County Council approves tax incentives for Project Ballast
In a 4-3 vote, the Council approved the third reading of an ordinance authorizing a Fee-in-Lieu of Ad Valorem Taxes (FILOT) agreement for BRNG LLC, the company behind Project Ballast. The project, a proposed natural gas power plant, faced significant public opposition regarding environmental and health concerns, with proponents emphasizing the economic development and energy grid benefits.
Fee-in-Lieu of Ad Valorem Taxes Agreement for Project Ballast (3rd Reading):
Taxes & budget
Yes 4 · No 3
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detailsless
PASSED For 4 · Against 3
Votes at a glance ▸ showhide
Fee-in-Lieu of Ad Valorem Taxes Agreement for Project Ballast (3rd Reading):
Taxes & budget
Yes 4 · No 3
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detailsless
PASSED For 4 · Against 3
Special Source Revenue Credit Agreement for Project Gemstone (3rd Reading):
Taxes & budget
Yes 6 · No 0
▸
detailsless
PASSED For 6 · Against 0
Lease of 632 W. Dekalb Street to SC Department of Natural Resources (3rd Reading):
RoadsCounty property
Yes 5 · No 0
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detailsless
PASSED For 5 · Against 0 (B. Tomlinson abstained)
Lease of 632 W. Dekalb Street to SC Forestry Commission (3rd Reading):
RoadsCounty property
Yes 5 · No 0
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detailsless
PASSED For 5 · Against 0 (J. Jones absent, B. Tomlinson recused)
Resolution Committing to Negotiate Fee-in-Lieu of Ad Valorem Taxes Agreement for Project Ballast:
Taxes & budget
Yes 4 · No 2
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detailsless
PASSED For 4 · Against 2
Conversion of KC West Tennis Courts to Pickleball Courts:
Yes 6 · No 0
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detailsless
PASSED For 6 · Against 0
Cancellation of July 28th Council Meeting:
Yes 6 · No 0
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detailsless
PASSED For 6 · Against 0
Reappointment of Christine Denis to Clean Commission (D3):
Appointments
Yes 6 · No 0
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detailsless
PASSED For 6 · Against 0
Discussed, no vote ▸ showhide
- Inmate Work Crews: Council discussed the potential for reinstating inmate work crews to assist with highway litter cleanup; the item will return to the August 11 agenda for further study.
- Convenience Center Hours: Council held a discussion on the upcoming changes to convenience center hours, specifically regarding Sunday access; the matter is set for further review at the August 11 meeting.
Public comment ▸ showhide
Eighteen residents signed up to speak, with the vast majority of the comment period focused on Project Ballast. Opponents cited concerns over air and water quality, property values, transparency, and the potential for the site to eventually house a data center.
Proponents and landholders argued that the project provides necessary power grid reliability, economic growth for the Bethune area, and a legitimate use of zoned industrial property.
Additionally, one resident requested that Council consider a hate crimes ordinance.
Coming up ▸ showhide
- Next Council Meeting: August 11, 2026.
- Scheduled Business: Further discussions on inmate work crews and convenience center operations are expected to be revisited.
This is an independent summary prepared from the county's official published minutes and the meeting's live stream, not an official county communication.