The headline
Council approves millage rate increase following contentious debate. The council passed the second reading of an ordinance to set the fiscal year 2024/2025 millage rate, which included an amendment to increase the rate by 3 mills. The amendment was approved by a 3-2 vote, with supporters citing the need to fund county operations and law enforcement, while dissenting members expressed concerns regarding the tax burden on residents.
Amendment to FY2024/2025 Millage Ordinance (2nd Reading):
Council voted 3-2 to increase the millage rate by 3 mills for the upcoming fiscal year.
Taxes & budget
Yes 3 · No 2
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How they voted
✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✗ Russell Brazell✗ Jimmy JonesWhat this was about
Council approved the second reading of the fiscal year 2024/2025 millage ordinance. During the meeting, Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr. introduced an amendment to increase the millage rate by 3 mills. The amendment passed with a 3-2 vote, with members Brant Tomlinson and Derek Shoemake supporting it alongside Tucker, while Vice-Chairman Jimmy Jones and Russell Brazell voted against the increase. The council clarified that these funds are intended to support the general fund and law enforcement, with specific allocations to be finalized at the third reading on June 25. Dissenting members expressed concern over the tax burden on residents and advocated for finding alternative funding sources to avoid raising taxes. The measure authorizes the auditor to levy the new rate effective July 1, 2024, pending final passage.
PASSED For 3 · Against 2. This amendment increases the millage rate by 3 mills
Who said what
» Sammie Tucker Jr. Council Member: stated that the 3-mill increase would benefit the general fund and the sheriff's office. ▶︎» Russell Brazell Vice-Chairman: argued against the tax increase, noting that there were other ways to balance the budget. ▶︎» Jimmy Jones Council Member: opposed the increase due to concerns about the economic strain on residents. ▶︎Votes at a glance ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Honorary Proclamation for F.E. Pete James:
Council honored longtime Elgin resident and former Mayor Pete James with a special proclamation.
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 approved an honorary proclamation recognizing F.E. Pete James, a 90-year-old Kershaw County resident and former Magistrate Judge. The proclamation details his decades of public service, including 12 years as the Mayor of Elgin, his role in founding the Elgin Catfish Stomp, and his long-term membership at Hillcrest Baptist Church. Council members and local officials, including the current Mayor of Elgin, spoke about his influence as a community leader and mentor. The measure serves to formally dedicate June 11, 2024, as Pete James Day in Kershaw County. This recognition was presented as a surprise to James, who emphasized the value of friendship over money during his remarks. The proclamation honors his legacy as a servant leader in the county for 67 years.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Who said what
» Derek Shoemake Council Member: praised James for his long-term impact on the community and personal mentorship. ▶︎» Russell Brazell Vice-Chairman: expressed pride in honoring a local hero from the Elgin area. ▶︎» Sammie Tucker Jr. Council Member: reflected on their long professional history and close personal friendship. ▶︎
Amendment to FY2024/2025 Millage Ordinance (2nd Reading):
Council voted 3-2 to increase the millage rate by 3 mills for the upcoming fiscal year.
Taxes & budget
Yes 3 · No 2
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detailsless
How they voted
✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✗ Russell Brazell✗ Jimmy JonesWhat this was about
Council approved the second reading of the fiscal year 2024/2025 millage ordinance. During the meeting, Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr. introduced an amendment to increase the millage rate by 3 mills. The amendment passed with a 3-2 vote, with members Brant Tomlinson and Derek Shoemake supporting it alongside Tucker, while Vice-Chairman Jimmy Jones and Russell Brazell voted against the increase. The council clarified that these funds are intended to support the general fund and law enforcement, with specific allocations to be finalized at the third reading on June 25. Dissenting members expressed concern over the tax burden on residents and advocated for finding alternative funding sources to avoid raising taxes. The measure authorizes the auditor to levy the new rate effective July 1, 2024, pending final passage.
