The headline
Council passes development impact fees and a construction moratorium. Following third readings, the Council finalized a new ordinance establishing development impact fees for new construction in unincorporated areas and approved a moratorium on subdivision applications for more than five residential lots. These measures aim to manage the county's infrastructure needs and growth over the coming months.
Development Impact Fees Ordinance (3rd Reading):
Council finalized a new ordinance imposing impact fees on all new development in unincorporated areas.
Development
Yes 5 · No 1
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How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✗ Jimmy JonesWhat this was about
After a third reading, the Council passed an ordinance establishing development impact fees for all new construction in unincorporated Kershaw County. The fees are designed to ensure that developers contribute to the infrastructure strain caused by new residential and commercial growth, as permitted under the South Carolina Development Impact Fee Act. Councilman Brant Tomlinson successfully added an amendment to delay the first year of eligible Parks and Recreation project expenditures until fiscal year 2026-2027, ensuring the revenue is properly accounted for in the county's budget cycles. The fees will target projects like airport expansions and community parks. While the measure passed 5-1, Councilman Jimmy Jones opposed the move throughout the process, citing concerns about the financial burden on development. The county will now begin mandatory yearly reporting of fee collections and appropriations as required by state law.
PASSED For 5 · Against 1 (J. Jones voted NO)
Who said what
» Brant Tomlinson, Councilman: Explained that impact fee revenues should wait for the next fiscal year to ensure proper budget appropriation.
» Jimmy Jones, Councilman: Voted against the ordinance and the amendments, expressing persistent opposition to the implementation of impact fees.
Votes at a glance ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Adoption of Agenda, Routine Proclamations, Minutes Approval, and Procedural Votes (Executive Session/Adjournment):
Council adopted the evening's agenda, approved previous meeting minutes, and honored a local civic icon.
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
The Council formally opened its July 22 session by adopting the meeting agenda and approving the minutes from the July 8, 2025, meeting. Council members Sammie Tucker and Jimmy Jones abstained from the minutes vote due to their absence from the prior meeting. Additionally, the Council presented a formal proclamation honoring the life and legacy of William Gamewell (Bill) Major, Jr., a distinguished veteran, community leader, and the county's first Eagle Scout. Mr. Major was remembered by his son, William Rusty Major, during the presentation. These routine administrative actions ensure that the official record of county business is accurate and that the Council continues its tradition of recognizing citizens who have made significant contributions to the Kershaw County community.
PASSED (Unanimous, 4-0, or 6-0 depending on attendance)
Minor Subdivision Definition Amendment (1st Reading):
Council approved a first reading to update the zoning ordinance definition of a minor subdivision.
Development
Yes 6 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Jimmy JonesWhat this was about
This ordinance seeks to update Article 2 and Section 5:2.3-1 of the Kershaw County Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations. By amending the definition of a minor subdivision, the county aims to clarify regulatory oversight for smaller land development projects. The measure passed its first reading with a 4-2 vote, with Council members Sammie Tucker and Jimmy Jones in opposition. A public hearing was held immediately prior to the vote, though no members of the public offered comments on the proposal. The ordinance will return for subsequent readings and further deliberation before potentially becoming law, marking part of the Council's broader effort to tighten controls on residential growth and subdivision planning across unincorporated parts of the county.
PASSED For 6 · Against 0
Event Venues/Bed and Breakfast Inns Zoning Amendment (1st Reading):
Council moved to regulate commercial event venues and update bed and breakfast zoning standards.
Development
Yes 5 · No 2
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How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✗ S. Tucker✗ J. JonesWhat this was about
This proposal amends several sections of the zoning code to create a clearer regulatory framework for commercial event venues, rural event venues, and rural country clubs. It also updates signage requirements for these venues and removes specific references to bed and breakfast inns hosting weddings. The ordinance reflects an effort to modernize land use policies as interest in rural event hosting grows. The first reading passed 5-2, with Councilman Jimmy Jones casting the dissenting vote. Supporters argue these changes are necessary to manage the impact of commercial gatherings in residential and rural areas. The measure will undergo further review in future meetings to ensure the new conditional use standards appropriately balance property rights with community concerns regarding noise, traffic, and the rural character of the county.
