How they voted - unanimous

What this was about

This ordinance finalizes the creation of a Joint Multi-County Business Park between Kershaw and Lee counties. The agreement is established under South Carolina Code of Laws Section 4-1-170. The park's purpose is to coordinate economic development efforts and allow participating industries to benefit from job tax credits and a fee in lieu of ad valorem taxes. Council members moved through the readings quickly, as no legal changes were required since the second reading on February 27. The ordinance outlines the distribution of tax revenues between the counties and other local taxing entities, ensuring a structured approach to shared growth. No public speakers addressed the proposal during the public hearing. With this third reading passed unanimously, the joint park is officially authorized to begin operations.

How they voted - unanimous

What this was about

This text amendment, labeled Case 24-05, provides technical refinements to Section 3:1.3, Table 3-4 of the county's zoning code. The primary goal is to provide greater clarity regarding the maximum allowed residential dwelling densities for single-family versus multi-family and apartment developments. Councilman Derek Shoemake described the measure as a set of clerical fixes intended to resolve ambiguities in the zoning table. The amendment establishes a maximum density of 4.35 dwellings per acre for single-family residential projects. Council members expressed broad support for lowering density to manage explosive growth, though some noted that previous clerical errors in the ordinance had caused confusion for a constituent's specific project. With the unanimous passage of this second reading, the amendment will move to a final vote at the next council meeting.

Who said what

How they voted - unanimous

What this was about

This ordinance creates a local enforcement mechanism to combat illegal dumping on roads and private property. Following extensive discussion, council amended the measure to remove prison terms - which were considered state carryovers - and added hardship provisions allowing judges to reduce fines if a defendant proves financial inability to pay. The ordinance mandates minimum fines of $250 for a first offense, scaling to $500 and $750 for subsequent violations. Public reaction was split; proponents argued that $25 state fines are insufficient to deter littering, while critics expressed concerns about the potential for property owners to be penalized for trash that blows onto their land. Council members committed to pursuing a dedicated litter officer and providing regular updates to the Clean Community Commission to ensure the law is enforced fairly rather than as a police-state mechanism.

Who said what

How they voted

What this was about

This resolution sought to formally oppose a proposed feasibility study and potential widening of U.S. Hwy 521 to a four-lane divided highway south of Interstate 20. Proponents of the resolution, including local resident advocacy groups, argued that the project lacks a demonstrated traffic need and would cause environmental and property damage. Conversely, some council members maintained that they lacked sufficient information from the Council of Governments (COG) to make an informed decision on infrastructure priorities. The meeting included lengthy debate regarding the transparency of the COG and the potential misallocation of funds compared to other failing infrastructure projects in the county. After a divided debate, council voted 4-3 to defer the resolution indefinitely to allow for further information gathering and public engagement with COG leadership.

Who said what

How they voted - unanimous

What this was about

Council unanimously approved a bid of $172,379.83 to renovate multiple shower and bathroom areas within the Kershaw County Detention Center. The project was procured through Gordian's cooperative purchasing agreement, with Johnson-Laux Construction selected as the contractor. Administrator Danny Templar noted that the bid came in under the initial budget estimate for the facility's specialized plumbing needs, allowing for remaining funds to address other necessary upgrades at the detention center. The detention facility is approximately 25 years old, and maintenance of its plumbing infrastructure has become a priority. The project will move forward immediately as part of the county's broader effort to modernize detention center facilities.