Phase II of the Southern Loop sewer project. The project is being financed through the state water pollution control revolving fund at a low interest rate of 1.6 percent. While the motion passed 5-1, Councilman Jimmy Jones voted against the measure, citing concerns about timing and the broader sewer capacity strategy. County staff noted that while the sewer fund is currently constrained, the loan terms were favorable and necessary to proceed with essential infrastructure upgrades that will relieve pressure on existing pump stations. The project has been a multi-year effort, and council members engaged in extensive discussion regarding the county's total sewer capacity, which currently sits at approximately 90 percent utilization. The next reading is expected to provide further details as the county continues to balance growth with existing infrastructure limitations.
PASSEDFor 5 · Against 1. This ordinance authorizes borrowing up to $2,745,000 for sewer infrastructure improvements
Rezoning 53 Acres Near Carolina Motorsports Park (1st Reading):Council approved rezoning approximately 53 acres near Carolina Motorsports Park to allow for future development.DevelopmentParks & rec
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Tom Gardner
Council unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance to rezone approximately 53 acres of land near the Carolina Motorsports Park from Rural Development (RD2) to General Development (GD). The property is owned by Michael Cummings, who also owns the adjacent motorsports facility. Representatives for the owner clarified that while there are no immediate, specific development plans, the purchase serves as a buffer and a strategic long-term investment for the facility. The Planning Commission had previously recommended approval of the rezoning with a 6-0 vote. Council members praised the growth of the facility, noting that recent improvements have increased tourism in the northern part of the county. The rezoning is expected to pave the way for potential future expansion of the park's operations.
Appointment of Jason Endress to Boards and Commissions:Council appointed military veteran and local business owner Jason Endress to a board position.Appointments
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Tom Gardner
Council unanimously appointed Jason Endress to a board vacancy representing District 3. Mr. Endress, a Special Forces veteran and local business owner in Elgin, was nominated for his community involvement and commitment to public service. Council members expressed their support for his background and his dedication to the local area.
Reappointment of George Harkins to Planning and Zoning Commission:Council unanimously appointed Libby Davis to fill a vacancy on the Planning and Zoning Commission.DevelopmentAppointments
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Tom Gardner
Council approved the appointment of Libby Davis to the Planning and Zoning Commission to fill the seat left vacant by the resignation of Curtis Blackman. As a member of the Commission, Ms. Davis will help deliberate on rezoning petitions, variance requests, and development ordinances that shape the physical landscape of Kershaw County. The Commission acts as the primary filter for development policy, ensuring that proposals meet legal requirements and community standards before moving to the Council stage. Council member Russell Brazell, who sponsored the appointment, emphasized her intelligence, hard work, and deep dedication to her community. The measure passed unanimously, with the Council expressing confidence that she will be an effective successor in this important regulatory capacity. Her service officially begins following this vote, as the county continues to manage the demands of recent regional growth.
Appointment of Libby Davis to Planning and Zoning Commission:Council appointed Libby Davis to fill a vacancy on the Planning and Zoning Commission.DevelopmentAppointments
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Tom Gardner
What this was about
Council appointed Libby Davis to the Planning and Zoning Commission, filling the seat vacated by Curtis Blackman. Councilman Russell Brazell nominated her, describing her as an intelligent and dedicated community member who will be a valuable asset to the commission.
Rescheduling November Council Meeting to November 9th:Council voted to move the November meeting to November 9th due to Election Day.
Yes 5 · No 1
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How they voted
✗ Jimmy Jones• Julian Burns · not recorded• Russell Brazell · not recorded• Sammie Tucker Jr. · not recorded• Ben Connell · not recorded• Brant Tomlinson · 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 voted 5-1 to reschedule the November meeting from Election Day, November 8, to November 9. The change was proposed by Councilman Brant Tomlinson to ensure that county staff are available and to avoid holiday pay costs. Councilman Jimmy Jones cast the lone dissenting vote. The rescheduling ensures the council can conduct business without conflicting with the general election schedule.
PASSEDFor 5 · Against 1. The move is due to the date falling on Election Day
Duke Energy Watery Dam Briefing: Duke Energy presented on the inflatable gate installation project at the Watery Hydro Station, which will require a six to seven foot drawdown of the lake starting October 15th to facilitate 14 to 16 months of construction.
COG Realignment: Council received an update on the effort to transition Kershaw County transportation planning from the Columbia Area Transportation System (COATS) back to the Santee Lynches Council of Governments to better secure road funding.
Public comment▸showhide
Nine residents provided comment, focusing on several key issues. Multiple speakers expressed frustration regarding the recent millage increase and perceived lack of transparency in the budget process.
Residents of Kirkover Lane urged the council to expedite legal action against a dog rescue facility they described as a public noise nuisance. Others expressed concern over potential future bond debt for sewer projects and highlighted the need for improved road funding and transparency in county operations.
Coming up▸showhide
General Election: November 8, 2022.
Next Council Meeting: Rescheduled to Wednesday, November 9, 2022.
Boards and Commissions: Appointment of a new member to the Recreation Committee is expected to occur in November following the mandatory one-cycle waiting period.
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.