PASSED For 5 · Against 2 (S. Tucker and J. Jones voted NO)
Intergovernmental Agreement with Town of Elgin (1st Reading):
Council agreed to handle planning, zoning, and permit duties for the Town of Elgin temporarily.
Yes 6 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
The Council approved a first reading of an ordinance authorizing a 90-day intergovernmental agreement with the Town of Elgin. Under the terms of this arrangement, the Kershaw County Planning and Zoning Department will take over specific planning duties, as well as building permit and inspection responsibilities, for new developments occurring within the town limits. This temporary measure is designed to assist Elgin in managing its development workload until they can secure other arrangements or finalize their own administrative staffing. The agreement allows for the delivery and execution of these services for a period not to exceed three months. This partnership highlights the ongoing administrative cooperation between the county and its municipalities to ensure that development standards and public safety inspections remain consistent and efficient for residents and builders alike.
PASSED For 6 · Against 0
Joint Industrial and Business Park Agreement with Lee County (2nd Reading):
Council approved expanding the joint business park to include new property parcels in Kershaw County.
Jobs & economyParks & rec
Yes 6 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
This ordinance facilitates an amendment to the existing joint industrial and business park agreement between Kershaw and Lee counties. The goal is to expand the park's footprint by including specific parcels of real property located within Kershaw County. These joint parks are primary economic development tools, allowing for special tax arrangements that encourage new business investment. The second reading passed unanimously with a 6-0 vote. By incorporating these additional parcels, the county aims to enhance its competitive standing for industrial recruitment and job creation. The expansion process requires formal coordination between the two counties and must adhere to state laws governing the development of multi-county industrial parks. The measure now moves toward final adoption, representing the county's continued commitment to economic growth through regional collaboration.
PASSED For 6 · Against 0
Sale and Conveyance of 205 Sumter Highway (3rd Reading):
Council finalized the sale of county-owned property to the American Battlefield Trust with new restrictions.
Yes 6 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
The Council approved the third and final reading for the sale of approximately 1.76 acres at 205 Sumter Highway to the American Battlefield Trust. During the meeting, Councilman Sammie Tucker successfully introduced an amendment to the purchase agreement, mandating that the property cannot be resold for profit by the Trust and must be used for public benefit. This safeguard ensures the land remains protected in line with the Trust's mission. The total sale was approved unanimously. The county intends to use the proceeds from this transaction to help fund the renovation of other properties recently purchased by the government. This action concludes a multi-step process that began in June, involving careful vetting of the contract terms and discussions regarding the future use of the former Dominion property in the interest of historical preservation and public utility.
PASSED For 6 · Against 0
Who said what
» Sammie Tucker, Jr., Councilman: Proposed the amendment to impose deed restrictions preventing the property from being reconveyed for profit.
Development Impact Fees Ordinance (3rd Reading):
Council finalized a new ordinance imposing impact fees on all new development in unincorporated areas.
Development
Yes 5 · No 1
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How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✗ Jimmy JonesWhat this was about
After a third reading, the Council passed an ordinance establishing development impact fees for all new construction in unincorporated Kershaw County. The fees are designed to ensure that developers contribute to the infrastructure strain caused by new residential and commercial growth, as permitted under the South Carolina Development Impact Fee Act. Councilman Brant Tomlinson successfully added an amendment to delay the first year of eligible Parks and Recreation project expenditures until fiscal year 2026-2027, ensuring the revenue is properly accounted for in the county's budget cycles. The fees will target projects like airport expansions and community parks. While the measure passed 5-1, Councilman Jimmy Jones opposed the move throughout the process, citing concerns about the financial burden on development. The county will now begin mandatory yearly reporting of fee collections and appropriations as required by state law.
PASSED For 5 · Against 1 (J. Jones voted NO)
Who said what
» Brant Tomlinson, Councilman: Explained that impact fee revenues should wait for the next fiscal year to ensure proper budget appropriation.
» Jimmy Jones, Councilman: Voted against the ordinance and the amendments, expressing persistent opposition to the implementation of impact fees.
Effective Date for Impact Fees (Motion):
Council voted to make the newly approved development impact fees effective immediately.
