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Council approved the first reading of an ordinance to rezone a 3.75-acre parcel at 1045 Highway 1 North in Cassatt from Rural Resource District to General Development District. The applicant intends to operate a portable sawmill on the property, which neighbors oppose due to noise and land-clearing concerns. During the meeting, residents presented photographs showing the site had been cleared of trees prior to the zoning approval, raising questions about procedural compliance and potential future uses of the site. Council members expressed concerns that the General Development designation is too broad, as it would allow for various commercial uses if the sawmill business fails. Despite these reservations, the measure passed 4-3 with support from Chairman Ben Connell, Vice-Chairman Russell Brazell, Councilman Brant Tomlinson, and Councilman Danny Catoe, while Councilmen Derek Shoemake, Sammie Tucker Jr., and Jimmy Jones opposed the move.

Who said what

How they voted - unanimous

What this was about

Council unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance authorizing a Special Source Revenue Credit Agreement for 'Project NAM,' an economic development initiative. The project involves a $12 million investment and the creation of approximately 50 new jobs within the county. Economic Development Director Jeff Burgess noted that the project involves the expansion or establishment of facilities at a site to be certified under the South Carolina Textile Communities Revitalization Act. As the ordinance was introduced in title only, specific details regarding the exact site and the company's identity remain limited. This is the first of several steps required to finalize the tax credit incentives, which are intended to help attract industrial investment and employment to Kershaw County.

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Council passed an amendment to the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget that adjusts millage rates and service fees. Sponsored by Councilman Danny Catoe, the amendment reduces the proposed property tax millage increase from 4 mills to 3.5 mills, with 0.5 mills specifically allocated for solid waste. Additionally, the amendment decreases the annual solid waste fee from $32.00 to $26.70 and increases the fire budget by 3 mills while simultaneously lowering the proposed fire fee from $45.00 to $17.00. Councilman Catoe stated that these adjustments ensure the millage hike does not result in a net cost increase for taxpayers when accounting for Local Option Sales Tax reimbursements. The amendment passed with a 6-1 vote, with Councilman Jimmy Jones casting the lone dissenting vote.

Who said what

How they voted - unanimous

What this was about

Council unanimously authorized the transfer of $547,762 from the Fire Reserve fund to the Fire Operation budget. Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr. introduced the amendment to facilitate the purchase of two fire trucks. The county was able to secure these vehicles because another municipality canceled their order, providing a significant discount. County Administrator Danny Templar noted that ordering new trucks currently could result in multi-year delays and higher costs, making this an urgent financial opportunity. The funds will be reallocated without changing the overall budget total, ensuring the fire department can acquire the necessary equipment immediately to maintain service levels and safety standards in the county.

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Vice-Chairman Russell Brazell proposed an amendment to cap the county attorney fee allocation at $100,000, aiming to prevent the budget from reaching the requested $245,000 for legal expenses. Councilman Brazell expressed concern over the significant increase in legal spending compared to the previous fiscal year, arguing for stricter fiscal discipline. However, other members defended the higher allocation, citing the complexity of recent land-use lawsuits, FOIA requests, and the ongoing need for institutional legal knowledge. The amendment failed in a 2-5 vote, with only Vice-Chairman Brazell and Councilman Jimmy Jones voting in favor.

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Council passed the first reading of an ordinance establishing a 180-day moratorium on the processing of major and minor subdivision applications in unincorporated Kershaw County. The measure, originally proposed by Councilmen Jimmy Jones and Russell Brazell, aims to allow the county time to update its comprehensive plan and zoning regulations to manage rapid growth. Councilman Brant Tomlinson successfully introduced an amendment to include minor subdivisions (two or more lots) within the moratorium, while explicitly excluding single-family residences on individual lots and planned development districts. The ordinance passed 5-2, with Chairman Ben Connell and Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr. opposing. The county expects to use this period to draft new development standards and environmental protections, though some members expressed skepticism about whether the work can be completed within the six-month window.

Who said what

How they voted - unanimous

What this was about

Council unanimously voted to increase the millage rate for the Lugoff Fire Department by 7.62 mills, generating approximately $400,000 in additional annual revenue. Fire Chief Chris Spitzer provided a detailed budget overview, explaining that this is the first tax increase requested by the department since 2012. Chief Spitzer warned that without the increase, he would be forced to terminate staff, cancel raises, and significantly cut operational line items. The department has seen an unprecedented increase in call volumes, and Chief Spitzer emphasized that this revenue is critical to maintain the department's ISO rating and ensure public safety. Council members praised the department’s transparency and dedication, agreeing that the increase is necessary to meet the demands of rapid growth in the Lugoff area.

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Council failed to approve a $30,000 donation to the Catawba Wateree Water Management Group (CWWMG) to address algae blooms in Lake Wateree. Vice-Chairman Russell Brazell advocated for the funding, noting the economic and environmental importance of the lake to county residents. However, concerns were raised regarding the fair distribution of financial responsibility, as the administrator noted that other entities and counties benefiting from the lake have not yet matched the requested contribution. The motion failed 3-4, with Councilmen Brazell, Catoe, and Jones voting in favor, and Chairman Connell and Councilmen Shoemake, Tucker, and Tomlinson voting against. Despite the failure of the specific motion, the County Administrator confirmed that a budget line item currently exists that could allow for partial contributions depending on the level of financial participation from other stakeholders.

Who said what

How they voted - unanimous