In a contentious 4-2 decision, the Council passed the second reading of the FY2024/2025 budget, which includes a requested three-mill tax increase. The budget incorporates a four percent cost-of-living adjustment for county employees and dedicates one of the new mills to the Sheriff’s Office to facilitate a shift toward a dedicated millage structure for law enforcement funding.
8 votes8 passed4 split
The vote behind the headline
Amendment to FY2024/2025 Budget (3 Mill Increase):Council approved a three-mill tax increase to fund general operations and a new dedicated law enforcement millage.Taxes & budget
Yes 4 · No 2
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How they voted
✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✗ Russell Brazell✗ Jimmy Jones
In a 4-2 vote, Council approved an amendment to the FY2024/2025 budget to include a three-mill tax increase. Of these mills, two are designated for the general fund - to address critical personnel needs, IT requirements, and inflationary pressures on county services - while one mill is dedicated to the Sheriff's Office. This change facilitates the transition of the Sheriff's Office to a dedicated millage structure, which allows for more direct funding and long-term fiscal planning for law enforcement. The tax increase is estimated to cost approximately $40 to $50 annually for the owner of a $300,000 home. Council members Russell Brazell and Jimmy Jones voted against the measure, citing a commitment to avoiding tax increases for constituents. The finalized budget figures and the specific impact on the Sheriff's millage will be presented for a final review at the third reading.
Lugoff Fire Department 2024-2025 Budget Resolution:Council unanimously approved the 2024-2025 operating budget for the Lugoff Fire Protection District.Taxes & budgetEMS & fire
Unanimous · 6-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Russell Brazell
The Lugoff Fire Department presented its operating budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024. Chief Chris Spitzer outlined significant fiscal pressures, including sharp increases in the cost of fire apparatus - noting a rise from $500,000 to $1.2 million for a basic truck since 2011 - and a 21.5% increase in mandatory employer contributions to the South Carolina retirement system. Despite these challenges, the Chief emphasized that the department has maintained service levels by keeping positions open and combining roles. The approved budget includes provisions for personnel needs, though the Chief noted that staff compensation remains a critical and urgent challenge. The resolution follows a mandatory public hearing held by the district’s board of commissioners on May 20, 2024. Council members expressed strong support for the department's transparency and its historical service to the broader Kershaw County area, ultimately passing the resolution unanimously.
First Reading of FY2024/2025 Millage Ordinance:Council approved the first reading of the millage ordinance in title only with no rate increase.Taxes & budget
Unanimous · 6-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Russell Brazell
What this was about
Council approved the first reading in title only of the ordinance setting the millage rate for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024. This procedural step aligns the millage setting process with the budget adoption cycle, ensuring that both measures are finalized by June 30, 2024. The ordinance maintains the current millage rates, reflecting the County's effort to keep tax levels stable while still funding necessary government operations. The vote was unanimous. A second reading is scheduled for the June 11, 2024, council meeting, where further details on the millage distribution will be reviewed alongside the final budget proceedings.
Amendment to FY2024/2025 Budget (3 Mill Increase):Council approved a three-mill tax increase to fund general operations and a new dedicated law enforcement millage.Taxes & budget
Yes 4 · No 2
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How they voted
✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✗ Russell Brazell✗ Jimmy Jones
In a 4-2 vote, Council approved an amendment to the FY2024/2025 budget to include a three-mill tax increase. Of these mills, two are designated for the general fund - to address critical personnel needs, IT requirements, and inflationary pressures on county services - while one mill is dedicated to the Sheriff's Office. This change facilitates the transition of the Sheriff's Office to a dedicated millage structure, which allows for more direct funding and long-term fiscal planning for law enforcement. The tax increase is estimated to cost approximately $40 to $50 annually for the owner of a $300,000 home. Council members Russell Brazell and Jimmy Jones voted against the measure, citing a commitment to avoiding tax increases for constituents. The finalized budget figures and the specific impact on the Sheriff's millage will be presented for a final review at the third reading.