Yes 5 · No 1
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How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✗ Jimmy JonesWhat this was about
Following the approval of the impact fee ordinance, the Council held a separate motion to determine when the fees would officially take effect. Councilman Derek Shoemake moved to make the fees effective immediately upon adoption. The motion passed 5-1, with Councilman Jimmy Jones casting the only dissenting vote. This decision means that any new development applications submitted after the meeting date will be subject to the newly established fee schedule. The immediate implementation is part of the county's strategy to capture revenue from current growth trends and prevent a rush of applications intended to avoid the new costs. The county staff will now be tasked with notifying developers and the building community of the immediate change in policy as the new regulatory framework takes hold across the unincorporated areas of the county.
PASSED For 5 · Against 1 (J. Jones voted NO)
Moratorium on Subdivision Applications (3rd Reading):
Council passed a 255-day moratorium on processing subdivision applications for more than five residential lots.
Development
Yes 4 · No 1
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How they voted
✗ J. JonesWhat this was about
The Council finalized a moratorium on new subdivision applications for residential projects exceeding five lots in unincorporated areas. Councilman Derek Shoemake significantly amended the ordinance during the meeting, extending the duration from 180 to 255 days to allow sufficient time for the Planning Commission to complete a review of land development regulations. The moratorium also invokes the 'pending ordinance doctrine' to prevent applicants from circumventing the new rules while they are under consideration. The measure passed 4-1, with Councilman Jimmy Jones dissenting. This move is intended to temporarily pause development pressure and give officials breathing room to update the county's comprehensive plan and zoning codes. During the debate, an attempt by Councilman Jones to propose a shorter 6-month moratorium failed due to a lack of a second, leaving the 255-day version as the final policy.
PASSED For 4 · Against 1 (J. Jones voted NO)
Who said what
» Derek Shoemake, Councilman: Highlighted that the extension to 255 days provides appropriate time to study the cumulative impact of residential developments.
» Jimmy Jones, Councilman: Argued in favor of a 180-day limit and expressed concern over the impact the pause would have on development.
Master Equipment Lease Purchase Agreement for Fire Service (Resolution):
Council approved financing a new pumper truck for the fire service at a total of $869,100.
EMS & fireCounty property
Yes 6 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
The Council adopted a resolution to enter into a master equipment lease purchase agreement with Community Leasing Partners to finance a new pumper truck for the Kershaw County Fire Service. The truck, which became available at an advantageous price because a previous entity declined the purchase, will be financed at an interest rate of 4.69 percent over five years. The total principal amount is $869,100, with payments scheduled to commence in the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The county is utilizing capital reserve funds to support this commitment, ensuring the fire department receives critical, modern equipment without immediate strain on the current budget. The move was praised by Council members as a fiscally responsible way to acquire necessary emergency resources. This lease agreement underscores the county's priority to maintain high-quality public safety services while leveraging cooperative purchasing to save taxpayer money.
PASSED For 6 · Against 0
Who said what
» Danny Templar, County Administrator: Noted the pumper truck was available at an incredible price after another entity decided not to purchase it.
Airport Hanger 2 and 3 Roof Repairs (Approval):
Council approved a contract for roof repairs at Woodward Field Airport hangars for $334,284.
Yes 6 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
Council approved a staff recommendation to award a contract to Johnson-Laux Construction for roof repairs on Hangars 2 and 3 at Woodward Field Airport. The project, totaling $334,284.47, is being handled through Gordian’s ezIQC cooperative purchasing solution, which allows the county to access competitively awarded contractors and streamline the procurement process. This method was previously used successfully for the Detention Center and Hangar 1. The price proposal was reviewed by staff to ensure it aligns with the Construction Task Catalog pricing. The expenditure is within the allocated budget line item of $334,272. By utilizing this procurement method, the county avoids traditional bidding delays and ensures the work can begin quickly. These repairs are essential for preserving county-owned aviation facilities and ensuring the longevity of the infrastructure used by local pilots and the airport at large.
PASSED For 6 · Against 0
Discussed, no vote ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Council members and staff discussed the ongoing stormwater issues at the Pecan Orchard subdivision. Councilman Tucker noted that the Finance Committee is scheduled to meet on July 30 at 4:00 p.m. to explore potential solutions for the residents.
Public comment ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Several residents signed in to address the Council regarding civics education workshops, the proposed moratorium, and the new impact fee ordinances.
Coming up ▸ tap to showtap to hide
The next Finance Committee meeting is scheduled for July 30, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. to address specific community infrastructure concerns.
This is an independent summary prepared from the county's official published minutes, not an official county communication.