PASSED For 3 · Against 2. This amendment increases the millage rate by 3 mills
Who said what
» Sammie Tucker Jr. Council Member: stated that the 3-mill increase would benefit the general fund and the sheriff's office. ▶︎» Russell Brazell Vice-Chairman: argued against the tax increase, noting that there were other ways to balance the budget. ▶︎» Jimmy Jones Council Member: opposed the increase due to concerns about the economic strain on residents. ▶︎
CASE 24-11 Unified Code Amendment regarding Gun Clubs and Skeet Shooting Ranges (3rd Reading):
Council passed the final reading of zoning amendments for shooting ranges with new usage limitations.
DevelopmentRoads
Yes 3 · No 2
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How they voted
✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Jimmy Jones✗ Russell Brazell✗ Brant TomlinsonWhat this was about
Council approved the third and final reading of Case 24-11, which amends the Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations. The ordinance now permits gun clubs and skeet shooting ranges in RD-1, RD-2, MRD-1, and B-2 zoning districts. Prior to the final vote, the council adopted an amendment to specify these permitted uses and remove certain off-street parking requirements, a move initiated to address concerns that the original text was too broad regarding residential areas. The ordinance requires such facilities to be located on properties of at least 250 acres and limits them to shotgun use only, following industry safety guidelines. Despite the passage, the meeting saw internal tension regarding the timing of the amendment and the process by which it was presented to council members. The measure takes effect immediately.
PASSED For 3 · Against 2. The ordinance was amended prior to the final vote to limit the scope of permitted zoning districts and exclude specific off-street parking requirements for these facilities
Who said what
» Derek Shoemake Council Member: proposed the amendment to clarify zoning districts and ensure residential areas were protected. ▶︎» Russell Brazell Vice-Chairman: criticized the late introduction of the amendment, calling it a setup. ▶︎» Jimmy Jones Council Member: expressed frustration with the conduct of council members during the debate. ▶︎
Addendum to Employer Resolution for State Insurance Benefits Participation:
Council voted to maintain existing health and retirement benefits through the state program.
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 an addendum to the employer resolution for participation in the State Insurance Benefits Program. This administrative measure ensures that council members remain eligible for health insurance and retirement benefits currently offered through the South Carolina Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA). Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr. moved to keep the benefits structure as is, and the motion passed unanimously among those present. This action reaffirms the county's commitment to providing standard benefits to elected officials while maintaining compliance with state insurance regulations. No changes were made to the existing coverage levels or eligibility criteria during this vote.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Selection of W K Dickson as Airport Engineer:
Council selected W K Dickson to provide engineering services for upcoming airport grant projects.
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 selected W K Dickson as the project provider for airport engineering services. The decision followed a committee review of four submitted qualifications, where W K Dickson was ranked highest due to their extensive experience with FAA grant funding and historical knowledge of the Kershaw County airport facility. County Administrator Danny Templar noted that these engineering services are primarily funded through federal grants and do not represent a significant expenditure of county funds. The selection ensures continuity for ongoing projects, including required compliance with federal aviation standards. Council members supported the recommendation as a cost-effective way to manage necessary airport infrastructure upgrades without placing an additional tax burden on the county.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Discussed, no vote ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Routine Business: The council adopted the agenda, approved the minutes from the May 28, 2024, meeting, entered and exited executive session to discuss an enforcement action issue, and adjourned the meeting.
- Administrator's Briefing: The County Administrator provided updates on the ongoing wastewater expansion project, the status of the boat ramp survey, and value engineering adjustments for the Woodward Park turn lane.
- Council Member Briefings: Council members congratulated F.E. Pete James on his honorary recognition and noted local participation in Boys State. Councilman Sammie Tucker, Jr. invited the public to a mural reveal at the Arts Center on June 27. Vice-Chairman Jimmy Jones addressed political tensions surrounding his re-election campaign and expressed his stance on maintaining meeting decorum.
Public comment ▸ tap to showtap to hide
One resident, Tom Webb III, spoke during the public comment period. He discussed the history of the D-Day invasion and shared concerns regarding the county's adherence to ordinances and the preservation of constitutional freedoms.
Coming up ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- The third and final reading of the FY2024/2025 Millage Ordinance is scheduled for the next council meeting.
- The council is expected to further address the split of the Sheriff's budget during the upcoming budget discussions on 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.