The headline
Council passes $2 million bond for wastewater infrastructure. The council voted 6-1 to move forward with a bond issuance to fund critical repairs and improvements for the county's aging wastewater system. Officials noted the project is necessary for public safety and that the bond will be funded through existing debt capacity rather than a tax increase.
$2M General Obligation Bond for Wastewater Infrastructure (1st Reading):
Council approved a $2 million bond to fund critical repairs for aging wastewater system infrastructure.
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 up to $2 million in general obligation bonds to finance the acquisition, construction, and rehabilitation of wastewater infrastructure. The project is part of a multi-year effort to address deteriorating sewer lines, particularly along the Highway 1 corridor near the treatment facility, which have required significant maintenance and caused public odor complaints. The county intends to fund these bonds using existing debt capacity, meaning no tax increase is required to cover the debt service. This is the first reading of the ordinance, and Council members emphasized that while this initial $2 million is an important step to initiate a projected $12 million, multi-year repair effort, the county will also aggressively pursue grants and other funding sources, such as the Rural Infrastructure Authority, to minimize reliance on local debt. The vote passed 6-1, with Councilman Russell Brazell casting the lone dissenting vote.
PASSED For 6 · Against 1
Votes at a glance ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Master Planned Development Zoning Overlay (1st Reading):
Council approved a new zoning overlay to provide more development flexibility for major residential projects.
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 creates a Master Planned Development District (MPD) as a new zoning overlay within the county's unified code. It functions similarly to existing Planned Development Districts (PDDs) by offering flexibility in site design and development standards, but it lacks the statutory requirement for a non-residential component. The measure effectively allows Council to negotiate specific development agreements, including infrastructure and fee structures, on a project-by-project basis. This proposal follows recent discussions regarding growth management, with Council intending to refer the ordinance to the Planning Commission for study and recommendation before returning for subsequent readings. During the May 26 session, the ordinance passed its first reading in title only by a 6-1 vote, with Councilman Jimmy Jones dissenting. The proposal is viewed as an additional tool for the county to ensure future residential developments align with community standards and infrastructure capacity.
PASSED For 6 · Against 1
$2M General Obligation Bond for Wastewater Infrastructure (1st Reading):
Council approved a $2 million bond to fund critical repairs for aging wastewater system infrastructure.
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 up to $2 million in general obligation bonds to finance the acquisition, construction, and rehabilitation of wastewater infrastructure. The project is part of a multi-year effort to address deteriorating sewer lines, particularly along the Highway 1 corridor near the treatment facility, which have required significant maintenance and caused public odor complaints. The county intends to fund these bonds using existing debt capacity, meaning no tax increase is required to cover the debt service. This is the first reading of the ordinance, and Council members emphasized that while this initial $2 million is an important step to initiate a projected $12 million, multi-year repair effort, the county will also aggressively pursue grants and other funding sources, such as the Rural Infrastructure Authority, to minimize reliance on local debt. The vote passed 6-1, with Councilman Russell Brazell casting the lone dissenting vote.
PASSED For 6 · Against 1
Building Codes Board of Adjustments and Appeals Amendment (1st Reading):
Council updated building board requirements to better align with international codes and simplify appointments.
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 County Code to bring the local Building Codes Board of Adjustments and Appeals into compliance with current International Building Code (IBC) standards. The previous county regulations contained highly specific and granular qualification requirements for board members, which made it difficult to find volunteers and keep the board impaneled. By aligning the code more closely with the IBC, the county gains greater flexibility in appointing qualified citizens to serve on the board. The measure also cleans up language regarding administrative appeal procedures and uniform terminology. The ordinance passed its first reading by a 6-1 vote, with Councilman Jimmy Jones opposed. The shift is expected to improve administrative efficiency by ensuring the board remains fully staffed while maintaining the necessary professional expertise to oversee building code disputes.
PASSED For 6 · Against 1
FY27 Budget Ordinance (2nd Reading):
Council advanced the fiscal year 2027 budget, which maintains current millage rates without tax increases.
