Council approves second reading for Project Ballast and Project Gemstone tax incentives
In a split 4-3 vote, council advanced a fee-in-lieu of tax agreement for Project Ballast, a proposed 500-megawatt natural gas power plant, despite significant public opposition from nearby residents citing health and environmental concerns. Separately, council unanimously approved second reading for Project Gemstone, a commercial resort development, with officials noting the project involves no residential components.
Project Ballast Tax Incentives (2nd Reading):
Taxes & budgetJobs & economy
Yes 4 · No 3
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detailsless
PASSED For 4 · Against 3
Votes at a glance ▸ showhide
Project Ballast Tax Incentives (2nd Reading):
Taxes & budgetJobs & economy
Yes 4 · No 3
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detailsless
PASSED For 4 · Against 3
Project Gemstone Tax Incentives (2nd Reading):
Taxes & budgetJobs & economy
Unanimous · 7-0
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detailsless
PASSED (Unanimous)
Joint Industrial Park Boundary Amendment for Project Gemstone (2nd Reading):
Jobs & economyParks & rec
Unanimous · 7-0
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detailsless
PASSED (Unanimous)
Lease Agreement for DNR Office at 632 W. DeKalb Street (2nd Reading):
RoadsCounty property
Unanimous · 7-0
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detailsless
PASSED (Unanimous)
Lease Agreement for Forestry Commission Office at 632 W. DeKalb Street (2nd Reading):
RoadsCounty property
Unanimous · 7-0
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detailsless
PASSED (Unanimous)
Building Codes Ordinance Amendment (3rd Reading):
Development
Unanimous · 7-0
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detailsless
PASSED (Unanimous)
$2M General Obligation Bond for Wastewater Infrastructure (3rd Reading):
Taxes & budgetWater & sewer
Yes 5 · No 2
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detailsless
PASSED For 5 · Against 2
Fiscal Year 2026-2027 County Budget (3rd Reading):
Taxes & budget
Unanimous · 7-0
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detailsless
PASSED (Unanimous)
Discussed, no vote ▸ showhide
- Solid Waste Convenience Centers: Staff presented a plan to standardize hours to Tuesday-Saturday (6 a.m. to 6 p.m.), closing on Sundays and Mondays to save approximately $167,000 annually. Council members debated the impact of Sunday closures on residents and potential for illegal dumping, though staff indicated similar shifts in other counties have been manageable.
- Human Resources Policies: The administrator introduced a new, comprehensive HR policy document for future council review.
- Finance Committee Update: The committee reported on the probate judge mental health funding initiative and confirmed that the upcoming budget includes provisions for an additional ambulance and personnel to address coverage gaps.
Public comment ▸ showhide
Residents living near Timrod Road provided extensive testimony opposing the proposed natural gas power plant, citing risks to groundwater, air quality, and property values.
Other citizens, specifically from the Liberty Hill and Beaver Creek areas, expressed deep frustration over inadequate EMS response times and requested that the budget prioritize rural emergency services over other projects.
Veterans groups also requested a joint commission to explore a memorial project.
Coming up ▸ showhide
- July 10: Ribbon cutting for KC West improvements.
- June 30: Ribbon cuttings for new ball parks in Westville and the Copeland field in Bethune.
- Budget Implementation: Fiscal year begins July 1, 2026.
independent summary, generated from the county's public video, not an official county communication.