Headline: Council Adopts FY 2026-2027 Budget
Kershaw County Council unanimously passed the third and final reading of the 2026-2027 budget. The budget includes significant investments in EMS services, including funding for a new ambulance and staffing, while maintaining current millage rates.
FY 2026-2027 Budget (3rd Reading):
Council unanimously approved the final reading of the county's budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
Taxes & budget
Yes 7 · No 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 voted unanimously 7-0 on third and final reading to adopt the fiscal year 2026-2027 operating budget. The budget maintains current millage rates while incorporating increased revenue generated from recent countywide property reassessments. Key investments in the budget focus heavily on Emergency Medical Services, including four additional full time positions, a new ambulance, and $300,000 allocated for capital facilities in northern Kershaw County. The measure also incorporated budget amendments regarding revenue neutral funding for mental health services in probate court, A-tax recommendations totaling $175,563, and revised grant management proviso rules. During the public comment period, multiple residents from Liberty Hill and Beaver Creek urged council to prioritize rural EMS coverage and reduce response times. With third reading approval finalized, county administration will begin executing the operational budget for the upcoming fiscal year starting July 1.
PASSED For 7 · Against 0
Who said what
» Sammie Tucker Jr.: moved budget amendments covering probate judge funding, A-tax recommendations, and grant authorizations. ▶︎» Derek Shoemake: explained that the probate court amendment creates a revenue-neutral mechanism funded through state contracts. ▶︎» Jimmy Jones: expressed satisfaction that the operational millage rate remained unchanged in the budget. ▶︎» Russell Brazell: expressed appreciation for staff explaining the phased plan to expand emergency medical coverage in rural areas. ▶︎» Lee Reed: urged council to allocate budget funds for dedicated EMS coverage in the Liberty Hill and Beaver Creek communities. ▶︎Votes at a Glance ▸ tap to showtap to hide
FY 2026-2027 Budget (3rd Reading):
Council unanimously approved the final reading of the county's budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
Taxes & budget
Yes 7 · No 0
▸
detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
Council voted unanimously 7-0 on third and final reading to adopt the fiscal year 2026-2027 operating budget. The budget maintains current millage rates while incorporating increased revenue generated from recent countywide property reassessments. Key investments in the budget focus heavily on Emergency Medical Services, including four additional full time positions, a new ambulance, and $300,000 allocated for capital facilities in northern Kershaw County. The measure also incorporated budget amendments regarding revenue neutral funding for mental health services in probate court, A-tax recommendations totaling $175,563, and revised grant management proviso rules. During the public comment period, multiple residents from Liberty Hill and Beaver Creek urged council to prioritize rural EMS coverage and reduce response times. With third reading approval finalized, county administration will begin executing the operational budget for the upcoming fiscal year starting July 1.
PASSED For 7 · Against 0
Who said what
» Sammie Tucker Jr.: moved budget amendments covering probate judge funding, A-tax recommendations, and grant authorizations. ▶︎» Derek Shoemake: explained that the probate court amendment creates a revenue-neutral mechanism funded through state contracts. ▶︎» Jimmy Jones: expressed satisfaction that the operational millage rate remained unchanged in the budget. ▶︎» Russell Brazell: expressed appreciation for staff explaining the phased plan to expand emergency medical coverage in rural areas. ▶︎» Lee Reed: urged council to allocate budget funds for dedicated EMS coverage in the Liberty Hill and Beaver Creek communities. ▶︎
Project Ballast Economic Incentive (2nd Reading):
Council passed a fee-in-lieu-of-taxes incentive agreement for a proposed $900 million development project on a 4-3 vote.
