Council approved the final reading of the updated Kershaw County Comprehensive Plan, marking the first major update to the county's long-term land-use blueprint in 20 years
The plan provides a policy framework to manage future growth, infrastructure, and zoning, and will serve as a foundational guide for the upcoming rewrite of the county's zoning regulations.
10 votes10 passed
The vote behind the headline
Kershaw County Comprehensive Plan (3rd Reading):Council passed the final reading of the new long-term land-use plan.
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.
The adoption of the Kershaw County Comprehensive Plan concludes a multi-year effort to update the county's primary document for managing land use, infrastructure, and growth. This plan provides the policy framework that will guide the upcoming rewrite of the county's zoning and land development regulations. During the meeting, Council members clarified that an inquiry regarding the historical accuracy of a local landmark (the field noted as the second oldest in the nation) was resolved; it is confirmed as the third oldest in the country and second oldest in the state, so the plan remains accurate. Council emphasized that the plan is a living document that can be amended as needed over time. The approval process involved several public workshops and hearings dating back to 2022. The plan is designed to balance economic growth with the preservation of the county's character while addressing future challenges like traffic management.
Rezoning 0.50 Acre Parcel on Skyview Drive (2nd Reading):Council approved the second reading to rezone a 0.5-acre property on Skyview Drive from residential to business.Development
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.
This measure rezones a 0.50-acre parcel located at 1306 Skyview Drive from R-10 (Medium Density Residential) to B-2 (General Business). The applicant, Pastor Marvin Jones of Second Chance Fellowship, requested the change to allow for the expansion of church facilities, community outreach services, and to ensure compliance with insurance and local regulations. While the applicant specifically plans to use the land to support church-related community missions, the Council emphasized that this is a general use rezoning. Consequently, if the third reading passes, the property could be used for any B-2 permitted use. The Planning Commission recommended approval by a 6-0 vote on September 8, 2025. Council members expressed strong support for the church's work in the community during the meeting, noting the parcel's small size and its proximity to existing B-2 zoned properties, which mitigates concerns regarding spot zoning. The third and final reading is expected at the November 18 meeting.
Joint Multi-County Business Park Agreement (3rd Reading):Council finalized the agreement to update the multi-county business park with Lee County.Jobs & economyParks & rec
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.
This ordinance authorizes the third reading of an amended agreement to create a joint multi-county business park with Lee County. The agreement establishes a legal framework for distributing fees in lieu of ad valorem taxes and facilitates the provision of job tax credits for industries that locate within the park. By participating in this joint venture, Kershaw County can offer economic development incentives that might otherwise be unavailable. The park, established under state law, includes specific parcels in both Kershaw and Lee Counties. This update serves to formalize the boundary expansions and revenue distribution agreements previously negotiated by the two county councils. As a third reading, this vote completes the legislative process for this agreement. No public opposition was noted during the proceedings, and the move is intended to continue supporting local economic growth and industrial recruitment efforts.
The adoption of the Kershaw County Comprehensive Plan concludes a multi-year effort to update the county's primary document for managing land use, infrastructure, and growth. This plan provides the policy framework that will guide the upcoming rewrite of the county's zoning and land development regulations. During the meeting, Council members clarified that an inquiry regarding the historical accuracy of a local landmark (the field noted as the second oldest in the nation) was resolved; it is confirmed as the third oldest in the country and second oldest in the state, so the plan remains accurate. Council emphasized that the plan is a living document that can be amended as needed over time. The approval process involved several public workshops and hearings dating back to 2022. The plan is designed to balance economic growth with the preservation of the county's character while addressing future challenges like traffic management.
Lanny Gunter was reappointed to the Kershaw County Planning Commission representing District 6. Councilman Danny Catoe, who made the motion, highlighted Gunter's service to the community and his role as a youth pastor. The appointment was approved unanimously.
Recreation Advisory Commission Reappointment of Rick Jay (District 1):Council reappointed Rick Jay to the Recreation Advisory Commission.Parks & recAppointments
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.
Rick Jay was reappointed to the Recreation Advisory Commission for District 1. Vice Chairman Russell Brazell noted that Jay has played a vital role in the county's ongoing recreation development projects and expressed a desire for him to see those efforts through to completion.
Mason Wolf was reappointed to the Planning Commission for District 1. Wolf, who previously served out the remainder of a vacated term, will now serve a full term. Council members praised his commitment to community service, specifically highlighting his family's role in local river cleanup initiatives.
Following an executive session, Council authorized the County Administrator to execute all necessary documents to settle the pending litigation known as Hintier v. Kershaw County. The specific terms of the settlement were discussed during the closed session.
Council voted to ratify the standing authorization for local outside counsel to execute settlement agreements regarding opioid litigation cases on behalf of the county. The Chairman noted that these settlements have historically provided recurring revenue for the county, and this vote ensures the legal team can act as new settlements arise.
Decommissioning and Dedication of Sand Ridge Sewer Station (Executive Session):Council approved a plan to decommission an old sewer station in exchange for a new one.Water & sewer
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.
Council authorized the County Administrator to decommission an older sewer pump station that had been the source of frequent odor complaints. In exchange, the county will accept the dedication of a new, modern sewer station constructed within the Sand Ridge subdivision. This upgrade is intended to improve sewage infrastructure in the area.
County Administrator Contract Renewal (Executive Session):Council approved a one-year contract renewal for County Administrator Danny Templar with a $165,000 annual salary.
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.
The Kershaw County Council voted to renew the employment contract for County Administrator Danny Templar. The new contract term begins on October 15, 2025, and continues through October 15, 2026. The terms include a base annual salary of $165,000, along with a $9,600 annual vehicle allowance. The agreement features one-year renewal options and includes a provision allowing either party to cancel the contract with 60 days of written notice. Council members expressed confidence in Mr. Templar's leadership, specifically noting progress made on detention center population management and ongoing infrastructure projects like Woodward Park. This renewal ensures stability in the administrative office as the county prepares to navigate significant upcoming projects and growth-related challenges over the next year. The motion was made by Councilman Derek Shoemake and seconded by Councilman Brant Tomlinson, passing with a unanimous vote from all members.
Council members received updates on the status of ongoing recreation projects, including the Wateree Boat Ramp and the near-completion of Woodward Park, which is tracking for a January 2026 opening.
Council also discussed the county’s recent ranking as number one in the nation for agricultural profits per capita, noting the importance of supporting the local farming supply chain.
Public comment▸showhide
Residents expressed concerns regarding the environmental impact of data centers on groundwater and aquifers.
Other comments included a request for the county to clarify the legal basis for property tax assessments on split-parcel developments and a supportive note regarding the approval of the Comprehensive Plan, with calls for future boards to remain vigilant about traffic management as growth continues.
Coming up▸showhide
November 18, 2025: Next regularly scheduled Council meeting.
Council will consider the reappointment of Jack Carrington to the Recreation Advisory Commission at the November 18 meeting.
Staff is drafting new text amendments to streamline permitting processes for pole barns and picnic shelters for future consideration.
Independent summary, generated from the county's public video, not an official county communication.
How this recap was made: Prepared from the meeting's live-stream transcript and the official agenda packet. The county's official minutes (the verified vote record) will be cross-checked automatically once the county publishes them, often a couple of months later. 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.
