The headline
Council approved critical grant funding to address drainage issues in the Pecan Orchard neighborhood. In a split vote, council authorized the county administrator to apply for $705,407 in state grant funds to address persistent stormwater and flooding problems. The county committed to providing a 25% local match of $235,136 from capital reserves, contingent on the grant being awarded.
Grant Match Funding for Pecan Orchard:
Council authorized a $235,136 local match for a state grant to address Pecan Orchard drainage.
Grants
Yes 6 · No 1
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How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✗ Sammie Tucker Jr.What this was about
Council voted 6-1 to authorize a grant application to the Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) for $705,407 to address severe, long-term drainage and flooding issues in the Pecan Orchard neighborhood. To qualify for these funds, the county must commit to a 25% local match of $235,136, which will be drawn from capital reserves if the grant is awarded. The project aims to improve stormwater infrastructure, specifically targeting pipe and ditch blockages that contribute to flooding. Council members acknowledged that this is an emergency situation and the most cost-effective method to secure major funding. While some members expressed concern over the impact on capital reserves, supporters emphasized the county's obligation to address the infrastructure failure. The application deadline is March 17, 2025. The project focuses on improving county-maintained infrastructure to help mitigate water issues that have impacted residents for years.
PASSED For 6 · Against 1
Who said what
» Danny Templar Presenter: outlined the project costs and noted the local match requirement for the RIA grant application ▶︎» Jimmy Jones Council Member: strongly advocated for the funding, calling it a necessary step to protect residents in the flooded neighborhood ▶︎» Russell Brazell Vice-Chairman: supported the grant as the most viable path to funding the expensive drainage repairs ▶︎» Sammie Tucker Jr. Council Member: opposed the motion, citing concerns over committing capital reserve funds before the budget process ▶︎» Derek Shoemake Council Member: expressed caution regarding the potential limited impact of the engineering solution ▶︎Votes at a glance ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Multi-County Business Park Ordinance (3rd Reading):
Council approved the final reading of an ordinance creating a joint business park with Lee County.
Jobs & economyParks & rec
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 creates a joint Multi-County Business Park (MCIP) between Kershaw County and Lee County, established under South Carolina state law. By designating property within both counties as part of this park, the ordinance allows for the use of Jobs Tax Credits to attract new industry and investment to the region. The agreement outlines how tax revenues, specifically fees in lieu of ad valorem taxes, will be shared between the two counties and relevant taxing entities. This is the third and final reading of the ordinance, following initial approvals on February 11 and February 25, 2025. This measure is a standard economic development tool used to incentivize companies to locate or expand operations within the county. No public opposition was voiced during the hearing process. With this passage, the county can now finalize the written agreement with Lee County to formalize the revenue-sharing framework and officially establish the park.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Chapter 32 Utility Ordinance Amendment (2nd Reading):
Council amended sewer use ordinances to align with federal and state environmental regulations.
Water & sewer
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 amends Chapter 32 of the Kershaw County Code of Ordinances to update and clarify the county’s sewer use regulations. The revisions are primarily administrative and regulatory, designed to ensure that the county’s pre-treatment program for industrial waste remains in strict compliance with current federal Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and updated state Department of Environmental Services (DES) requirements. Key changes include re-organizing existing sections for clarity, defining terms related to industrial waste surcharges, and providing the utilities manager with specific authority regarding stormwater discharges to the sewer system. Staff noted that recent changes in personnel and the transition from DHEC to DES prompted this cleanup to ensure all local codes align with state expectations. This was the second reading of the ordinance, and it will now proceed toward final enactment to maintain the county's delegated authority for industrial waste pre-treatment.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Who said what
» John DuBose Presenter: explained the ordinance is a necessary cleanup to align the county's pre-treatment program with federal and state regulations ▶︎» Jimmy Jones Council Member: requested additional information regarding the specific amendments and their impact on existing regulations ▶︎
Grant Match Funding for Pecan Orchard:
Council authorized a $235,136 local match for a state grant to address Pecan Orchard drainage.
Grants
Yes 6 · No 1
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detailsless
How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✗ Sammie Tucker Jr.What this was about
Council voted 6-1 to authorize a grant application to the Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) for $705,407 to address severe, long-term drainage and flooding issues in the Pecan Orchard neighborhood. To qualify for these funds, the county must commit to a 25% local match of $235,136, which will be drawn from capital reserves if the grant is awarded. The project aims to improve stormwater infrastructure, specifically targeting pipe and ditch blockages that contribute to flooding. Council members acknowledged that this is an emergency situation and the most cost-effective method to secure major funding. While some members expressed concern over the impact on capital reserves, supporters emphasized the county's obligation to address the infrastructure failure. The application deadline is March 17, 2025. The project focuses on improving county-maintained infrastructure to help mitigate water issues that have impacted residents for years.
PASSED For 6 · Against 1
Who said what
» Danny Templar Presenter: outlined the project costs and noted the local match requirement for the RIA grant application ▶︎» Jimmy Jones Council Member: strongly advocated for the funding, calling it a necessary step to protect residents in the flooded neighborhood ▶︎» Russell Brazell Vice-Chairman: supported the grant as the most viable path to funding the expensive drainage repairs ▶︎» Sammie Tucker Jr. Council Member: opposed the motion, citing concerns over committing capital reserve funds before the budget process ▶︎» Derek Shoemake Council Member: expressed caution regarding the potential limited impact of the engineering solution ▶︎Discussed, no vote ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Housekeeping: Council unanimously approved the meeting agenda (with amendments), minutes for the February 25, 2025 meeting, and motions to enter and exit executive sessions.
- Lake Wateree Algae Treatment: Representatives from the Lake Wateree Association presented data on the spread of Lyngbya algae and potential multi-year chemical treatment plans. Council requested that staff coordinate with stakeholders on funding and next steps.
- Whiting Way Zoning and Engineering: Council discussed a private development project involving stormwater and engineering hurdles. No formal action was taken as the matter remains in the permitting phase with state agencies.
- Ad Hoc Committees: Chairman Connell appointed members to the new Equine Task Force and the Ad Hoc Stormwater Advisory Committee.
Public comment ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Three residents addressed the council: Lynn Konto spoke in support of the Equine Task Force; Lawrence Gray requested assistance with home internet access; and Tom Webb III discussed the county litter ordinance.
Coming up ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Council Meeting: March 25, 2025.
- Town Hall Event: March 20, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Blaney Baptist Church regarding West Wateree and Elgin area concerns.
This is an independent summary prepared from the county's official published minutes and the meeting's live stream, not an official county communication.