Jobs & economy
Yes 4 · No 3
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How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✗ Russell Brazell✗ Danny Catoe✗ Jimmy JonesWhat this was about
Council approved the second reading of Ordinance 2026-14 in a 4-3 vote to authorize a fee-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement and special source revenue credits for Project Ballast. The proposed economic development project represents an anticipated investment of $900 million and is projected to create 15 full time jobs. The incentive structure locks in a 4 percent assessment ratio and includes special source revenue credits to offset site acquisition and infrastructure development costs. Multiple nearby residents from Timrod Road and Thiem Road spoke against the project during public comment, raising deep concerns regarding noise, potential groundwater contamination, declining property values, and environmental impacts from a proposed natural gas facility. Council members Danny Catoe, Russell Brazell, and Jimmy Jones voted against the measure out of concern for the surrounding community. Supporters noted that the project is a permitted land use and that second reading allows further review before third reading.
PASSED For 4 · Against 3. (No votes: Russell Brazell, Danny Catoe, Jimmy Jones)
Who said what
» Derek Shoemake: supported the tax package because the project represents a permitted land use and significant economic investment. ▶︎» Danny Catoe: voted against the ordinance to represent local residents living near the proposed project site. ▶︎» Jimmy Jones: voiced opposition, stating he preferred prioritizing resident concerns over corporate financial incentives. ▶︎» Russell Brazell: stated that he stood with local Bethune residents in opposing the incentive package. ▶︎» Brant Tomlinson: clarified that passing second reading puts guidelines in place without guaranteeing the power plant will ultimately be built. ▶︎» Ben Connell: voted in favor on second reading, noting the facility is roughly 500 megawatts and located near existing gas and power lines. ▶︎About this project: Project Ballast »
Project Gemstone Economic Incentive (2nd Reading):
Council unanimously approved second reading of a tax credit agreement for a $100 million commercial resort development.
Jobs & economy
Yes 7 · No 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 passed the second reading of an ordinance authorizing a special source revenue credit agreement with Project Gemstone. County staff revealed during the meeting that Project Gemstone represents Candleroot Lodge Golf, a planned commercial resort development in Kershaw County. The project features a minimum investment of $100 million over ten years and is expected to create 150 full time jobs. The agreement grants a 50 percent special source revenue credit on ad valorem taxes over a 30 year term, setting an assessment ratio of 6 percent based on the 2026 millage rate. Project plans call for four golf courses, a par three course, walking trails, a restaurant, and overnight accommodations built over a ten year timeline. Former council member Steven Smoke represented the company at the meeting and confirmed that the project involves no residential housing development. The measure now moves forward for public hearing and third reading.
PASSED For 7 · Against 0
Who said what
» Danny Catoe: confirmed with project representatives that the development contains no residential housing components. ▶︎» Jimmy Jones: supported the measure after receiving assurances regarding the scope of the development. ▶︎» Derek Shoemake: highlighted the positive impact of attracting commercial development to expand the county tax base without adding residential density. ▶︎» Sammie Tucker Jr.: supported the project, anticipating it will grow and deliver long term benefits for the county. ▶︎About this project: Project Gemstone »
Joint Industrial Park Amendment - Project Gemstone (2nd Reading):
Council voted unanimously to expand the joint industrial park with Fairfield County to include the Project Gemstone property.
Jobs & economyParks & rec
Yes 7 · No 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 second reading of an ordinance amending the joint industrial park agreement between Kershaw County and Fairfield County. The amendment expands the boundaries of the joint park to incorporate real property associated with Project Gemstone, also identified as Candleroot Lodge Golf. Establishing joint industrial park status is a standard requirement under South Carolina law to make commercial projects eligible for fee-in-lieu-of-taxes agreements and special source revenue credits. First reading of the amendment took place on June 9, 2026, and second reading passed without opposition. By including the property in the joint park, Kershaw County can formalize the tax incentive framework structured for the $100 million commercial resort. The ordinance requires one additional reading and public notice before final adoption.
PASSED For 7 · Against 0
About this project: Project Gemstone »
Lease of 632 W. DeKalb St. to DNR (2nd Reading):
Council unanimously approved second reading of a property lease with the Department of Natural Resources.
