The headline
Council approves Economic Development incentives and moves to address airport/equine land use concerns. The council voted to finalize tax incentive agreements for Project New Life, a $16 million expansion project expected to create 32 jobs. Additionally, council members began the process of drafting zoning text amendments to clarify regulations for event venues and pole barns, aiming to balance agricultural land use with commercial needs.
Fee-In-Lieu of Taxes Agreement for Project New Life (3rd Reading):
Council approved a tax incentive agreement for an expansion project expected to create 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 ordinance authorizes a Fee-In-Lieu of Ad Valorem Taxes (FILOT) agreement and provides Special Source Revenue Credits for LaserForm and Machine, Inc., formerly identified as Project New Life. The measure supports a $16 million expansion project within Kershaw County. As this was the third and final reading, the council finalized the terms previously discussed during the first two readings and a public hearing held earlier in the meeting. The incentive package aims to secure the company's growth in the area, with council members highlighting the company's long-standing local roots and their decision to expand within Kershaw County rather than elsewhere. The project is expected to create 32 new jobs and contribute significantly to the local tax base over the long term. This vote was unanimous, reflecting strong support for the project's economic impact on the community.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Who said what
» Ben Connell Chairman: noted the high-tech nature of the expansion and the local history of the company owners ▶︎» Russell Brazell Vice-Chairman: praised the company owners for their commitment to the county and their growth ▶︎» Jeremy Ray Public comment: expressed gratitude and noted the significance of expanding in his home county ▶︎About this project: Project New »
Votes at a glance ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Fee-In-Lieu of Taxes Agreement for Project New Life (3rd Reading):
Council approved a tax incentive agreement for an expansion project expected to create 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 ordinance authorizes a Fee-In-Lieu of Ad Valorem Taxes (FILOT) agreement and provides Special Source Revenue Credits for LaserForm and Machine, Inc., formerly identified as Project New Life. The measure supports a $16 million expansion project within Kershaw County. As this was the third and final reading, the council finalized the terms previously discussed during the first two readings and a public hearing held earlier in the meeting. The incentive package aims to secure the company's growth in the area, with council members highlighting the company's long-standing local roots and their decision to expand within Kershaw County rather than elsewhere. The project is expected to create 32 new jobs and contribute significantly to the local tax base over the long term. This vote was unanimous, reflecting strong support for the project's economic impact on the community.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Who said what
» Ben Connell Chairman: noted the high-tech nature of the expansion and the local history of the company owners ▶︎» Russell Brazell Vice-Chairman: praised the company owners for their commitment to the county and their growth ▶︎» Jeremy Ray Public comment: expressed gratitude and noted the significance of expanding in his home county ▶︎About this project: Project New »
Textile Mill Site Certification for Former TB Kawashima Site (3rd Reading):
Council certified a former industrial site to allow the company to access state tax credits.
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
Council approved an ordinance to certify the former TB Kawashima USA mill site as a textile mill site under the South Carolina Textiles Communities Revitalization Act. This certification allows the site to qualify for specific state-level tax incentives related to abandoned industrial property. By granting this status, the county assists the current owners in offsetting the costs of redevelopment. The measure is part of a broader strategy to incentivize the reuse of vacant manufacturing sites to attract new businesses and job opportunities. During the discussion, council members emphasized the successful role of the county's economic development team in securing the reuse of this property. The ordinance passed unanimously after completing the required three readings. This action follows the successful completion of legal requirements regarding property abandonment and revitalizations criteria.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Memorandum of Understanding with Health Services District of Kershaw County:
Council committed ARPA funds to move forward with recreation projects including the Woodward Park development.
Parks & rec
Yes 6 · No 1
▸
detailsless
How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✗ Jimmy JonesWhat this was about
This vote formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Kershaw County and the Health Services District of Kershaw County to satisfy federal ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funding requirements. The agreement legally obligates county funds toward specific recreation projects, most notably the completion of Woodward Park. The project has been a long-standing priority, and the MOU ensures the money is officially committed rather than just verbally promised, which is necessary to meet federal transparency and performance standards. The total recreation package involves several partners and multiple sites, totaling approximately $12 million in investment. While the council voted 6-1 to approve, Councilman Jimmy Jones voted against the measure, citing concerns over completing existing projects before committing to new costs. The county expects to receive bids for the Woodward Park portion shortly, marking a key milestone in moving the project toward construction.
PASSED For 6 · Against 1. This MOU formally commits ARPA funds to ongoing recreation projects including Woodward Park
Who said what
» Danny Templar Presenter: explained that the MOU is necessary to legally obligate ARPA funds and satisfy federal standards ▶︎» Jimmy Jones Council Member: expressed opposition because he believes the county should finish existing projects before starting new ones ▶︎» Sammie Tucker Jr. Council Member: noted the deadline to spend the federal funds and the importance of front-loading the expenditure ▶︎
Housekeeping/Procedural Votes (Agenda adoption, minutes approval, appointments, executive session):
Council handled routine administrative matters, including board appointments and the adoption of meeting minutes.
Appointments
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
Council completed several administrative and procedural items during the meeting. These included the approval of meeting minutes from November 12 and November 21, the adoption of the agenda (with amendments to reorder the audit report and add an executive session), and the appointment of Alfred Mae Drakeford to the Santee-Lynches Regional Council of Governments Board. Additionally, the council appointed Gregory Barton, Josseline Gonzalas, and Hannah Parler to the Employee Relations/Grievance Committee for the upcoming year. These routine actions ensure the continuity of board representation and the proper functioning of county internal committees. The council also approved a motion to explore potential zoning amendments regarding pole barn permitting and event venue regulations in rural districts. No public controversy arose regarding these specific administrative appointments or approvals.
PASSED (Unanimous). The council appointed Alfred Mae Drakeford to the Santee-Lynches Regional COG Board and finalized Grievance Committee appointments
Discussed, no vote ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Airport and Land Use: The council heard from multiple speakers regarding the proposed Airport Overlay District and its impact on the local equine industry. Council members emphasized that they seek a balanced plan that protects both the airport and traditional horse-related property uses.
- Charitable Donations: Chairman Connell highlighted the value of charitable services donated to the county, noting that businesses providing such services should be recognized for tax purposes.
- Airport Hangar Strategy: Ron Prestage, a local pilot and airport stakeholder, recommended the county adopt a policy allowing private investment in hangars as an economic development tool to attract corporate aviation.
Coming up ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Planning & Zoning: The Planning Department and County Attorney are tasked with drafting potential ZLDR text amendments regarding pole barn permitting and event venue zoning.
- Project Bids: Bids for the Woodward Park project are expected late in the week of December 10, 2024, with updates expected in January.
- Next Meetings: Future council discussions will include further refinement of the Airport Overlay District and progress reports on the KC West development.
This is an independent summary prepared from the county's official published minutes and the meeting's live stream, not an official county communication.