The headline
Council moves to tackle sewer infrastructure repairs with a $2M bond and advances the FY27 budget. The council voted to approve the first reading of a $2,000,000 bond ordinance to fund necessary wastewater infrastructure repairs, highlighting the need to address aging systems. Additionally, the council passed the second reading of the fiscal year 2027 budget, which maintains current millage rates while incorporating updated provisos and school district allocations.
$2M Wastewater Infrastructure Bond (1st Reading):
Council approved a $2M bond to fund critical wastewater system repairs and infrastructure improvements.
Taxes & budgetWater & sewer
Yes 6 · No 1
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How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✗ Russell BrazellWhat this was about
This ordinance authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $2,000,000 to finance essential wastewater infrastructure and capital projects. County staff emphasized that the system, much of which was acquired from other entities, currently faces significant maintenance needs, particularly along the Highway 1 corridor. The bond issue is designed to be absorbed within the county's existing debt capacity, meaning it will not require an increase in the tax millage rate. The funding will serve as the initial phase of a larger, multi-year $12 million rehabilitation project aimed at addressing long-standing issues like system odors and operational failure. The measure passed on first reading with a 6-1 vote, with Vice Chairman Russell Brazell voting against, and will move forward for further readings before final authorization.
PASSED For 6 · Against 1
Who said what
» Danny Templar Presenter: noted the bond utilizes existing debt capacity without increasing millage rates and addresses urgent legacy infrastructure needs. ▶︎» Jimmy Jones Council Member: recalled the historical struggle to maintain the aging sewer lines and emphasized the need for consistent follow-through on the repair project. ▶︎» Russell Brazell Vice-Chairman: questioned whether cash reserves could be used instead of borrowing to avoid taking on new debt. ▶︎Votes at a glance ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Master Planned Development District Zoning (1st Reading):
Council advanced a new zoning tool allowing for flexible, negotiated land development without required commercial components.
Development
Yes 5 · No 2
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How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✗ Jimmy Jones✗ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
This ordinance creates a Master Planned Development District (MPD), a new zoning overlay intended to provide Kershaw County with greater flexibility in managing development. Unlike existing Planned Development Districts (PDDs), which mandate non-residential components, an MPD functions as a more flexible zoning tool that allows for specific development agreements between the county and a developer. This structure provides predictability for the county while allowing developers more design freedom. The measure was introduced by Vice Chairman Russell Brazell as a way to negotiate specific infrastructure and design standards directly with developers. The council approved the first reading in title only to allow the Planning Commission to review the proposal and provide formal recommendations before it returns for further consideration. Councilman Jimmy Jones cast the sole dissenting vote against the motion to advance the measure.
PASSED For 5 · Against 2
$2M Wastewater Infrastructure Bond (1st Reading):
Council approved a $2M bond to fund critical wastewater system repairs and infrastructure improvements.
Taxes & budgetWater & sewer
Yes 6 · No 1
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How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✗ Russell BrazellWhat this was about
This ordinance authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $2,000,000 to finance essential wastewater infrastructure and capital projects. County staff emphasized that the system, much of which was acquired from other entities, currently faces significant maintenance needs, particularly along the Highway 1 corridor. The bond issue is designed to be absorbed within the county's existing debt capacity, meaning it will not require an increase in the tax millage rate. The funding will serve as the initial phase of a larger, multi-year $12 million rehabilitation project aimed at addressing long-standing issues like system odors and operational failure. The measure passed on first reading with a 6-1 vote, with Vice Chairman Russell Brazell voting against, and will move forward for further readings before final authorization.
PASSED For 6 · Against 1
Who said what
» Danny Templar Presenter: noted the bond utilizes existing debt capacity without increasing millage rates and addresses urgent legacy infrastructure needs. ▶︎» Jimmy Jones Council Member: recalled the historical struggle to maintain the aging sewer lines and emphasized the need for consistent follow-through on the repair project. ▶︎» Russell Brazell Vice-Chairman: questioned whether cash reserves could be used instead of borrowing to avoid taking on new debt. ▶︎
Building Codes Board of Appeals Amendments (1st Reading):
Council amended building code appeal procedures to better align with international standards and simplify board member qualifications.
Development
Yes 6 · No 1
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How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✗ Jimmy JonesWhat this was about
This ordinance amends Chapter 6 of the Kershaw County Code of Ordinances to update administrative appeal procedures for the Building Codes Board of Adjustments and Appeals. County staff explained that existing local ordinances established overly specific qualifications for board members, which made it extremely difficult to maintain a fully staffed board. By conforming the county's regulations to the International Building Code (IBC) standards, the county gains more flexibility in filling seats while maintaining professional oversight. The ordinance also streamlines terminology used throughout the code to ensure consistency with state and international requirements. The measure passed its first reading with a 6-1 vote, with Councilman Jimmy Jones opposing, and is part of a broader ongoing effort to refine administrative processes within the county’s building department.
PASSED For 6 · Against 1
Who said what
» Danny Templar Presenter: explained that the measure simplifies board member qualifications to help the county keep the board fully staffed. ▶︎» Sammie Tucker Jr. Council Member: requested staff assistance for the board secretary to ensure administrative tasks are handled professionally. ▶︎
FY27 Budget Ordinance as Amended (2nd Reading):
Council advanced the $2026-2027 county budget, which maintains existing millage rates and addresses technical scrivener errors.
