Council approved a $2.7 million bond for the Southern Loop sewer project and settled a pending lawsuit regarding a Planning Commission decision
The meeting, which served as the final session for outgoing members, also saw the approval of several economic development measures and a formal proclamation honoring retiring Equine Center Director Mike Mathis.
9 votes9 passed4 split
The vote behind the headline
Financing for Southern Loop Sewer Project (3rd Reading):Council approved a $2.7 million loan for sewer project completion and cost recovery.Water & sewer
Yes 3 · No 2
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How they voted
✓ Julian Burns✓ Tom Gardner✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✗ Russell Brazell✗ Jimmy Jones
This ordinance authorizes the county to borrow $2.7 million through a State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan. The funds are earmarked to complete Phase 2A of the Southern Loop sewer project and to reimburse the county for prior out-of-pocket expenses from Phase 1. With a low interest rate of 1.6 percent, the council majority argued this was a fiscally responsible way to address critical, antiquated infrastructure. Opponents, including Councilmen Russell Brazell and Jimmy Jones, expressed concern over taking on additional debt, suggesting the new council should have the opportunity to weigh in on the project. Despite these objections and a call to delay the vote until January, the ordinance passed 3-2, allowing the county to proceed with the essential sewer improvements.
This measure was necessary to correct a scrivener error on the meeting agenda, which initially listed the session as a Tuesday meeting. Because the council struggled to achieve a quorum for their regularly scheduled Tuesday session, this meeting was moved to Thursday at 10 a.m. to ensure business could be conducted. Council members debated the scheduling heavily, with some outgoing members expressing frustration over the timing and the potential for these sessions to be perceived as non-transparent. Despite opposition from Council members Russell Brazell and Jimmy Jones, the motion passed with a 3-2 vote. This procedural step was the first item addressed to legitimize the day's proceedings and finalize the agenda for the final session of the outgoing council.
Financing for Southern Loop Sewer Project (3rd Reading):Council approved a $2.7 million loan for sewer project completion and cost recovery.Water & sewer
Yes 3 · No 2
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How they voted
✓ Julian Burns✓ Tom Gardner✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✗ Russell Brazell✗ Jimmy Jones
This ordinance authorizes the county to borrow $2.7 million through a State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan. The funds are earmarked to complete Phase 2A of the Southern Loop sewer project and to reimburse the county for prior out-of-pocket expenses from Phase 1. With a low interest rate of 1.6 percent, the council majority argued this was a fiscally responsible way to address critical, antiquated infrastructure. Opponents, including Councilmen Russell Brazell and Jimmy Jones, expressed concern over taking on additional debt, suggesting the new council should have the opportunity to weigh in on the project. Despite these objections and a call to delay the vote until January, the ordinance passed 3-2, allowing the county to proceed with the essential sewer improvements.
Rezoning for Carolina Motorsports Park (3rd Reading):Council unanimously approved a zoning map amendment to support the local motorsports facility.DevelopmentParks & rec
Unanimous · 5-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Russell Brazell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Julian Burns✓ Tom Gardner✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.
This measure renames and rezones land to allow Carolina Motorsports Park to expand and create a necessary buffer around its racetrack. The facility has historically purchased adjacent land to maintain operational safety and noise mitigation. Council members characterized the park as a vital local industry and a positive economic partner, leading to a unanimous vote of approval. The move was viewed as a routine but supportive action for a business that continues to invest in Kershaw County, helping to solidify the park's long-term presence in the area.
Fee in Lieu of Taxes for Orion Performance Compounds (3rd Reading):Council approved an economic development agreement for a new plastic manufacturing facility.Taxes & budget
Unanimous · 5-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Tom Gardner
This ordinance formalizes a Fee in Lieu of Taxes (FILO) agreement with Orion Performance Compounds, a company operating in the Heritage Point Industrial Park. The agreement is part of a broader economic development incentive package designed to bring 54 jobs to the county with an average salary of approximately $51,000. The facility, which processes extruded plastics for medical and aerospace applications, represents a $13 million capital investment. Council members expressed enthusiasm for the deal, noting that while the state's tax assessment ratio recently dropped to 6 percent, the FILO remains a key tool for attracting new industry to the county.
