The headline
Council approved a Fee-in-Lieu of Ad Valorem Taxes (FILOT) agreement for the BRNG LLC project, formerly known as Project Ballast, following a lengthy public hearing. The 3rd reading of the ordinance passed by a 4-2 vote, with council members split on the economic benefits versus potential environmental and health concerns raised by the local community.
Third Reading of Fee-in-Lieu of Ad Valorem Taxes Agreement for BRNG LLC (Project Ballast):
Council approved a tax incentive agreement for the BRNG LLC project, formerly known as Project Ballast.
Taxes & budget
Yes 4 · No 2
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How they voted
✓ 4 members voted yes✗ Danny Catoe✗ Jimmy JonesThe official minutes recorded this vote as a count without listing each member by name.
What this was about
This ordinance approves a Fee-in-Lieu of Ad Valorem Taxes (FILOT) agreement and Special Source Revenue Credits (SSRC) for BRNG LLC. The project, previously referred to as Project Ballast, involves an approximate $900 million investment in Kershaw County with a commitment to create 15 full-time jobs. This measure provides a 40-year tax exemption and a fixed millage rate as an incentive to attract the industry to the county. It came before Council as a 3rd reading following earlier approvals on May 12 and June 23, 2026. The vote was split 4-2, with Councilmen Danny Catoe and Jimmy Jones opposing, and Vice Chairman Russell Brazell voting no remotely. The proposal has generated significant local controversy, with residents voicing intense concerns regarding potential air quality degradation, water usage impacts, and the project's proximity to residential areas in the Bethune community. The agreement will now proceed to state-level environmental and utility permitting processes.
PASSED For 4 · Against 2
Who said what
» Derek Shoemake Council Member: argued that the project is zoned for heavy industrial use and is necessary for economic growth. ▶︎» Jimmy Jones Council Member: expressed skepticism about the project's transparency and suggested it could lead to a data center. ▶︎» Russell Brazell Vice-Chairman: stated he lacks sufficient information on project benefits to support the tax agreement. ▶︎» Sammie Tucker Jr. Council Member: defended the FILOT incentive as a necessary tool for maintaining competitive economic development. ▶︎» Danny Catoe Council Member: opposed the project specifically due to the proximity of the plant to residential neighborhoods. ▶︎» Ben Connell Chairman: argued that the project provides an opportunity for infrastructure funding to benefit the Bethune area. ▶︎About this project: Project Ballast »
Votes at a glance ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Third Reading of Fee-in-Lieu of Ad Valorem Taxes Agreement for BRNG LLC (Project Ballast):
Council approved a tax incentive agreement for the BRNG LLC project, formerly known as Project Ballast.
Taxes & budget
Yes 4 · No 2
▸
detailsless
How they voted
✓ 4 members voted yes✗ Danny Catoe✗ Jimmy JonesThe official minutes recorded this vote as a count without listing each member by name.
What this was about
This ordinance approves a Fee-in-Lieu of Ad Valorem Taxes (FILOT) agreement and Special Source Revenue Credits (SSRC) for BRNG LLC. The project, previously referred to as Project Ballast, involves an approximate $900 million investment in Kershaw County with a commitment to create 15 full-time jobs. This measure provides a 40-year tax exemption and a fixed millage rate as an incentive to attract the industry to the county. It came before Council as a 3rd reading following earlier approvals on May 12 and June 23, 2026. The vote was split 4-2, with Councilmen Danny Catoe and Jimmy Jones opposing, and Vice Chairman Russell Brazell voting no remotely. The proposal has generated significant local controversy, with residents voicing intense concerns regarding potential air quality degradation, water usage impacts, and the project's proximity to residential areas in the Bethune community. The agreement will now proceed to state-level environmental and utility permitting processes.
PASSED For 4 · Against 2
Who said what
» Derek Shoemake Council Member: argued that the project is zoned for heavy industrial use and is necessary for economic growth. ▶︎» Jimmy Jones Council Member: expressed skepticism about the project's transparency and suggested it could lead to a data center. ▶︎» Russell Brazell Vice-Chairman: stated he lacks sufficient information on project benefits to support the tax agreement. ▶︎» Sammie Tucker Jr. Council Member: defended the FILOT incentive as a necessary tool for maintaining competitive economic development. ▶︎» Danny Catoe Council Member: opposed the project specifically due to the proximity of the plant to residential neighborhoods. ▶︎» Ben Connell Chairman: argued that the project provides an opportunity for infrastructure funding to benefit the Bethune area. ▶︎About this project: Project Ballast »
Third Reading of Special Source Revenue Credit Agreement for Candyroot Lodge Holdings (Project Gemstone):
Council unanimously approved tax credits for the Project Gemstone resort development.