County property
Yes 7 · No 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 voted 7-0 to approve the second reading of an ordinance authorizing a real property lease at 632 West DeKalb Street to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. The county-owned property provides space for state agency operations within Kershaw County. First reading of the lease agreement took place during the June 9, 2026 council meeting. County staff handled the administrative lease terms as part of routine facility management updates. The lease approval will require a third reading prior to final execution between the county and the state agency.
PASSED For 7 · Against 0
Lease of 632 W. DeKalb St. to Forestry Commission (2nd Reading):
Council unanimously approved second reading of a property lease at 632 West DeKalb Street to the Forestry Commission.
County property
Yes 7 · No 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 voted unanimously 7-0 on second reading to authorize a real property lease at 632 West DeKalb Street to the South Carolina Forestry Commission. The lease agreement allows the state commission to continue utilizing county property for local forestry operations and services. First reading was approved on June 9, 2026, and council noted the item was a routine housekeeping measure to update county facility agreements. Final approval will take place following third reading at a future council meeting.
PASSED For 7 · Against 0
Building Code/Appeals Amendment (3rd Reading):
Council unanimously passed the final reading of an ordinance aligning local building code appeals with international building codes.
Development
Yes 7 · No 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 gave final 7-0 unanimous approval to third reading of an ordinance amending Article IV of the Kershaw County Code of Ordinances. The amendment updates local regulations regarding building codes and the Board of Adjustments and Appeals to align directly with administrative appeals procedures in the International Building Code. The changes bring local county administrative processes into full compliance with updated South Carolina statutory standards. Having satisfied all three required readings, the building code ordinance is now officially adopted into county law.
PASSED For 7 · Against 0
General Obligation Bonds for Wastewater Infrastructure (3rd Reading):
Council approved issuing $2 million in general obligation bonds for county wastewater infrastructure in a 5-2 vote.
Taxes & budgetWater & sewer
Yes 5 · No 2
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How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✗ Russell Brazell✗ Jimmy JonesWhat this was about
Council voted 5-2 on third and final reading to enact Ordinance 2026-13, authorizing the issuance of up to $2 million in general obligation bonds for wastewater infrastructure. The bond proceeds will be used to acquire, construct, equip, rehabilitate, and improve county wastewater facilities and related capital projects. A public hearing on the bond issuance was held earlier in the evening with no members of the public choosing to speak. Council members Derek Shoemake, Sammie Tucker Jr., Ben Connell, Danny Catoe, and Brant Tomlinson voted in favor of the measure, while Russell Brazell and Jimmy Jones voted against it. Final approval enables county staff to move forward with financing and executing the planned utility improvements.
PASSED For 5 · Against 2. (No votes: Russell Brazell, Jimmy Jones)
Items Discussed (No Vote) ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Finance Committee Update: Council discussed the establishment of a revenue-neutral account for the Probate Judge to support mental health services.
- ATAX Recommendations: The ATAX commission presented the FY27 budget recommendations, highlighting a new online grant submission process.
- Lugoff Fire Budget: The Fire Chief presented the department's annual budget, noting no tax increase and plans for future staffing growth.
- Solid Waste Convenience Centers: The Solid Waste Director proposed standardizing hours (Tuesday-Saturday, 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.), closing Sundays and Mondays, to achieve an estimated $167,000 in annual savings.
Public Comment Summary ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Nine speakers addressed the council. Residents living near the proposed natural gas plant in Bethune expressed deep concerns regarding environmental impact, property values, noise, and health risks. Other residents voiced urgent needs for expanded EMS coverage in the Liberty Hill and Beaver Creek areas. A veteran spoke on behalf of local veterans requesting a joint commission to explore memorial monuments.
Coming Up ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Ribbon Cuttings: June 30, 2026, for new ballparks at Boyd Young (10:00 a.m.) and Copeland Field (11:15 a.m.).
- KC West Ribbon Cutting: July 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
- Holiday Closure: County government offices will be closed Friday, July 3, 2026, in observance of July 4th.
Independent summary, generated from the county's public video, not an official county communication.