Kershaw County Council Recap KERSHAW COUNTY COUNCIL RECAP Kershaw County, South Carolina Latest issueArchiveCounty mapProjectsCouncilAboutStay in the know
Meeting Recap
March 11, 2025
In 30 seconds  4 votes · 4 passed · 1 contested
4
Votes passed
0
Votes failed
1
Split votes
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The headline

New business park and infrastructure updates. Council finalized an ordinance to establish a new joint multi-county business park with Lee County to help facilitate regional economic development. Members also approved grant match funding for a local infrastructure project at the Pecan Orchard site, which will be drawn from capital reserves.

Third Reading on Ordinance for Joint Multi-County Business Park with Lee County (3rd Reading): Council finalized an agreement to create a joint multi-county business park with Lee County. Jobs & economyParks & rec
   Unanimous · 7-0
detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe
What this was about
This ordinance formally establishes a multi-county business park in partnership with Lee County, acting under the authority of the South Carolina Code of Laws. The agreement outlines the framework for sharing business park expenses, revenue applications, and the distribution of fees in lieu of ad valorem taxes between the two counties. By designating this property as a joint park, participating industries become eligible for state-authorized jobs tax credits, which serves as a tool for regional economic development. The measure received unanimous support across all three required readings, including the initial approval on February 11 and the second reading on February 25. This project reflects a collaborative effort to improve the local tax base and attract new industrial investment to the region by leveraging multi-county jurisdictional status.

PASSED (Unanimous)

Votes at a glance tap to showtap to hide
Housekeeping and Procedural Votes (Agenda, Minutes, Executive Session, Adjournment): Council approved the meeting agenda, past minutes, executive sessions, and the final adjournment.
   Unanimous · 7-0
detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe
What this was about
These routine procedural votes are essential for maintaining the official record of county governance. Council members formally adopted the meeting agenda after making several amendments, including the deferral of one item and the addition of a memorial resolution for a late officer. They also reviewed and approved minutes from the February 25, 2025, meeting, with Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr. abstaining due to his absence from that session. Two separate executive sessions were held to discuss legal briefings, personnel matters, and potential contractual arrangements, with no formal votes taken during those private meetings. Finally, the council voted to adjourn the proceedings at 9:06 p.m. These actions ensure that the legislative process remains transparent and compliant with the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act.

PASSED (Unanimous)

Third Reading on Ordinance for Joint Multi-County Business Park with Lee County (3rd Reading): Council finalized an agreement to create a joint multi-county business park with Lee County. Jobs & economyParks & rec
   Unanimous · 7-0
detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe
What this was about
This ordinance formally establishes a multi-county business park in partnership with Lee County, acting under the authority of the South Carolina Code of Laws. The agreement outlines the framework for sharing business park expenses, revenue applications, and the distribution of fees in lieu of ad valorem taxes between the two counties. By designating this property as a joint park, participating industries become eligible for state-authorized jobs tax credits, which serves as a tool for regional economic development. The measure received unanimous support across all three required readings, including the initial approval on February 11 and the second reading on February 25. This project reflects a collaborative effort to improve the local tax base and attract new industrial investment to the region by leveraging multi-county jurisdictional status.

PASSED (Unanimous)

Second Reading on Ordinance amending Chapter 32 of Kershaw County Code related to Utilities (2nd Reading): Council amended utility codes to clarify sewer use regulations, industrial waste surcharges, and stormwater discharge. Water & sewer
   Unanimous · 7-0
detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe
What this was about
This ordinance introduces several amendments to Chapter 32 of the Kershaw County Code of Ordinances to modernize and clarify the county’s sewer use policies. The changes specifically address industrial waste surcharges, ensuring calculations and application processes are clear and consistent. It also grants the utilities manager the authority to approve certain stormwater discharges, provided they meet specific regulatory criteria. Additionally, the ordinance aligns various sections of the utility code to improve internal consistency and cross-referencing. These updates are designed to simplify compliance for industrial users and improve the operational efficiency of the county's wastewater infrastructure. Having passed its second reading unanimously, the ordinance will move toward a final vote to formally codify these regulatory improvements into the county law.

PASSED (Unanimous)

Approval of Grant Match Funding for Pecan Orchard (None): Council voted 6-1 to provide $235,136 in matching funds for a $705,407 infrastructure grant. Grants
     Yes 6 · No 1
detailsless
How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✗ Sammie Tucker Jr.
What this was about
The Council approved a local match of $235,136.00 to support a Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) grant application totaling $705,407.00 for the Pecan Orchard project. These funds, which will be drawn from the county’s capital reserves, are intended to facilitate necessary infrastructure improvements at the site. The decision is contingent upon the successful awarding of the state grant, with an application deadline set for March 17, 2025. During the debate, Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr. cast the sole dissenting vote, opposing the use of capital reserves for this specific match. Proponents argue the project is a vital investment in county infrastructure, while the opposition highlights concerns regarding the use of reserve funding. If the grant is secured, the project will move into the execution phase to address the designated site needs.

PASSED    For 6 · Against 1 (S. Tucker Jr. voted NO)

Who said what
» County Administrator: The County Administrator requested authorization for the match, noting that the funds must be deducted from the capital reserves.
Discussed, no vote tap to showtap to hide

Council received a presentation from the Lake Wateree Association regarding the ongoing management and treatment of invasive algae, specifically Lyngbya. Members also held a discussion for informational purposes regarding zoning and engineering considerations for a property on Whiting Way. Additionally, the Chair appointed members to the Equine Task Force and the Ad Hoc Stormwater Advisory Committee.

Public comment tap to showtap to hide

Residents signed up to address Council regarding the Equine Task Force, home internet access, and the Lister topic.

Coming up tap to showtap to hide
  • The next Kershaw County Council meeting is scheduled for March 25, 2025.

This is an independent summary prepared from the county's official published minutes, not an official county communication.

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How this recap was made: Prepared from the county's official published minutes (the verified vote record).
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