How they voted - unanimous

What this was about

This routine vote formally organized the meeting proceedings and finalized administrative business. Council members approved the agenda for the June 10, 2025, meeting, including several amendments regarding the order of executive session discussions. They also passed a proclamation declaring June 2025 as Elevate Fatherhood Month in partnership with the Midlands Fatherhood Coalition, which was presented during the session. Furthermore, the Council approved the minutes from the May 27, 2025, regular meeting and concluded the night with a final vote to adjourn the session at 9:30 p.m. These items are standard procedural requirements that ensure the County maintains an accurate public record and follows official meeting protocols.

How they voted

What this was about

This ordinance institutes a temporary moratorium on the acceptance and processing of major subdivision applications within unincorporated Kershaw County. The measure is designed to provide officials with a window of time to evaluate and potentially revise the county's long-term growth policies and environmental resource protections. This was the second reading of the ordinance, which passed with a 4-1 vote, with Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr. casting the dissenting vote. During earlier discussions, Councilman Jimmy Jones emphasized the need to protect environmental resources as mandated by state law. The county is also currently engaged in a broader study regarding impact fees, which will be discussed further in the upcoming June 17 meeting. This moratorium is intended as a stop-gap measure to ensure that future infrastructure can support residential expansion without straining existing county resources or services.

Who said what

» Jimmy Jones, Councilman: I am fully in support of the 180-day moratorium and ask my colleagues to consider the impact this will have on the communities and development.

How they voted - unanimous

What this was about

This vote authorizes a Special Source Revenue Credit agreement for an entity identified as Project NAM, which intends to establish or expand facilities within Kershaw County. Economic Development Director Jeff Burgess confirmed that this initiative is expected to bring 50 new jobs to the area. The agreement includes provisions for infrastructure credits and certifies the project as a textile mill site under the South Carolina Textile Communities Revitalization Act. This was the second reading of the ordinance, which passed unanimously with a 5-0 vote. The specifics of the infrastructure investment were discussed, as the agreement aims to facilitate industrial growth and incentivize business development in the county. With this reading approved, the project moves closer to final adoption, marking a significant step in the county’s ongoing efforts to expand its local tax base and employment opportunities.

Who said what

» Jeff Burgess, Economic Development Director: This Project NAM plans to bring 50 jobs to Kershaw County.

What this was about

The ordinance proposed to rezone a 3.75-acre parcel located at 1045 Highway 1 North in Cassatt from MRD-1 Rural Resource District to GD General Development District. The developer sought this change to allow for commercial or industrial use, but the proposal failed to secure the necessary support to proceed. Although the rezoning passed a first reading previously, it failed during this second reading as no council member provided a second to the motion to approve. This failure effectively halts the rezoning request for the property, meaning the current MRD-1 zoning designation remains in place. Decisions regarding zoning changes are critical to the county’s land use management, and council members often balance the rights of property owners to develop their land against concerns regarding neighborhood compatibility and the impact on surrounding rural infrastructure.

How they voted - unanimous

What this was about

This vote approves a memorandum of agreement between the Kershaw County Library and the South Carolina Department on Aging. The agreement permits the state agency to utilize designated office space within the county library system to provide services to the public. During the meeting, Library Director Amy Shofield was recognized by council members for her ongoing leadership and effective management of library operations. The initiative is seen as a way to maximize the utility of existing public infrastructure while increasing access to essential aging-related services for local residents. The measure passed its first reading with a 4-0 vote. This partnership is part of the county's broader strategy to share resources between government entities, ensuring that residents can access multiple support services in a centralized and convenient location.

How they voted - unanimous

What this was about

The Council approved the first reading of an ordinance to authorize the sale and conveyance of a 1.76-acre property located at 205 Sumter Highway. The county currently owns this parcel, often referred to as the Dominion property. Proceeds from the sale are earmarked to fund the renovation of a separate property that the county recently acquired for its own operational use. By liquidating this asset, the county aims to offset the costs of improving its newly purchased facilities without placing additional burdens on the current budget. The motion for the first reading passed with a 5-0 vote. As the process moves forward, the county will finalize the contract of sale and associated documents to ensure the transaction complies with state regulations for the disposition of public real estate.

How they voted - unanimous

What this was about

Council approved a resolution to submit a grant application to the National Safe Streets and Roads for All program. The project aims to develop a safety action plan and demonstration projects to reduce serious injuries and traffic fatalities throughout the county. As part of the commitment to the federal program, the county has pledged to provide $200,000 in local matching funds to support the safety improvements. The resolution was passed with a 6-0 vote. This initiative highlights the county's focus on prioritizing the safety of motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists on regional roadways. By securing these federal funds, the council hopes to implement data-driven solutions for traffic management and infrastructure safety, which is considered a high priority for the current administration to improve the quality of life and safety for all Kershaw County residents.

How they voted - unanimous

What this was about

Council members voted 3-0 to reappoint Nick Moore to the Kershaw County Health Service District. The Health Service District plays a vital role in overseeing local healthcare facilities and ensuring that medical services are effectively administered throughout the community. Reappointments like this are essential for maintaining continuity and experienced leadership on county boards. By retaining members with institutional knowledge, the Council aims to ensure the board remains stable and capable of addressing ongoing health needs in the region. This appointment was part of the consent and appointments portion of the meeting, reflecting the board's ongoing commitment to professional oversight of county health initiatives.

How they voted - unanimous

What this was about

Chairman Ben Connell moved to reschedule an agenda item, identified as 15A, to the upcoming June 17, 2025, meeting. The motion was made because the item was not deemed an urgent matter and due to the essence of time regarding the overall meeting schedule. The council voted 6-0 to approve the postponement. This action allows the council to focus on the remaining time-sensitive ordinances and resolutions before the meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m. Postponing items is a standard administrative tool used by the council to manage the workload of its public sessions, ensuring that complex items receive the necessary attention and discussion during meetings where all relevant staff and council members can be present.