Council initiates emergency procurement for inmate healthcare at the Kershaw County Detention Center
Following an executive session, the council voted unanimously to authorize the administrator to engage in emergency procurement for inmate healthcare services with Advanced Correctional Healthcare. This interim measure secures necessary medical services at a significant cost savings compared to the previous provider while the county prepares for a longer term procurement process in the upcoming fiscal year.
7 votes7 passed
The vote behind the headline
Emergency Procurement for Inmate Healthcare:Council authorized emergency procurement for inmate healthcare services at the Kershaw County Detention Center.
Unanimous · 6-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe
What this was about
Following an executive session, the Council unanimously voted to authorize the County Administrator to engage in an emergency procurement for inmate healthcare services with Advanced Correctional Healthcare (ACHC). This action was taken to secure essential medical services for the Detention Center after facing a potential cost crisis, as the new interim arrangement provides significant savings - estimated at approximately $450,000 - compared to alternative renewal options that were previously on the table. The contract involves an initial 90-day setup period followed by a monthly rate of $69,000. County leadership emphasized that while emergency procurement is not their preferred method of doing business, it was the most fiscally responsible solution to maintain operations immediately. The county intends to conduct a formal, long-term competitive bidding process for these services in the upcoming fiscal year. This measure ensures that the facility remains compliant and safe while allowing the administration time to prepare a proper procurement package.
Emergency Procurement for Inmate Healthcare:Council authorized emergency procurement for inmate healthcare services at the Kershaw County Detention Center.
Unanimous · 6-0
▸detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe
What this was about
Following an executive session, the Council unanimously voted to authorize the County Administrator to engage in an emergency procurement for inmate healthcare services with Advanced Correctional Healthcare (ACHC). This action was taken to secure essential medical services for the Detention Center after facing a potential cost crisis, as the new interim arrangement provides significant savings - estimated at approximately $450,000 - compared to alternative renewal options that were previously on the table. The contract involves an initial 90-day setup period followed by a monthly rate of $69,000. County leadership emphasized that while emergency procurement is not their preferred method of doing business, it was the most fiscally responsible solution to maintain operations immediately. The county intends to conduct a formal, long-term competitive bidding process for these services in the upcoming fiscal year. This measure ensures that the facility remains compliant and safe while allowing the administration time to prepare a proper procurement package.
Council voted to adopt the meeting agenda and suspended Rule 2.5(f), which limits the number of proclamations permitted per meeting. This procedural vote was necessary to allow the Council to recognize three distinct items: Fair Housing Month, National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and a proclamation honoring the life of Mary Elizabeth Mullikin. Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr. was absent, so the motion was passed by the six members present.
Ordinance for Fire Hydrants in Minor Subdivisions (1st Reading):Council approved the first reading of an ordinance requiring fire hydrants in minor subdivisions.DevelopmentEMS & fire
Unanimous · 6-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe
This ordinance amends the Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations to require the installation of fire hydrants for minor subdivisions where existing public water infrastructure can sustain adequate fire flow. County staff explained that currently, some smaller developments are avoiding safety requirements that larger subdivisions must meet. Council members expressed interest in ensuring this does not impose undue burdens on small property owners or small-scale builders, while also emphasizing the importance of public safety and ISO ratings. The ordinance will return for a second reading, where more specific language regarding implementation and exemptions is expected to be finalized.
Conveyance of Water Facilities on Black River and Mt. Olivet Roads (1st Reading):Council approved the first reading of an ordinance to transfer specific water lines to the regional authority.RoadsWater & sewer
Unanimous · 6-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe
This ordinance authorizes the conveyance of water facilities located in the rights-of-way of Black River Road and Mt. Olivet Road to the Kershaw and Lee County Regional Water Authority. The water lines were originally constructed with grant funding in 2015 to support the Governor's Hill Industrial Park. The County Administrator explained that the county is not in the water utility business and has been paying a nominal service fee to the City of Camden for these unused lines. Because the lines fall within the service territory of the Kershaw and Lee County Regional Water Authority, transferring ownership will allow for better maintenance and improved service to industrial clients, including Prestige Food. The City of Camden has no interest in these lines, and the transfer is compliant with original grant requirements.
Council approved the bid for the KC West Park driveway and parking lot project, awarding the contract to Kershaw Builders for $1,447,697.50. This project has been a long-standing priority for the county, funded in part by designated ARPA funds and carryover budget allocations. Council members expressed satisfaction that the low bidder is a trusted local company. Discussion also touched on the need for future improvements, such as concession stands and restrooms at the park, to improve safety for children by reducing the need to cross traffic.
Rehabilitation of Baseball Facilities at Boyd Young and Copeland Parks Bid:Council awarded a bid for baseball field rehabilitations in Westville and Bethune.Parks & rec
Unanimous · 6-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe
Council approved a $1,162,118.18 bid from Contractor Services of Kershaw to rehabilitate baseball facilities at Boyd Young and Copeland Parks. This project is a key component of the county's broader recreation master plan, addressing outdated infrastructure, including fencing, infield surfaces, and lighting. Council members praised the commitment to northern Kershaw County recreation, emphasizing that such investments are vital for both youth development and the county's economic attractiveness to potential businesses and new residents. Funding for the project is supported by the Health Services District and ARPA allocations, with capital reserves filling the remaining gap.
Proclamations, Minutes, and Procedural Votes:Council approved minutes and two proclamations honoring child abuse prevention and Mary Elizabeth Mullikin.
Unanimous · 6-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Derek Shoemake
What this was about
The Council formally approved the minutes from the March 25, 2025, meeting. Additionally, they adopted a proclamation declaring April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, acknowledging the Family Resource Center's role in local advocacy. The Council also presented a proclamation honoring the life of Mary Elizabeth Mullikin, a local lobbyist and attorney who passed away; family members were present to receive the tribute, which included heartfelt remarks from the Council regarding her character and the community's support for the Mullikin family.
(Includes approval of March 25, 2025, minutes, entering/exiting executive session, and proclamations for National Child Abuse Prevention Month and honoring the life of Mary Elizabeth Mullikin.)
Discussed, no vote▸showhide
KC Trails Presentation: Representatives from KC Trails presented an update on their citizen advocacy efforts, including current projects such as trail expansions at North Central schools and the importance of nature trails for community health.
Fair Housing Proclamation: Deferment of this proclamation to the April 22 meeting was approved due to the absence of Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr.
Public comment▸showhide
William Robinson invited the community to the 102nd annual Knights Hill Mayday Festival on May 10th.
Laurence Gray spoke regarding personal challenges with securing home internet service.
Tom Webb II discussed concerns regarding the local litter ordinance.
Christine Dennis requested county funding to address a toxic algae bloom impacting the health and water quality of Lake Wateree.
Coming up▸showhide
The next Kershaw County Council meeting is scheduled for April 22, 2025.
This is an independent summary prepared from the county's official published minutes and the meeting's live stream, not an official county communication.
How this recap was made: Prepared from the county's official minutes (the verified vote record) combined with the meeting's live stream (quotes and discussion). This is an automated summary written by software (a neural-network summarizer working from the documents above). Rely on the official county record for anything important.
