The headline
Council approved a $2 million general obligation bond to begin critical upgrades to the county’s wastewater infrastructure. The bond will fund an initial phase of rehabilitating sewer lines, specifically targeting odor and infrastructure concerns in the Lugoff and Elgin areas. County officials confirmed the project will proceed without any increase to property taxes or user fees.
$2M General Obligation Bond for Wastewater Infrastructure (2nd Reading):
Council approved the second reading of a $2 million bond issue for wastewater infrastructure improvements.
Taxes & budgetWater & sewer
Yes 5 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ 5 members voted yesThe official minutes recorded this vote as a count without listing each member by name.
What this was about
Council voted 5-0 to approve the second reading of an ordinance authorizing a $2 million General Obligation Bond for wastewater infrastructure. These funds will target sewer line rehabilitation in the Lugoff and Elgin areas to resolve ongoing odor and infrastructure issues. County Administrator Danny Templar confirmed that this bond will not result in any increase to property taxes or user fees for residents. This is part of a larger, long-term plan estimated at $12 million over six years to modernize the system. By utilizing the county's existing debt capacity, the Council aims to address these critical maintenance needs without placing an additional financial burden on taxpayers. A final third reading is expected at the next scheduled meeting.
PASSED For 5 · Against 0
Votes at a glance ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Adoption of Agenda, Proclamations, Minutes, and Adjournment:
Council adopted the evening's agenda and approved routine minutes and ceremonial proclamations.
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 meeting agenda and reviewed minutes from the May 26, 2026, session. The meeting included proclamations recognizing June 2026 as Forging Strong Fathers and Families Month and honoring the 40th anniversary of Elgin Pharmacy. The session concluded with a formal adjournment after addressing all scheduled business, including economic development and infrastructure ordinances. These procedural items ensure the Council remains in compliance with state regulations regarding public meeting transparency and record-keeping. The adoption of the agenda and approval of minutes are standard operational procedures that allow Council to conduct its legislative business effectively.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Special Source Revenue Credit Agreement for Project Gemstone (1st Reading):
Council approved the first reading of an agreement to provide economic development incentives to Project Gemstone.
Taxes & budget
Yes 5 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Jimmy JonesWhat this was about
Council voted 5-0 on the first reading of an ordinance authorizing a Special Source Revenue Credit (SSRC) agreement with a company identified as Project Gemstone. These credits are a form of economic incentive designed to encourage business investment and job creation within the county. The measure was heard in title only, consistent with the initial stage of the legislative process. Detailed information regarding the nature of the company and specific incentive amounts were discussed in executive session to protect proprietary business information. This is the first of three required readings before the agreement can be finalized. Council will revisit the ordinance at future meetings, following additional public review and potential legislative adjustments.
PASSED For 5 · Against 0
About this project: Project Gemstone »
Joint Industrial Park Agreement for Project Gemstone (1st Reading):
Council approved the first reading of an ordinance expanding a joint industrial park to support Project Gemstone.
Jobs & economyParks & rec
Yes 5 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Jimmy JonesWhat this was about
Council voted 5-0 to approve the first reading of an ordinance amending the Joint Industrial Park agreement between Kershaw and Fairfield Counties. This amendment expands the industrial park's boundaries to include specific real property associated with Project Gemstone. By including this property in the joint park, the county can leverage regional tax structures to facilitate the project's development. This is a common mechanism used by South Carolina counties to cooperate on economic development ventures that cross jurisdictional lines. As this was a first reading in title only, no final action was taken. The ordinance will undergo further scrutiny in subsequent readings, ensuring compliance with local and state requirements for economic development zones.
PASSED For 5 · Against 0
About this project: Project Gemstone »
Lease of Real Property at 632 W. Dekalb Street for SCDNR (1st Reading):
Council approved the first reading of a lease agreement for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
RoadsCounty property
Yes 5 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Jimmy JonesWhat this was about
Council voted 5-0 on the first reading of an ordinance authorizing a lease for office space at 632 W. Dekalb Street, Camden, to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). This agreement standardizes the county's relationship with the agency by clearly defining obligations and operational responsibilities. The property serves as an extension branch office for SCDNR, facilitating the agency's accessibility to local residents. The lease is part of a broader county effort to maintain stable office arrangements for state agencies operating within Kershaw County. As a first reading, the measure will be subject to further review before final approval, ensuring that all contractual terms align with the county's facility management policies.
PASSED For 5 · Against 0
Lease of Real Property at 632 W. Dekalb Street for Forestry Commission (1st Reading):
Council approved the first reading of a lease agreement for the South Carolina Forestry Commission.
