The headline
Council advances incentives for a new industrial project and commits to reviewing funding for the Equine Industry. The council approved the second reading of a Fee-in-Lieu of Taxes agreement for "Project New Life," a metal fabrication facility expected to create 32 jobs. Additionally, members agreed to refer a request for an emergency grant from the South Carolina Equine Promotion Foundation to the Finance Committee for review by December.
Fee-in-Lieu of Ad Valorem Taxes Agreement for Project New Life (2nd Reading):
Council approved a tax incentive agreement for a new metal fabrication facility creating 32 local jobs.
Taxes & budget
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
This measure, approved on second reading, authorizes a Fee-in-Lieu of Taxes (FILOT) agreement and provides Special Source Revenue Credits for Project New Life. The project involves a $16.05 million capital investment in a metal fabrication and machine shop facility that will specialize in laser cutting, welding, and powder coating. The agreement is designed to incentivize the company to locate in Kershaw County, with the company committing to create at least 32 full-time jobs at an average wage of $24 per hour. The facility is expected to be operational by the second quarter of 2025. This project was identified by the County on October 8, 2024, and the incentives are considered necessary for the company to choose this location. No changes were made to the ordinance between the first and second readings. The project will be situated in a multi-county industrial park to facilitate these economic development incentives, and final approval is expected after the third reading.
PASSED (Unanimous)
About this project: Project New »
Votes at a glance ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Fee-in-Lieu of Ad Valorem Taxes Agreement for Project New Life (2nd Reading):
Council approved a tax incentive agreement for a new metal fabrication facility creating 32 local jobs.
Taxes & budget
Unanimous · 7-0
▸
detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
This measure, approved on second reading, authorizes a Fee-in-Lieu of Taxes (FILOT) agreement and provides Special Source Revenue Credits for Project New Life. The project involves a $16.05 million capital investment in a metal fabrication and machine shop facility that will specialize in laser cutting, welding, and powder coating. The agreement is designed to incentivize the company to locate in Kershaw County, with the company committing to create at least 32 full-time jobs at an average wage of $24 per hour. The facility is expected to be operational by the second quarter of 2025. This project was identified by the County on October 8, 2024, and the incentives are considered necessary for the company to choose this location. No changes were made to the ordinance between the first and second readings. The project will be situated in a multi-county industrial park to facilitate these economic development incentives, and final approval is expected after the third reading.
PASSED (Unanimous)
About this project: Project New »
Ordinance to certify the former TB Kawashima USA Mill site (1st Reading):
Council approved the first reading of an ordinance certifying a former mill site for tax credits.
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 certifies the former TB Kawashima USA Mill site as a textile mill site under the South Carolina Textiles Communities Revitalization Act. By designating the property as a textile mill site, the current owner becomes eligible for state income tax credits associated with the rehabilitation of such facilities. The property was previously used for automotive interior manufacturing, which qualifies it for this designation under state law. The site has been vacant for more than one year, meeting the criteria for certification. This action is a standard economic development tool used to encourage the redevelopment of abandoned industrial properties. This was the first reading of the ordinance, and there was minimal discussion among council members prior to the unanimous vote to advance it.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Routine housekeeping votes (Agenda adoption/amendments, retirement proclamation, minutes approval, entering/exiting executive session, and adjournment):
The council adopted the agenda, honored Jeannie Potter, and handled routine administrative procedures.
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
The council performed several routine administrative actions to facilitate the meeting. This included the formal adoption of the meeting agenda, which was amended to remove an airport contract item being handled in executive session. The council also unanimously approved the minutes from the October 22, 2024, meeting. A highlight of the meeting was a ceremonial proclamation recognizing the retirement of Jeannie Potter, a long-serving public servant who worked in the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Department and served for 35 years as an executive secretary and assistant in the South Carolina House of Representatives. Members of the council and the public expressed deep appreciation for her decades of commitment to the community and her family's sacrifice for the county.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Who said what
» Ben Connell Chairman: praised Jeannie Potter as a mentor and linchpin in his decision to run for office ▶︎» Jimmy Jones Council Member: recalled Jeannie Potter's service and the sacrifice of her family ▶︎» Danny Catoe Council Member: thanked Jeannie Potter for her willingness to help new council members ▶︎Discussed, no vote ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Conflict of Interest Policy: Councilman Jimmy Jones introduced a motion to discuss what constitutes a conflict of interest, but the item failed due to a lack of a second.
- Equine Industry Presentation: Representatives from the Equine Park presented on the facility's economic impact and a $65,000 budget deficit caused by recent natural disasters and maintenance issues. The council expressed support for the park and directed the request for assistance to the Finance Committee.
- Administrator's Briefing: County staff provided an update on ongoing surveying and engineering for the Pecan Orchard project, noting that work is proceeding and will be maintained.
Coming up ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Next Meeting: The next regular council meeting is scheduled for December 10, 2024.
- Finance Committee Report: A report regarding the Equine Industry funding request is expected to be presented by the December 10th meeting.
- Special Called Meeting: Council indicated plans for a special called meeting the week before Thanksgiving.
This is an independent summary prepared from the county's official published minutes and the meeting's live stream, not an official county communication.