The headline
Council passes third reading for Sandywoods Solar project. Following a public hearing and debate regarding site location, decommissioning bonds, and potential environmental impacts, the Council voted 4-2 to approve the Fee-in-Lieu of Ad Valorem Taxes (FILOT) agreement for the 75-megawatt solar facility. This decision allows the project to move forward as a 450-acre development near Sanders Creek and Lockhart Road.
Third Reading of FILOT Ordinance for Sandywoods Solar, LLC:
Council approved a tax agreement for a 75-megawatt, 450-acre solar project near Sanders Creek.
Taxes & budget
Yes 4 · No 2
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How they voted
✓ 4 members voted yes✗ K. Guinn✗ Jimmy JonesThe official minutes recorded this vote as a count without listing each member by name.
What this was about
Council approved the third and final reading of a Fee-in-Lieu of Ad Valorem Taxes (FILOT) agreement for Sandywoods Solar, LLC, a 75-megawatt solar project. The project covers approximately 450 acres near Sanders Creek and Lockhart Road. During the public hearing, developer Daniel Band of Sun Tribe noted the project offers $6.7 million in tax revenue over 30 years and includes 100 to 200-foot vegetative buffers. Public concerns were raised by residents regarding potential environmental impacts, reclamation bonds, and the long-term reliability of solar power. Despite opposition from Chairwoman Katie Guinn and Vice-Chairman Jimmy Jones, who cited public concerns and a desire for more oversight, the ordinance passed in a 4-2 vote with support from Councilmen Derek Shoemake, Brant Tomlinson, Russell Brazell, and Danny Catoe.
PASSED For 4 · Against 2
Who said what
» Daniel Band Public comment: Highlighted the project's projected tax contributions and job creation benefits. ▶︎» Russell Brazell Vice-Chairman: Questioned the adequacy of the $50,000 surety bond for decommissioning the large site. ▶︎» Derek Shoemake Council Member: Argued the project aligns with previous agreements and is preferable to residential housing development. ▶︎» Jimmy Jones Council Member: Expressed opposition based on public feedback and a lack of previous visual representation of the site. ▶︎» Katie Guinn Public comment: Voted against the project, noting the significant public opposition from the district. ▶︎Votes at a glance ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Adoption of the Agenda (Amended):
Council voted to adopt the evening's meeting agenda after removing the planned executive session item.
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
The Council began the meeting by finalizing the agenda for the January 9, 2024, session. Chairwoman Katie Guinn requested to strike Item 17, which was an executive session for an attorney-client privileged legal briefing, stating it was no longer necessary. Councilman Derek Shoemake moved to adopt the agenda, and Councilman Brant Tomlinson provided the second. The amendment to remove the executive session was approved by all present members, including Chairwoman Katie Guinn, Vice-Chairman Jimmy Jones, and Councilmen Russell Brazell, Derek Shoemake, Brant Tomlinson, and Danny Catoe. Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr. was absent. The Council then voted unanimously to approve the full amended agenda, setting the order of business for the remainder of the evening.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Proclamation for Mr. Edward J. "Mike" McClendon:
Council honored the late Edward J. "Mike" McClendon for his extensive community leadership and public service.
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
The Council issued a formal proclamation in honor and memory of Mr. Edward J. "Mike" McClendon, a dedicated public servant and community activist. The proclamation highlighted his significant contributions, including his work with the NAACP, the Salvation Army, the Black Caucus of Kershaw County, and his efforts in registering voters and securing historical markers for figures like Larry Doby and Frank Wills. Vice-Chairman Jimmy Jones, who worked with Mr. McClendon for years, motioned to accept the proclamation, which was seconded by Councilman Danny Catoe. The motion passed unanimously among those in attendance. The proclamation serves as a tribute to Mr. McClendon's legacy of activism and his profound impact on the citizens of Kershaw County.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Approval of Minutes (Nov 28 and Dec 12, 2023):
Council approved minutes from two previous meetings with one correction to the November 28th record.
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
The Council reviewed and approved minutes for the meetings held on November 28, 2023, and December 12, 2023. Regarding the November 28th minutes, Chairwoman Katie Guinn moved to correct the record to clarify that a formal vote was not required to rearrange agenda items. This correction was seconded by Councilman Russell Brazell and passed unanimously. Following this, the December 12th minutes were presented for approval by Councilman Brant Tomlinson, seconded by Councilman Danny Catoe, and also passed unanimously. These actions ensure the official records of past meetings accurately reflect the procedural actions taken by the Council.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Third Reading of FILOT Ordinance for Sandywoods Solar, LLC:
Council approved a tax agreement for a 75-megawatt, 450-acre solar project near Sanders Creek.
Taxes & budget
Yes 4 · No 2
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detailsless
How they voted
✓ 4 members voted yes✗ K. Guinn✗ Jimmy JonesThe official minutes recorded this vote as a count without listing each member by name.