Taxes & budget
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
This measure authorizes a Special Source Revenue Credit (SSRC) agreement for Candyroot Lodge Holdings, LLC, also known as Project Gemstone. The agreement supports a commercial resort development in the county, contingent upon a minimum investment of $100 million and the creation of 150 full-time jobs over a 10-year period. This vote marks the 3rd reading and final approval of the ordinance. The project is situated in the county and seeks to enhance economic development through tourism and resort infrastructure. The measure passed unanimously. This resort project stands in contrast to the controversial power plant proposal, receiving support from the community as a significant job creator that aligns with the county's economic goals.
PASSED (Unanimous)
About this project: Project Gemstone »
Lease of Real Property at 632 W. Dekalb Street to SCDNR (3rd Reading):
Council finalized a property lease agreement with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
RoadsCounty property
Yes 5 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Danny Catoe✓ Russell Brazell● Brant Tomlinson (recused)What this was about
This ordinance approves a lease of county-owned real property located at 632 W. Dekalb Street to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). The agreement outlines the obligations and responsibilities between the county and the state agency regarding the use of this facility. This 3rd reading finalizes the legislative process for the lease, which was previously approved in earlier readings. The lease serves as a routine administrative measure to ensure the proper management and utilization of the county property. The measure passed with a 5-0 vote, with Brant Tomlinson recusing himself due to a conflict of interest.
PASSED For 5 · Against 0 (B. Tomlinson recused)
Lease of Real Property at 632 W. Dekalb Street to Forestry Commission (3rd Reading):
Council finalized a property lease agreement with the South Carolina Forestry Commission.
RoadsCounty 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
This ordinance approves a lease of county-owned real property located at 632 W. Dekalb Street to the South Carolina Forestry Commission. The lease agreement details the terms, obligations, and responsibilities associated with the state agency's occupancy of the site. This 3rd reading constitutes final approval, following prior readings and a public hearing where no speakers appeared. This action is part of the county's efforts to facilitate state services on local property. The ordinance passed by a unanimous vote.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Pickleball Court Conversion Bid for KC West Tennis Courts:
Council approved a contract to convert existing tennis courts into pickleball facilities.
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
This vote authorizes a contract with Sport Court Carolina, Inc. in the amount of $249,239.96 for the conversion of the KC West Tennis Courts into pickleball courts. The project is part of a broader county effort to address the high demand for pickleball facilities in the area. County staff noted that the project is supported by the current budget and anticipates future private donations of approximately $210,000 to assist with related court projects. The measure passed unanimously. This investment aims to improve local recreation options and repurpose underutilized tennis court space.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Routine Housekeeping (Agenda adoption, resolution amendment, executive session entry/exit, appointment, adjournment):
Council handled routine operational items, including meeting scheduling and a commission appointment.
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 conducted standard business including the adoption of the July 14 meeting agenda, the reappointment of Christine Denis to the Kershaw County Clean Commission for District 3, the amendment of a resolution regarding the BRNG LLC project to correct a scrivener's error, and the cancellation of the July 28 meeting due to a conference. These items ensure the orderly functioning of county government. The appointment highlights the county's commitment to ongoing local service, while the meeting cancellation accommodates members attending the SCAC Annual Conference.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Discussed, no vote ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Inmate Work Crews/Road Crews: Council discussed the possibility of re-establishing inmate labor for roadside litter cleanup. The item was deferred to the August 11 meeting for further research into staffing and risk management.
- Convenience Center Hours: Council held a discussion regarding the new standardized hours for solid waste convenience centers. Concerns were raised regarding service for lake-area residents, and the matter will be revisited as an agenda item at the August 11 meeting.
Public comment ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Residents provided extensive testimony regarding the BRNG LLC (Project Ballast) proposal. Speakers expressed concerns over air quality, water usage, property values, and the proximity of the project to residential areas. Supporters highlighted the potential for economic growth, infrastructure investment, and the benefit of bringing new industry to the region. Other residents requested action on a hate crimes ordinance, noting that previous petitions had been submitted to the council.
Coming up ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- August 11, 2026: Regular Council Meeting. Topics will include a finalized meeting schedule for the remainder of 2026, further discussion on inmate work crews, and a review of solid waste convenience center operations.
- Note: The meeting originally scheduled for July 28, 2026, was canceled due to the SCAC Annual Conference.
This is an independent summary prepared from the county's official published minutes and the meeting's live stream, not an official county communication.