Council dedicates $3.4 million in ARPA funds to overhaul emergency radio infrastructure
Council members voted to reallocate funds previously earmarked for sewer utilities to replace aging emergency radio systems used by the Sheriff’s Department, EMS, 911, and local fire districts, citing a critical need to ensure reliable communication for first responders.
ARPA Funds Recommitment for Public Safety Radios (None):
Yes 6 · No 0
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detailsless
PASSED For 6 · Against 0
Votes at a glance ▸ showhide
Adoption of Agenda (None):
Unanimous · 7-0
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detailsless
PASSED (Unanimous)
Stewardship Week Proclamation (None):
Unanimous · 7-0
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detailsless
PASSED (Unanimous)
S.E. Johnson Proclamation (None):
Unanimous · 7-0
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detailsless
PASSED (Unanimous)
Fee Agreement Amendment for Canfor Southern Pine (2nd Reading):
Unanimous · 7-0
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detailsless
PASSED (Unanimous)
Kershaw/Fairfield Multi-County Industrial Park Agreement (1st Reading):
Jobs & economyParks & rec
Unanimous · 7-0
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detailsless
PASSED (Unanimous)
FY24 Budget in Title Only (1st Reading):
Taxes & budget
Yes 6 · No 0
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detailsless
PASSED For 6 · Against 0 (J. Jones did not vote)
FY24 Millage Ordinance in Title Only (1st Reading):
Taxes & budget
Yes 6 · No 0
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detailsless
PASSED For 6 · Against 0 (J. Jones did not vote)
ARPA Funds Recommitment for Public Safety Radios (None):
Yes 6 · No 0
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detailsless
PASSED For 6 · Against 0
Amendment to Goals and Objectives (None):
EMS & firePublic safety
Yes 5 · No 2
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PASSED For 5 · Against 2. This amendment elevated ambulances and sheriff vehicles to high priority status
Goals and Objectives (None):
Yes 3 · No 4
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detailsless
FAILED For 3 · Against 4
SAFER Grant Award Acceptance (None):
Grants
Unanimous · 7-0
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detailsless
PASSED (Unanimous)
Executive Session Entry (None):
Unanimous · 7-0
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detailsless
PASSED (Unanimous)
Adjournment (None):
Yes 6 · No 0
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detailsless
PASSED For 6 · Against 0
Discussed, no vote ▸ showhide
Council discussed the current budget retreat priorities, ultimately moving EMS ambulances and sheriff vehicles to high-priority status.
There was also a presentation from the Kershaw County Flyers regarding maintenance needs at the KC Science Park.
Public comment ▸ showhide
Residents expressed concerns regarding the condition of county bridges, the need for a dedicated full-time litter officer, and the importance of prioritizing emergency radio funding over recreational projects.
Speakers also urged Council to maintain respectful professional discourse during public meetings.
Coming up ▸ showhide
- Canfor Southern Pine Public Hearing and 3rd Reading: Scheduled for May 9, 2023.
- Cleveland School Fire Day: May 17, 2023, with commemorative services scheduled for May 16-17.
- Kirkland Community Center Open House: Scheduled for May 20, 2023.
This is an independent summary prepared from the county's official published minutes and the meeting's live stream, not an official county communication.