What this was about
Council approved the third and final reading of a Fee-in-Lieu of Ad Valorem Taxes (FILOT) agreement for Sandywoods Solar, LLC, a 75-megawatt solar project. The project covers approximately 450 acres near Sanders Creek and Lockhart Road. During the public hearing, developer Daniel Band of Sun Tribe noted the project offers $6.7 million in tax revenue over 30 years and includes 100 to 200-foot vegetative buffers. Public concerns were raised by residents regarding potential environmental impacts, reclamation bonds, and the long-term reliability of solar power. Despite opposition from Chairwoman Katie Guinn and Vice-Chairman Jimmy Jones, who cited public concerns and a desire for more oversight, the ordinance passed in a 4-2 vote with support from Councilmen Derek Shoemake, Brant Tomlinson, Russell Brazell, and Danny Catoe.
PASSED For 4 · Against 2
Who said what
» Daniel Band Public comment: Highlighted the project's projected tax contributions and job creation benefits. ▶︎» Russell Brazell Vice-Chairman: Questioned the adequacy of the $50,000 surety bond for decommissioning the large site. ▶︎» Derek Shoemake Council Member: Argued the project aligns with previous agreements and is preferable to residential housing development. ▶︎» Jimmy Jones Council Member: Expressed opposition based on public feedback and a lack of previous visual representation of the site. ▶︎» Katie Guinn Public comment: Voted against the project, noting the significant public opposition from the district. ▶︎
Resolution #001-2024 Establishing Regular Meeting Dates:
Council set their 2024 meeting schedule, specifically removing the meeting date falling on Christmas Eve.
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
The Council adopted Resolution #001-2024, which establishes the regular meeting schedule for the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month throughout 2024. During the discussion, Councilman Derek Shoemake proposed an amendment to strike the December 24, 2024, meeting date because it conflicts with the Christmas Eve holiday. This amendment was seconded by Chairwoman Katie Guinn and approved by the Council. The final resolution confirms the remaining dates as the official calendar for Council business, with members agreeing to handle any future holiday-related scheduling issues on a case-by-case basis as they approach.
PASSED (Unanimous, with an amendment to strike the December 24, 2024, meeting)
Lease/Purchase of a Roll-Off Truck for Solid Waste:
Council rejected a motion to authorize the Administrator to lease a solid waste vehicle.
EnvironmentCounty property
Yes 2 · No 4
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How they voted
✓ 2 members voted yes✗ K. Guinn✗ Jimmy Jones✗ Russell Brazell✗ Danny CatoeThe official minutes recorded this vote as a count without listing each member by name.
What this was about
The Council considered a request from the County Administrator to authorize the lease or purchase of a roll-off truck for solid waste operations to replace aging equipment. The Administrator explained that supply chain issues have delayed new vehicle delivery until 2026, creating an immediate need for an opportunistic lease. Councilman Derek Shoemake moved to authorize the Administrator to negotiate and purchase a lease for up to $5,000 per month, seconded by Councilman Brant Tomlinson. Several members, including Vice-Chairman Jimmy Jones and Councilman Russell Brazell, expressed strong opposition, arguing that the request lacked specific equipment specifications and bypassed the standard, transparent procurement process. Ultimately, the motion failed with only Shoemake and Tomlinson voting in favor.
FAILED For 2 · Against 4
Who said what
» Danny Templar Presenter: Explained the urgent need for a roll-off truck due to long lead times for new vehicles. ▶︎» Jimmy Jones Council Member: Opposed the motion because of a lack of specific specs and desire to maintain procurement transparency. ▶︎» Derek Shoemake Council Member: Argued that the lease is necessary to maintain service levels while avoiding long waits for new equipment. ▶︎Discussed, no vote ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Defeasance of 2008 General Obligation Bonds: Councilman Russell Brazell initiated a discussion on a strategy to pay off older sewer-related bonds to reduce debt and free up annual revenue. Staff confirmed this will be a central topic during the upcoming budget cycle.
- Meeting Procedures: Councilman Jimmy Jones announced his intention to add an item to the next agenda to formalize an "open forum" segment to increase direct engagement between Council and the public.
- Growth and Planning: Chairwoman Katie Guinn and other members discussed ongoing efforts to update the Zoning and Land Development Regulations (ZLDR) and the Comprehensive Plan to manage residential growth, noting that these updates are expected to move through the Planning Commission in early 2024.
Public comment ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Three citizens provided testimony during the public hearing portion of the meeting. Tom Webb III expressed skepticism regarding the long-term reliability of solar energy. Ashley Huff raised concerns about the project's impact on her district, questioning the adequacy of the reclamation bonds and the long-term environmental consequences. Daniel Band, representing the developer Sun Tribe, argued in favor of the project's economic benefits, including $6.7 million in projected tax revenue, and provided details on proposed vegetative buffers and stormwater management.
Coming up ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Follow-up on Debt Strategy: Scheduled for discussion on February 13, 2024.
- Budget Retreat: Tentatively scheduled for March 2-3, 2024.
- Planning Commission: A growth-related issue is scheduled for the February 12, 2024, Planning Commission meeting.
This is an independent summary prepared from the county's official published minutes and the meeting's live stream, not an official county communication.