The headline
Council advances FY27 county budget. Council passed the ordinance; the main debate." style="border-bottom:1px dotted #9db9dd;cursor:help;text-decoration:none;">second reading of the county’s FY27 budget, which maintains the current millage rate. The budget process included a successful amendment to adjust specific fire service and personnel line items to correct clerical errors from the initial draft.
FY27 Budget Appropriations (2nd Reading):
Council passed the second reading of the FY27 budget, which keeps millage rates flat.
Taxes & budgetSchools
Yes 6 · No 1
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How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✗ R. BrazellWhat this was about
Council advanced the second reading of the FY27 budget ordinance, which maintains the current millage rate for the coming fiscal year. The budget process includes specific adjustments for fire services and personnel line items to rectify clerical errors found in the initial draft. During the meeting, Council approved a series of amendments offered by Councilman Sammie Tucker, which adjusted fire service provisos and parcel fees to ensure the financial documents were accurate. The budget also formally incorporates the school district's request for operating millage. Council members praised the staff for their work in preparing a balanced budget without a tax increase. The motion passed 6-1, with Councilman Russell Brazell voting against the measure. The final reading and adoption of the budget are expected to occur at the next regular council meeting.
PASSED For 6 · Against 1 (R. Brazell voted NO). The budget maintains the current millage rate and incorporates the school district's request
Who said what
» Sammie Tucker, Councilman: This budget is not everything we need to be successful, but it is going to make us in a better spot.
Votes at a glance ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Master Plan Development Overlay District (1st Reading):
This ordinance creates a new zoning tool, the Master Planned Development District, for future 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✗ J. JonesWhat this was about
This ordinance introduces a 'Master Planned Development District' (MPD) as a new tool in the county’s zoning code. Unlike the current Planned Development District (PDD), which mandates a non-residential component, an MPD offers a more flexible zoning option for developers. The measure is designed to provide predictability in development projects while maintaining design flexibility. By adopting this tool, the county aims to lock developers into specific site plans, often coupled with development agreements, to ensure construction follows a set schedule. This oversight grants the government 'contractual hooks' to ensure projects are built as intended. The measure passed its first reading by a 6-1 vote, with Councilman Jimmy Jones casting the dissenting vote. The item will now proceed to the Planning Commission for further refinement and review before returning to Council for subsequent readings.
PASSED For 6 · Against 1 (J. Jones voted NO). This creates a new zoning tool for development projects
Who said what
» Legal Counsel: A Master Plan Development is a zoning tool that allows some predictability but flexibility in design by locking the developer into a specific plan.
$2M Wastewater Infrastructure Bond (1st Reading):
Council approved a $2M bond to fund wastewater infrastructure repairs along the Highway 1 corridor.
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✗ R. BrazellWhat this was about
Council approved the first reading of an ordinance authorizing up to $2 million in general obligation bonds for wastewater infrastructure. These funds are designated for rehabilitating aging sewer lines along the Highway 1 corridor, a system the county inherited that requires significant maintenance. County staff noted that this infrastructure has caused ongoing odor complaints and maintenance challenges. The bond is structured as a four-year term and is intended to be the first phase of a broader 12-million-dollar, six-year repair project. County officials emphasized that this debt will be covered by existing capacity in the county's debt millage, meaning no tax increase for residents. Councilman Russell Brazell cast the lone dissenting vote, expressing a preference for exploring cash-reserve funding options over borrowing. The ordinance will move forward to subsequent readings, with additional opportunities for public input and potential amendments.
PASSED For 6 · Against 1 (R. Brazell voted NO). This bond funds legacy sewer line repairs along the Highway 1 corridor
Who said what
» Danny Templar, County Administrator: This is a cornerstone public safety issue that allows us to address repairs without raising millage.
» Russell Brazell, Vice-Chairman: I would like to see an option to pay for these needs in cash over the next 24 to 36 months.
Building Codes Board of Adjustments and Appeals Amendment (1st Reading):
This amendment simplifies board qualification requirements to align with the International Building Code.
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✗ J. JonesWhat this was about
This ordinance updates Chapter 6 of the County Code to align appeal procedures with the International Building Code (IBC). Previously, the county enforced very specific and onerous qualifications for those serving on the Building Codes Board of Adjustments and Appeals, which made it difficult to keep the board fully impaneled. The amendment broadens these requirements to mirror the standard IBC language, ensuring the county can consistently maintain the necessary membership to hear appeals. The measure also cleans up terminology regarding violations, permit cancellations, and legal status. Council passed the first reading with a 6-1 vote, with Councilman Jimmy Jones opposed. The changes are expected to streamline the appointment process for volunteers serving on the board, making it easier for the county to fulfill its state-mandated obligations.
PASSED For 6 · Against 1 (J. Jones voted NO). This aligns county appeal procedures with the International Building Code
FY27 Budget Appropriations (2nd Reading):
Council passed the second reading of the FY27 budget, which keeps millage rates flat.
Taxes & budgetSchools
Yes 6 · No 1
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How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✗ R. BrazellWhat this was about
Council advanced the second reading of the FY27 budget ordinance, which maintains the current millage rate for the coming fiscal year. The budget process includes specific adjustments for fire services and personnel line items to rectify clerical errors found in the initial draft. During the meeting, Council approved a series of amendments offered by Councilman Sammie Tucker, which adjusted fire service provisos and parcel fees to ensure the financial documents were accurate. The budget also formally incorporates the school district's request for operating millage. Council members praised the staff for their work in preparing a balanced budget without a tax increase. The motion passed 6-1, with Councilman Russell Brazell voting against the measure. The final reading and adoption of the budget are expected to occur at the next regular council meeting.