Taxes & budget
Yes 6 · No 1
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How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✗ Russell BrazellWhat this was about
The council approved the second reading of the fiscal year 2027 budget ordinance after incorporating several technical corrections. These amendments addressed scrivener errors in the provisos, specifically adjusting figures for county personnel allocations, fire service funding, and mileage reimbursement rates. Council members and the administrator confirmed that the budget successfully maintains the current millage rate, relying on natural economic growth to cover operational increases. The budget includes provisions for essential services while avoiding tax hikes, a point emphasized by proponents as evidence of fiscal responsibility. The council expressed gratitude toward finance staff for their work in balancing the budget. The measure passed 6-1, with Vice Chairman Russell Brazell opposing, and is scheduled to proceed to final reading.
PASSED For 6 · Against 1
Clemson University Property Lease at 632 W. Dekalb St. (2nd Reading):
Council approved a lease for the Clemson Extension Office, formalizing operations at the W. Dekalb Street location.
County property
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
This ordinance approves a lease agreement between Kershaw County and the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service for the use of county-owned property at 632 West Dekalb Street. The facility serves as the branch office for the extension, which provides agricultural, 4-H, and community development services to residents. The lease agreement outlines the operational responsibilities and obligations for both the county and Clemson University. This measure is part of a broader administrative initiative to clean up and formalize long-standing lease agreements for various organizations operating within county facilities. The council approved the second reading unanimously, reflecting local support for the extension service's role in the community. No substantive changes were made to the terms of the agreement during the proceedings.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Joint Industrial and Business Park Agreement Amendment (3rd Reading):
Council finalized the amendment to the joint industrial park agreement with Fairfield County to update boundaries.
Jobs & economyParks & rec
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
This ordinance concludes the process of amending the joint industrial and business park agreement between Kershaw and Fairfield counties. The amendment reduces the boundaries of the existing park by removing specific properties located in Kershaw County that are no longer suited for the partnership's industrial development goals. This action is part of the county's routine management of its joint park agreements, which are used to provide tax incentives for economic development projects. No changes were made to the ordinance since its first reading in April, and the council unanimously approved the third and final reading. The agreement remains a vital component of the county’s economic strategy to attract new business and support industrial investment while maintaining inter-county cooperation.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Homestead Exemption Increase Resolution:
The resolution to request a state-level homestead exemption increase failed due to a 3-4 council vote.
Yes 3 · No 4
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How they voted
✓ Russell Brazell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✗ Derek Shoemake✗ Sammie Tucker Jr.✗ Danny Catoe✗ Ben ConnellWhat this was about
This resolution sought to formally urge the South Carolina General Assembly to increase the state-mandated homestead exemption for seniors, veterans, and the legally blind. The sponsor, Vice Chairman Russell Brazell, argued that the exemption has not kept pace with rising property values or inflation, placing a significant financial burden on fixed-income residents. Opponents, including Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr., questioned the efficacy of the resolution, arguing that lobbying for state-level changes should be channeled through the South Carolina Association of Counties rather than individual resolutions. The chairman also noted concerns regarding the potential negative impact on local school district revenue if state reimbursements are not guaranteed. The resolution ultimately failed, with the council splitting 3-4 against the proposal.
FAILED For 3 · Against 4
Who said what
» Russell Brazell Vice-Chairman: argued that the current $50,000 exemption is outdated and failing to provide relief against modern property valuations. ▶︎» Sammie Tucker Jr. Council Member: argued that the resolution ignores established lobbying processes through the Association of Counties. ▶︎» Jimmy Jones Council Member: expressed support for the resolution, viewing it as a symbolic gesture of support for local homeowners. ▶︎
Housekeeping Votes:
The council performed routine administrative tasks, including agenda adoption, minutes approval, and board appointments.
Appointments
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 conducted several housekeeping items to maintain county operations. This included the formal adoption of the meeting agenda (with the historical marker resolution moved to an earlier slot), approval of minutes from the May 12, 2026, meeting, and the reappointment of members to the Airport Advisory Commission. These routine actions ensure that board rosters remain full and that official records accurately reflect council activity. All of these items passed unanimously, reflecting the standard operational procedures that allow the council to focus on major legislative and budget items. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn following the executive session.
PASSED (Unanimous). Includes agenda adoption, meeting minutes, artwork resolution deferral, airport advisory appointments, and adjourning the meeting
Discussed, no vote ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Historical Marker: A resolution authorizing a marker at Veterans Park commemorating the historic Camden Ferry was passed earlier in the meeting.
- Rugley's Mill Painting: The council accepted the donation of a commemorative painting funded by local community sponsors.
- Boat Landing Improvements: Alliance Engineering presented a solution to address low water issues at the boat landing using articulated concrete blocks, which will be referred to the Finance Committee.
- Kershaw County School District Budget: The school district presented its budget, requesting to maintain the existing millage rate of 162.9 mills, which the council voted to accept and incorporate into the third reading of the county budget.
- Artworks Protection: A resolution regarding the preservation of county-owned artwork was discussed and deferred to the June 9 meeting.
Public comment ▸ tap to showtap to hide
One speaker, T. F. D. Brunsal, addressed the council regarding school impact fees and property tax revenue, drawing comparisons between Kershaw County and other districts in the state.
Coming up ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Executive Session follow-up: Further legal briefings on property and industrial development matters.
- Next Meeting: The next council meeting is scheduled for June 9, 2026.
This is an independent summary prepared from the county's official published minutes and the meeting's live stream, not an official county communication.