Second Reading of FY2024/2025 Budget (as amended):The amended budget passed second reading, funding personnel and departmental equipment through the new millage.Taxes & budget
Yes 4 · No 2
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How they voted
✓ Danny Catoe✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Brant Tomlinson✗ Russell Brazell✗ Jimmy Jones
What this was about
Following the approval of the three-mill amendment, Council passed the second reading of the full FY2024/2025 budget. The budget incorporates necessary cost-of-living adjustments for county employees and addresses critical staffing shortages by converting several part-time positions into full-time roles. It also provides for fleet maintenance and capital equipment for the Sheriff's Office, which County staff described as essential for modern law enforcement operations. The passage of this reading confirms the County's commitment to the new revenue structure and sets the stage for the third and final reading, which will be coupled with a public hearing on June 25, 2024. Council members expressed the need for continued transparency and rigorous fiscal oversight as the budget moves toward final adoption.
Third Reading of Case 24-13 (Major Subdivision Acreage):Council passed an ordinance increasing minimum lot sizes and restricting high-density development in subdivisions.Development
Yes 5 · No 1
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How they voted
✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Russell Brazell✗ Sammie Tucker Jr.
Council approved the third and final reading of Case 24-13, an ordinance amending the Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations (ZLDR). The measure increases the minimum lot size for detached single-family residential housing to 21,780 square feet (half an acre). For attached housing types like townhomes and apartments, it mandates a 15,000-square-foot minimum with an additional 5,000 square feet for each subsequent unit, while further capping such higher-density developments at 10% of a subdivision's net developable acreage. Proponents argued the measure is a vital step toward curbing unchecked residential growth and preserving the County’s rural character and infrastructure. Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr. cast the lone opposing vote. The ordinance takes effect immediately, impacting all new major subdivision applications moving forward.
Third Reading of Ordinance amending Emergency Management (Chapter 12):Council finalized updates to the county emergency management code to clarify authority during disasters.
Unanimous · 6-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Russell Brazell
Council approved the third reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 12 of the Kershaw County Code of Ordinances. The update clarifies the powers and responsibilities of the Emergency Management Department and its Director, and formally defines the authority of the County Council and the Chair during a declared state of emergency. Specifically, it streamlines procedures for implementing curfews and coordinating disaster preparedness activities between local, state, and federal agencies. The changes ensure that the County's emergency response framework aligns with current best practices and state legal standards. No changes were made to the text between the first and third readings. The ordinance was passed unanimously, enhancing the County's operational readiness for future natural disasters or public safety crises.
Second Reading of Case 24-11 (Gun Club and Shooting Range Permitted Use):Council passed the second reading to allow shooting ranges as conditional uses across various zoning districts.Development
Yes 4 · No 2
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How they voted
✓ Danny Catoe✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Russell Brazell✗ Sammie Tucker Jr.✗ Jimmy Jones
Council approved the second reading of Case 24-11, which amends the County’s ZLDR to allow gun clubs, skeet shooting ranges, hunt clubs, and similar amusements as permitted uses in primary zoning districts within unincorporated Kershaw County. The ordinance was previously edited following the first reading to better define the conditions that operators must meet. The measure aims to provide clearer guidance for such facilities while establishing safety and operational standards. During the meeting, Council members noted that the specifics of the ordinance had been extensively discussed during earlier sessions. The ordinance now moves to a third and final reading. Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr. and Vice-Chairman Jimmy Jones voted against the measure at this stage, while the remaining members voted in favor.
Appointment of Robert Brown to Clean Community Commission:Council unanimously appointed Robert Brown to represent the Town of Bethune on the Clean Community Commission.Appointments
Unanimous · 6-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Russell Brazell
Council unanimously appointed Robert Brown to fill a vacancy on the Kershaw County Clean Community Commission. The appointment is designated for a representative from the Town of Bethune. Councilman Danny Catoe, who put forward the nomination on behalf of the Bethune Mayor, highlighted Mr. Brown’s professional background, noting that he is a business owner with a degree in horticulture and turf grass management. This appointment ensures that the Town of Bethune has its required representation on the commission, which oversees beautification and waste reduction efforts throughout the county.
Council engaged in a discussion regarding the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (FILOT) Ordinance for Project White Oak.
Members expressed frustration regarding communication and transparency issues surrounding the solar project, with Councilman Catoe stating he felt deceived regarding the notification process for community members living near the project site.
Coming up▸showhide
Third Reading of Millage Ordinance: Scheduled for June 11, 2024.
Third Reading and Public Hearing for Budget: Scheduled for June 25, 2024.
This is an independent summary prepared from the county's official published minutes and the meeting's live stream, not an official county communication.
How this recap was made: Prepared from the county's official minutes (the verified vote record) combined with the meeting's live stream (quotes and discussion). 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.