RoadsCounty property
Yes 5 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Jimmy JonesWhat this was about
Council voted 5-0 on the first reading of an ordinance to lease office space at 632 W. Dekalb Street, Camden, to the South Carolina Forestry Commission. The lease agreement establishes the operational terms and responsibilities shared by the county and the Commission regarding the upkeep and usage of the facility. This action is part of the county's initiative to provide a centralized hub for state agencies serving the region. Like the SCDNR lease, this ordinance will go through multiple readings to finalize the contractual relationship. By formalizing these leases, the county ensures that necessary forestry management services remain available to landowners and citizens of Kershaw County at a convenient, stable location.
PASSED For 5 · Against 0
$2M General Obligation Bond for Wastewater Infrastructure (2nd Reading):
Council approved the second reading of a $2 million bond issue for wastewater infrastructure improvements.
Taxes & budgetWater & sewer
Yes 5 · No 0
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detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ 5 members voted yesThe official minutes recorded this vote as a count without listing each member by name.
What this was about
Council voted 5-0 to approve the second reading of an ordinance authorizing a $2 million General Obligation Bond for wastewater infrastructure. These funds will target sewer line rehabilitation in the Lugoff and Elgin areas to resolve ongoing odor and infrastructure issues. County Administrator Danny Templar confirmed that this bond will not result in any increase to property taxes or user fees for residents. This is part of a larger, long-term plan estimated at $12 million over six years to modernize the system. By utilizing the county's existing debt capacity, the Council aims to address these critical maintenance needs without placing an additional financial burden on taxpayers. A final third reading is expected at the next scheduled meeting.
PASSED For 5 · Against 0
Building Codes Ordinance Amendments (2nd Reading):
Council approved the second reading of amendments to simplify building code appeal procedures.
Development
Yes 5 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Jimmy JonesWhat this was about
Council voted 5-0 on the second reading of an ordinance to amend Chapter 6 of the County Code. The measure aligns the Building Codes Board of Adjustments and Appeals with the administrative procedures outlined in the International Building Code (IBC). Previously, the county's qualifications for board members were overly specific, making it difficult to maintain a full board. By reverting to the standard IBC requirements, the county intends to simplify the process of filling vacancies and streamline the appeals process for building inspector decisions. This is an administrative cleanup measure that reduces bureaucratic hurdles while maintaining safety standards. Following the second reading, the ordinance will proceed to a final reading before adoption.
PASSED For 5 · Against 0
Hazard Mitigation Plan Adoption:
Council adopted the Santee-Lynches Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan for 2026-2030.
Yes 5 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Jimmy JonesWhat this was about
Council voted 5-0 to adopt the Santee-Lynches Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan (2026-2030). The plan, developed in partnership with the Santee-Lynches Council of Governments and FEMA, provides a strategic framework for managing natural disaster risks like floods, severe weather, and drought. Adopting this plan is a mandatory requirement to maintain the county's eligibility for future FEMA disaster relief and grant funding. Jeff Parkey from the Council of Governments noted that the plan prioritizes critical facilities and emergency response strategies, such as backup power and shelter management. The adoption signifies the county's ongoing commitment to disaster preparedness and public safety, ensuring that resources remain accessible should an emergency occur within the region.
PASSED For 5 · Against 0
Reappointments to County Clean Commission and Library Board:
Council reappointed several volunteers to the Clean Commission and the Library Board.
Parks & recAppointments
Yes 5 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ 5 members voted yesThe official minutes recorded this vote as a count without listing each member by name.
What this was about
Council voted 5-0 to approve various reappointments to local boards. Virginia Long was reappointed to the Kershaw County Clean Commission (District 2). Additionally, Ed Garrison (At-Large), Christine Crissell (District 2), and Bob Giangiorgi (District 6) were reappointed to the Library Board. These reappointments ensure continuity for important community services, such as literacy promotion and environmental cleanliness. Council members thanked the volunteers for their dedicated service, noting that such work is vital for maintaining the county's quality of life. Appointments for the Clean Commission districts 3 and 6 were deferred to the June 23 meeting to allow for further administrative processing.
PASSED For 5 · Against 0
Discussed, no vote ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Council members and the County Administrator discussed the transition of the county’s building permit allocation system, noting that a dedicated status page is now available on the official website. Additionally, a briefing was provided regarding the upcoming mailing of property reassessment notices, which will trigger a 90-day appeal window.
Public comment ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Isaac McCaskill expressed concerns regarding the status of his property following a tax-related seizure notice. William Holland spoke regarding rumors of a potential AI data center in the county, urging the Council to take preventative legislative action.
Coming up ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- The next regularly scheduled meeting will include outstanding appointments for the Kershaw County Clean Commission (Districts 3 and 6).
- County property reassessment notices are scheduled to be mailed on Friday, June 12, 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.