PASSED For 6 · Against 1 (R. Brazell voted NO). The budget maintains the current millage rate and incorporates the school district's request
Who said what
» Sammie Tucker, Councilman: This budget is not everything we need to be successful, but it is going to make us in a better spot.
Clemson University Cooperative Extension Lease (2nd Reading):
Council passed the second reading of a lease agreement for the Clemson Extension branch office.
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
Council approved the second reading of an ordinance to lease county-owned property located at 632 West DeKalb Street in Camden to the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service. The lease formalizes the relationship and outlines the obligations between the county and the extension service, which operates a branch office at that location. This action is part of an ongoing effort by the county to organize and clarify property lease agreements across various agencies. The move passed with a unanimous vote. The lease ensures that the Cooperative Extension can continue providing essential agricultural and educational outreach services to Kershaw County residents while establishing clear terms for the county's responsibility regarding the facility.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Joint Industrial Park Boundary Reduction (3rd Reading):
This ordinance reduces 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
Council unanimously approved the third and final reading of an ordinance to reduce the boundaries of the Joint Industrial and Business Park shared by Kershaw and Fairfield Counties. The amendment formally removes specific properties from the park's geographic footprint. This is a routine economic development action that ensures the park boundaries accurately reflect current economic development activity and land usage. By finalizing the third reading, the ordinance now moves toward formal enactment. This change does not impact the ongoing partnership or the tax incentives associated with the remaining areas within the park. The unanimous support from Council reflects the administrative nature of this adjustment, which is intended to streamline legal and industrial park governance.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Off-Street Parking Regulations Amendment (3rd Reading):
Council approved regulations limiting on-street parking in new major subdivisions to one side of the street.
DevelopmentRoads
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
Council approved the third reading of an ordinance amending off-street parking regulations for major subdivisions. The ordinance, as amended during the meeting, mandates that on-street parking in new major subdivisions must be limited to one side of the road. This change was driven by concerns from residents, emergency services, and the school district regarding road congestion and the ability of buses and fire trucks to navigate safely through new residential developments. Council also opted to remove previously proposed off-street parking requirements, focusing instead on the on-street parking limitation as a compromise. Enforcement of the new rule will be managed primarily through Homeowners' Association (HOA) covenants. The measure passed unanimously, marking a significant step in the county's efforts to regulate residential growth and improve safety in larger subdivisions.
PASSED (Unanimous). As amended, this limits on-street parking in major subdivisions to one side of the road
Who said what
» Derek Shoemake, Councilman: This gives us the ability to keep those streets clear, which is really a public safety thing.
Airport Advisory Commission Appointment (Chris Anderson):
Council unanimously appointed Chris Anderson to the Airport Advisory Commission.
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
Council unanimously appointed Chris Anderson to the Kershaw County Airport Advisory Commission. Mr. Anderson previously served on the commission and fulfilled his full term, requiring a one-year break before he could be considered for reappointment. Having satisfied the mandatory break period, the Council moved forward with the appointment to bring his expertise back to the board. Mr. Anderson is noted for his engagement and familiarity with airport operations. This appointment is expected to provide stability and continuity for the commission as it continues to advise the county on airport maintenance and development needs.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Airport Advisory Commission Reappointment (Mike Borowski):
Council unanimously reappointed Mike Borowski to the Airport Advisory Commission.
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
Council unanimously reappointed Mike Borowski to the Airport Advisory Commission. The reappointment confirms his continued service on the board, which provides guidance on airport affairs. Councilman Jimmy Jones, who introduced the motion for reappointment, praised Mr. Borowski and the commission members for their collaborative work and dedication to the county's airport facility. The reappointment underscores Council’s support for the current direction of the Airport Advisory Commission.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Who said what
» Jimmy Jones, Councilman: Mike has done a fantastic job at the airport, and I am privileged and honored to support him tonight.
Discussed, no vote ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Historical Marker at Veterans Park: A resolution authorizing the National Society of Colonial Dames to place a marker commemorating Camden Ferry #1 was adopted unanimously (Note: The vote occurred after the resolution was moved up in the agenda).
- Kershaw County School District Budget: Council received a presentation on the school district's FY27 operating millage and formally voted to accept the proposed budget into the county's third reading process.
- Artwork Protection: A resolution regarding the protection of county-owned art was discussed but deferred to a future meeting for refinement.
- Homestead Exemption Resolution: A resolution encouraging the General Assembly to increase the homestead exemption FAILED For 3 · Against 4 (Shoemake, Tucker, Connell, and Catoe voted NO).
Public comment ▸ tap to showtap to hide
One resident, Mr. Bronson, spoke during public comment regarding the potential for increasing school impact fees for new residential developments, suggesting that higher impact fees could incentivize custom home building and better support school infrastructure.
Coming up ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- 3rd Reading of FY27 Budget: Scheduled for the next regular council meeting.
- Resolution on Artwork Protection: To be revisited at a future meeting.
- Memorial Resolution: A resolution to memorialize the late Genie Potter will be considered at the next meeting.
Independent summary, generated from the county's public video, not an official county communication.