This allocation provides $35,000 to the South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust to support the ceremonial reburial of 14 soldiers discovered during recent excavations at the Camden Battlefield. The event, scheduled for April 2023, includes a procession, a funeral service at Bethesda Presbyterian Church, and a formal military interment. Council members emphasized the project's historical significance and its potential to draw tourism to the region. Councilman Jimmy Jones cast the sole dissenting vote, citing a lack of transparency regarding the funding source on the original agenda, though other members clarified that ATAX funds would be utilized.
Mr. Garcia was appointed to the Clean Community Council in recognition of his consistent efforts leading cleanup projects along Highway 97. Council members noted his active participation in local beautification and waste management, highlighting the value of grassroots involvement in keeping the county clean.
Reappointment of Ben Strickland to Zoning Board of Appeals:Council unanimously voted to reappoint Ben Strickland to the Zoning Board of Appeals.DevelopmentAppointments
Unanimous · 5-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Julian Burns✓ Tom Gardner
The Kershaw County Council unanimously approved the reappointment of Ben Strickland to the Zoning Board of Appeals during their December 15, 2022, meeting. This board plays a critical role in the county's planning process by hearing and deciding on appeals and variances regarding local zoning ordinances. Strickland's reappointment ensures continuity for this body, which requires appointed volunteers to help resolve disputes between property owners and the county's planning department. The measure was routine and did not generate debate, as council members acknowledged Strickland's ongoing service and commitment to the community. Councilman Russell Brazell noted that he had spoken with Strickland prior to the meeting, describing him as a hardworking individual who cares deeply about his district. This appointment follows the standard procedure for filling board vacancies, reflecting the council's reliance on local volunteers to maintain equitable application of land-use rules. Strickland will continue to serve in this capacity to help guide development and property-use decisions within Kershaw County.
2023 Council Meeting Schedule (January/February only):Council voted to limit the 2023 meeting schedule to January and February initially.
Unanimous · 5-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Russell Brazell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Julian Burns✓ Tom Gardner✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.
What this was about
Following an amendment proposed by Councilman Jimmy Jones, the council voted to set meeting dates for only January and February 2023. This approach ensures that the new, incoming council members will have the authority to set the schedule for the remainder of the year. The meetings will occur on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 5:30 p.m.
This vote authorizes the county to settle legal case 2022-CP-28-00699, which stemmed from a prior Planning Commission decision. The settlement is structured so that no county funds are paid to the opposing parties, with all sides agreeing to cover their own legal costs. Despite objections from Councilmen Russell Brazell and Jimmy Jones, the majority concluded that ending the litigation was in the best interest of the county, allowing the legal team to move past the dispute.
Annual Financial Audit: Representatives from the county's accounting firm presented the annual audit, reporting an unmodified opinion with no internal control findings. The report indicated the county maintains a healthy financial position with a positive change in fund balance.
S.C. DNR Bass Survey: DNR biologists presented a detailed analysis of the largemouth bass population in Lake Waterey, concluding that the fishery remains strong and above state averages, despite concerns expressed by some local anglers.
Public comment▸showhide
Residents addressed the council regarding meeting procedures, expressing frustration over meeting cancellations and the scheduling of morning sessions.
Other comments included concerns about sewer debt management and the use of general funds versus cash reserves for infrastructure projects, as well as farewell remarks to outgoing council members.
Coming up▸showhide
Special Election for District 3: A special election is scheduled for March 28, 2023, with associated primaries and runoffs occurring throughout January and February 2023.
Future Scheduling: Per the newly passed meeting schedule, the council will meet during January and February 2023 to address pending ordinances and transition matters for the incoming council.
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.
