How they voted - unanimous

What this was about

The Council formally adopted the meeting agenda following two amendments, including a motion to add a third proclamation. Members then unanimously recognized April as Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month and celebrated the North Central High School Weight Lifting Team for their second consecutive AA State Championship title. Additionally, the Council proclaimed April as Fair Housing Month, affirming the county's commitment to eliminating housing discrimination as established by the federal Fair Housing Act of 1968. Finally, the Council approved the minutes from their April 8, 2025, meeting. These ceremonial actions serve to highlight important community milestones and reaffirm the county's alignment with broader civil rights goals while ensuring the official legislative record remains accurate and up to date for public review.

How they voted

What this was about

This ordinance amends the Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations, specifically section 5:1.4-5, to ensure safety in residential growth. The measure requires the installation of fire hydrants in new minor subdivisions, provided that the existing water infrastructure has the capacity to maintain the necessary fire flow. This was the second reading of the ordinance, following initial review on April 8, 2025. The measure passed with a 3-2 vote, reflecting some internal disagreement regarding the regulatory burden placed on developers. Council members Russell Brazell and Jimmy Jones voted against the requirement. Proponents argue this is a vital step toward improving public safety and emergency response times in developing areas of the county. The change aims to prevent future scenarios where fire suppression is hindered by lack of access to water, ultimately impacting insurance ratings and property safety for incoming residents.

How they voted - unanimous

What this was about

The Council approved the transfer of water facilities located within the public rights-of-way along Black River Road and Mt. Olivet Road to the Kershaw and Lee County Regional Water Authority. This second reading finalized the authorization for the county to convey these specific assets to the regional entity, which maintains and operates the broader water distribution network. By shifting the ownership and responsibility for these facilities to the regional authority, the county streamlines maintenance obligations and infrastructure management. This action ensures that the water system remains under the purview of a specialized agency equipped to handle long-term utility service and regional upgrades. There was no public opposition to this transfer, and it proceeded through the council with a unanimous vote. This move is consistent with previous efforts to consolidate infrastructure oversight and improve service delivery efficiency across the county's diverse districts.

How they voted - unanimous

What this was about

This resolution authorizes the assignment of two existing fee agreements, dating back to 2011 and 2021, from Denkai America, Inc. to Camden Copper Holdings, LLC and Camden Copper RE, LLC. Denkai America, formerly known as Oak-Mitsui, Inc., holds these agreements with Kershaw County regarding economic development properties. The resolution ensures that all tax and fee obligations, as well as the benefits associated with the original agreements, transition to the new entities. This administrative step is standard in corporate real estate and business restructuring to ensure that economic development incentives remain legally tied to the current owners or operators of the facility. The council approved the resolution unanimously, supporting the continuity of local business operations. No changes were made to the core terms of the fee agreements; the primary purpose was to update the designated responsible parties in the county's economic development records.

How they voted - unanimous

What this was about

This ordinance represents the first reading of the budget appropriations for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026. The measure is critical as it sets the millage rate for Kershaw County, which determines property tax levels for the upcoming year. Additionally, the ordinance outlines the implementation of various service and user rates and fees collected by the county to fund operations. As this was a first reading and conducted in title only, it serves as the public introduction of the financial roadmap for the next fiscal cycle. The council unanimously moved to approve, initiating the formal legislative process for budget adoption. Over the coming months, the council will engage in further deliberations to refine appropriations for county departments and capital projects before final approval in the summer. This budget will dictate resource allocation for essential services, public safety, and infrastructure.