How they voted - unanimous

What this was about

This ordinance initiates the first reading of an agreement to provide Special Source Revenue Credits (SSRC) to a company identified as Project Gemstone. These credits are a standard economic development tool used to incentivize business investment within the county. By providing these financial credits, the county aims to encourage the expansion or location of industrial property, which is expected to bolster the local tax base and create employment opportunities. This measure follows an executive session where Council discussed industrial expansion plans. As a first reading, this vote serves as the preliminary step in the legislative process; no final financial impact can be confirmed until subsequent readings and public review. The Council voted 5-0 to approve the measure, with one member absent. This agreement will continue to undergo further legislative scrutiny to ensure all terms align with the county's economic development goals before final adoption.

How they voted - unanimous

What this was about

This ordinance approves the first reading of an amendment to the Joint Industrial Park Agreement between Kershaw and Fairfield Counties. The amendment expands the geographic boundaries of the existing industrial park to include new real property associated with Project Gemstone. This strategic expansion is essential for the county to offer the necessary economic incentives to the project developers. The park arrangement allows both Kershaw and Fairfield counties to share in the tax revenues generated by businesses within the park, facilitating a collaborative approach to regional economic growth. The proposal came before Council as part of a broader development strategy discussed during the executive session. Council members passed the first reading with a 5-0 vote, indicating preliminary support for the boundary modification. Following this approval, the measure will move forward through the standard legislative process, requiring further readings and eventual final adoption by the Council.

How they voted - unanimous

What this was about

This ordinance represents the third and final reading of the lease agreement for Clemson University Cooperative Extension to operate a branch office at 632 W. Dekalb Street. The Council voted 5-0 to approve the measure. This lease formalizes the Clemson Extension's continued presence in the county-owned facility, ensuring the organization has a dedicated space to provide agricultural and educational services to Kershaw County residents. The passage of this third reading concludes the legislative process for this specific lease, which has been reviewed over several meetings. By securing this branch office, the county maintains vital agricultural extension support, which is a staple of local rural service delivery. With all readings now complete, the lease agreement is officially enacted, solidifying the professional relationship between the county and the university cooperative extension service for the coming years.

How they voted - unanimous

How they voted - unanimous

What this was about

The Council approved the second reading of an ordinance authorizing the issuance of up to $2 million in general obligation bonds for wastewater infrastructure. These funds are designated for rehabilitating and improving sewage lines, specifically targeting the Lugoff and Elgin areas to address persistent odor issues and aging infrastructure. County Administrator Danny Templar clarified that this bond issue utilizes existing debt capacity and will not result in any property tax or fee increases for residents. The project is part of a longer-term $12 million rehabilitation plan expected to span six years. The vote passed 5-0, reflecting Council's commitment to critical utility maintenance. Councilman Brant Tomlinson and Administrator Templar emphasized that this is a necessary investment in the county's core utilities. The measure now moves toward final approval, ensuring the county can proceed with much-needed engineering fixes for the regional sewer system without burdening the local tax base.

Who said what

How they voted

What this was about

The Council approved the second reading of an ordinance to amend Chapter 6 of the County Code, specifically regarding the Building Codes Board of Adjustments and Appeals. The primary goal is to align the county's administrative appeal procedures with the International Building Code (IBC). Previously, the county had set extremely specific, exacting qualifications for board members - such as requiring multiple professional engineers or architects - which made it difficult to find residents willing and able to serve, effectively stalling the board. By relaxing these standards to match the IBC, the county aims to make the board functional again while streamlining the appeals process for residents and contractors. The Council passed the measure 4-1, with Councilman Jimmy Jones casting the dissenting vote. This ordinance serves as a housekeeping measure to reduce unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles and ensure the county maintains a functioning building regulatory body that complies with state requirements.

Who said what

How they voted - unanimous

How they voted - unanimous

What this was about

The Council unanimously adopted the Santee-Lynches Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan for 2026-2030, a project coordinated by the Santee-Lynches Council of Governments (COG). The plan is required by FEMA and the South Carolina Emergency Management Division to maintain the county's eligibility for disaster-related grant funding. Jeff Parkey from the COG explained that the plan identifies and prepares for natural hazards such as flooding, drought, and severe weather. It includes critical local data on evacuation plans, emergency shelters, and infrastructure improvements like vegetation management and ditch cleaning. The project, funded by a FEMA grant, ensures Kershaw County remains prepared for emergencies and eligible for federal funds should a disaster strike. This resolution solidifies the county's partnership with regional entities to provide a safer environment through preemptive hazard assessment. It is a critical governance step that supports the county's emergency management director, Will Glover, in his work to protect people and property.

Who said what

How they voted - unanimous

What this was about

The Council reappointed several volunteers to the Library Board and the Clean Commission, ensuring continued community leadership on these important local bodies. Virginia Long was reappointed to the Clean Commission for District 2, while Ed Garrison (At-Large), Christine Crissell (District 2), and Bob Giangiorgi (District 6) were reappointed to the Library Board. These volunteers play a vital role in maintaining the quality of county parks and library services, and the Council took a moment to express gratitude for their service, noting that such roles are often thankless but produce significant results. Appointments for District 3 and 6 on the Clean Commission were deferred to the June 23 meeting to ensure proper applicant coordination. The Council reaffirmed its commitment to community-led governance through these consistent reappointments.