The headline
Council approves salary adjustment for County Administrator. Council concluded the meeting by voting to adjust the County Administrator’s annual salary to $165,000, effective January 2024. The decision followed a brief executive session and expressions of appreciation for the Administrator's leadership and the county's positive fiscal audit report.
Salary adjustment for County Administrator to $165,000:
Council voted to increase the County Administrator's annual salary to $165,000 starting in 2024.
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
Following an executive session to discuss personnel matters, the council voted unanimously to adjust County Administrator Danny Templar’s salary to $165,000, effective January 1, 2024. Council members expressed strong support for the Administrator’s performance, citing his leadership, effective management of county departments, and the positive outcomes of recent fiscal audits. The decision was presented as a recognition of Templar’s dedication and the significant responsibilities associated with the role. Templar, who grew up in the county, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve his home community. The salary increase is intended to reflect the market value of the position and reward the consistent growth and stability observed during his tenure.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Votes at a glance ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Project Tree FILOT Ordinance (3rd Reading):
Council approved a third reading of a Fee-in-Lieu-of-Tax ordinance for a local solar project.
Taxes & budget
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
This ordinance finalizes a Fee-in-Lieu-of-Tax (FILOT) agreement for Project Tree, a significant renewable energy investment in Kershaw County. The measure sets a fee of $3,000 per megawatt for a 30-year term, covering an 80-megawatt solar farm on 837 acres located four miles north of Bethune. This was the third and final reading of the ordinance, which passed unanimously after council members ensured that property descriptions and exhibits were fully populated. The agreement is expected to support county revenue through the fee structure while encouraging local industrial development. No public comments were offered during the hearing, and council members expressed support for the uniformity of the fee structure across multiple solar projects. The project will now proceed toward implementation under the agreed-upon terms.
PASSED (Unanimous)
About this project: Project Tree »
Project White Oak FILOT Ordinance (3rd Reading):
Council approved the third reading of a solar FILOT ordinance after amending the fee structure.
Taxes & budget
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
Council granted final approval for the Project White Oak FILOT ordinance following a unanimous vote. The measure governs a 75-megawatt solar project situated on 573 acres near Boise Cascade and Timrod roads in Bethune. During the meeting, council members amended the motion to increase the fee from the original proposal to a flat $3,000 per megawatt, achieving parity with other pending solar projects. This 40-year agreement represents a $75 million investment, and officials highlighted the importance of establishing a consistent standard for future renewable energy development in the county. The ordinance also includes specific provisions for a production buffer, allowing the company to produce up to 96 megawatts without incurring additional fees. With the third reading passed, the county has successfully codified the terms of this industrial development project.
PASSED (Unanimous). The original motion was amended to increase the fee to $3,000 per megawatt
Who said what
» Russell Brazell Vice-Chairman: Amended the motion to ensure the fee was set at $3,000 per megawatt. ▶︎About this project: Project White »
Project Sandy FILOT Ordinance (2nd Reading):
Council approved the second reading of a solar FILOT ordinance with an amended fee.
Taxes & budget
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
Council approved the second reading of the Project Sandy FILOT ordinance, which authorizes a $90 million solar energy investment in the county. The motion was amended during the meeting to set the fee at $3,000 per megawatt, consistent with the requirements applied to other current solar projects. This project involves a 30-year term and a capacity of approximately 74.9 megawatts. The adjustment ensures that the county maintains a uniform fiscal policy for solar developers, a priority voiced by several council members throughout the meeting. While this was the second reading, the board reached a consensus on the terms to allow the project to move forward effectively. The ordinance will proceed to a final third reading at a future meeting to complete the legislative process.
PASSED (Unanimous). The motion was amended to reflect a fee of $3,000 per megawatt
Who said what
» Derek Shoemake Council Member: Motioned to approve the second reading with the fee increase included. ▶︎About this project: Project Sandy »
Bethune Property Conveyance Ordinance (3rd Reading):
Council finalized the transfer of county-owned property to the Town of Bethune.
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
This ordinance completes the legal conveyance of a specific property from Kershaw County to the Town of Bethune. The transfer was conducted as a third and final reading, following successful earlier legislative stages. Councilman Danny Catoe, who sponsored the measure, noted that this transfer is a significant benefit to the local community in Bethune, allowing the town to manage the land for local public needs. The conveyance was approved unanimously with no changes from the previous reading. This action underscores the council’s support for local municipal autonomy and the efficient management of county real estate assets for the benefit of area residents.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Appointment of Ed Garrison to the Library Board:
Council appointed Ed Garrison to represent District 4 on the Kershaw County Library Board.
Parks & recAppointments
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
Council unanimously appointed Ed Garrison to the Kershaw County Library Board. The seat became vacant following the departure of John Ellington, who is moving out of the area. Chairwoman Katie Guinn emphasized the council’s commitment to geographic diversity, noting that Garrison resides in District 4 in Lugoff, which helps balance the board's representation. Garrison was selected from a pool of seven applicants, all of whom were praised for their interest in serving the community. His term will allow him to assist in overseeing library services for the county.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Salary adjustment for County Administrator to $165,000:
Council voted to increase the County Administrator's annual salary to $165,000 starting in 2024.
Unanimous · 7-0
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detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
Following an executive session to discuss personnel matters, the council voted unanimously to adjust County Administrator Danny Templar’s salary to $165,000, effective January 1, 2024. Council members expressed strong support for the Administrator’s performance, citing his leadership, effective management of county departments, and the positive outcomes of recent fiscal audits. The decision was presented as a recognition of Templar’s dedication and the significant responsibilities associated with the role. Templar, who grew up in the county, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve his home community. The salary increase is intended to reflect the market value of the position and reward the consistent growth and stability observed during his tenure.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Routine housekeeping votes - including adoption of the agenda, entering and exiting executive session, and adjournment - were passed by unanimous consent.
Discussed, no vote ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Public Comment Guidelines: Council debated proposed changes to public comment guidelines, which sought to limit remarks to items on the agenda or within council's scope of authority. Following concerns regarding the restriction of speech and the need for further deliberation, council voted (7-0) to defer the matter to the January 9, 2024, meeting.
- Moratorium on building permits: Vice Chairman Jimmy Jones requested that the administration and legal counsel research the feasibility of a moratorium on building permits to report back at the next meeting.
- Boat ramp project: Administrator Danny Templar updated council on plans to shift the proposed boat ramp location to Veterans Park, citing technical and site-prep advantages.
Public comment ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Four citizens addressed the council: - Venessa Swinney expressed support for the Kershaw County Humane Society and its staff. - Lauren Cook invited the community to the Larry Doby 100th Birthday Celebration. - Vanessa Adams shared information regarding a Delta Sigma Theta Sorority screening of The Color Purple. - Gary Philpot discussed the history of Woodward Airfield and suggested improvements for the East Camden Highway 1 corridor.
Coming up ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Public Comment Guidelines: Discussion deferred to January 9, 2024.
- Litter Ordinance: Councilman Derek Shoemake announced plans to introduce an ordinance in January to increase litter fines and mandate community service.
- Development/Planning Matters: Further planning and zoning discussions and ordinance proposals are expected in the new year.
This is an independent summary prepared from the county's official published minutes and the meeting's live stream, not an official county communication.