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
This ordinance provides budget appropriations for county operations for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026. The budget was advanced on second reading following a series of technical amendments aimed at correcting administrative errors in the initial draft, such as fixing transposed figures in fire service provisos and operational line items. A key highlight emphasized by Council members is that the budget maintains existing millage rates, meaning there is no tax increase for residents. The county utilized growth in property assessments to balance the budget and ensure necessary public services remain fully funded. Staff and Council members engaged in extensive work to ensure the financial plan is sustainable while continuing support for departments like emergency services and the school district. The ordinance passed 6-1, with Councilman Russell Brazell opposed, moving the budget one step closer to final adoption.
PASSED For 6 · Against 1
Lease of 632 W. Dekalb Street to Clemson Extension (2nd Reading):
Council approved a lease agreement for the Clemson Extension to operate an office at 632 W. Dekalb Street.
RoadsCounty 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 authorizes a formal lease agreement between Kershaw County and the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service for the use of county-owned property at 632 West Dekalb Street in Camden. The extension office provides vital agricultural and educational services to the community, and this lease formalizes the operational responsibilities and obligations between the parties. The move is part of an ongoing county effort to clean up and regularize various property leases involving local partners. By formalizing this agreement, the county ensures the extension office can continue its branch operations effectively while maintaining clear accountability for maintenance and facility use. The ordinance passed unanimously on its second reading. Council members noted the value of the services Clemson Extension provides to local residents and highlighted the importance of establishing structured agreements for all county-owned properties used by partner organizations.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Joint Industrial Park Agreement Amendment with Fairfield County (3rd Reading):
Council finalized an amendment to reduce the boundaries of the joint industrial park with Fairfield County.
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 grants final approval to amend the agreement for the development of a joint industrial and business park between Kershaw County and Fairfield County. The amendment formally reduces the boundaries of the existing park by removing certain properties that are currently located in Kershaw County. This action is part of the county's routine management of economic development assets, ensuring that park boundaries accurately reflect current industrial development needs and tax revenue sharing agreements. No substantive changes were made to the ordinance since its first reading in mid-April. With the passage of this third reading, the agreement is now finalized, allowing the county to proceed with the administrative adjustments required to release the specified properties from the park designation. The ordinance passed by a unanimous vote, reflecting consensus on the adjustments to the park's geographic footprint.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Homestead Exemption Increase Resolution:
A resolution urging the state to increase the homestead exemption failed in a 3-4 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 enact legislation increasing the statutory homestead exemption for seniors and individuals who are totally and permanently disabled or legally blind. The measure was proposed as a response to rising property market values and the resulting increased tax burden on primary residents. Proponents argued that the current $50,000 exemption has not kept pace with inflation and that the county should take a leadership role in advocating for taxpayer relief. Opponents, however, questioned the efficacy of the resolution, noting that the county cannot unilaterally change state law and suggesting that advocacy should instead be channeled through formal organizations like the South Carolina Association of Counties. The resolution failed in a 3-4 vote, with Council members split on whether a direct resolution to the state was the most effective approach for achieving property tax relief.
FAILED For 3 · Against 4
Who said what
» Russell Brazell Vice-Chairman: Argued the current exemption has not been updated since 2000 and is overdue for a massive increase. ▶︎» Sammie Tucker Jr. Council Member: Stated he preferred to advocate through formal state-level committee processes rather than an independent resolution. ▶︎Discussed, no vote ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Historical Marker: Council passed a resolution authorizing the National Society Colonial Dames to place a marker at Veterans Park commemorating the historic Camden Ferry No. 1.
- Rugley’s Mill Painting: A commemorative painting was donated to the county via community sponsorships and formally presented to the council.
- Boat Landing Repairs: Alliance Engineering presented a plan to install articulated concrete mats at Veterans Park to improve boat launching during low-water conditions; the project was referred to the finance committee.
- Artwork Safeguards: A resolution regarding the preservation and security of county-owned artwork was deferred to the June 9 meeting.
- School District Budget: Superintendent Dr. Harrison Goodwin presented the school district's operating budget, which the council voted to accept and incorporate into the third reading of the county budget.
- Appointments: Chris Anderson was appointed and Mike Borowski was reappointed to the Airport Advisory Commission.
Public comment ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Ted Bronson spoke regarding the potential for school impact fees, citing growth management strategies used in other districts as a model for addressing infrastructure needs.
Coming up ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- June 9, 2026: Further discussion on artwork preservation policies and additional county property lease agreements.
This is an independent summary prepared from the county's official published minutes and the meeting's live stream, not an official county communication.