The headline
Council approves tax incentives for two major economic development projects despite public opposition. Council members voted to approve third readings for fee-in-lieu of tax (FILOT) agreements for Project Ballast and Project Gemstone, citing the need for revenue growth and infrastructure funding. The meetings involved extensive public comment regarding the environmental, health, and property value concerns associated with the proposed natural gas-fired power plant in Bethune.
Resolution for Project Ballast tax agreement (as amended):
Council passed a resolution to finalize negotiations for the Project Ballast tax incentive agreement.
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 resolution commits Kershaw County to negotiate a fee-in-lieu of ad valorem taxes (FILOT) agreement specifically related to the Project Ballast initiative (BRNG, LLC). During the meeting, the Council adopted several amendments to correct scriveners' errors, including a reference to Richland County that was corrected to Kershaw County, and technical adjustments to the legal language in section two. The resolution serves as a supporting document to the main tax ordinance approved earlier. Despite opposition from two members, the resolution passed as amended. This action enables the County to finalize the contractual framework necessary for the project's development.
PASSED For 4 · Against 2
About this project: Project Ballast »
Votes at a glance ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Third Reading of Ordinance for Project Ballast (Tax Agreement):
Council approved a tax incentive agreement for a major economic development project in the Bethune area.
Taxes & budget
Yes 4 · No 3
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How they voted
✓ 4 members voted yes✗ Danny Catoe✗ Jimmy Jones✗ R. Brazell (remoteThe official minutes recorded this vote as a count without listing each member by name.
What this was about
This ordinance authorizes a fee-in-lieu of ad valorem taxes (FILOT) agreement and special source revenue credits for BRNG LLC, formerly Project Ballast. The project involves an estimated $900 million investment in a natural gas-fired power facility, which Council members noted is anticipated to create 15 full-time jobs. The measure includes a 40-year term and a fixed 4% assessment ratio. The project has faced intense public scrutiny, with many residents and local environmental advocates expressing concerns regarding air and water quality, noise, and the potential for the facility to serve a future data center. Supporters emphasized the economic growth potential, the need for increased power generation on the regional grid, and the potential for revenue to fund local infrastructure improvements. The ordinance passed on a 4-3 vote, marking the final stage of Council approval. The project must now move through state-level permitting and environmental review processes before development can proceed.
PASSED For 4 · Against 3. Voting in favor: B. Connell, S. Tucker Jr., D. Shoemake, B. Tomlinson. Opposed: D. Catoe, J. Jones, R. Brazell (remote)
Who said what
» Derek Shoemake Council Member: argued that the project is zoned for industrial use and contributes to necessary economic growth and infrastructure revenue ▶︎» Jimmy Jones Council Member: raised concerns that the facility is a potential Trojan horse for a data center and expressed sympathy for residents' fears ▶︎» Russell Brazell Vice-Chairman: stated he lacked sufficient information on the project's benefits and opposed the tax agreement ▶︎About this project: Project Ballast »
Third Reading of Ordinance for Project Gemstone (Special Source Revenue Credit):
Council finalized a special source revenue credit agreement for the Candyroot Lodge Holdings resort development project.
Taxes & budgetCounty property
Yes 6 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Danny Catoe● Brant Tomlinson (recused)What this was about
This ordinance authorizes a special source revenue credit agreement for Candyroot Lodge Holdings, LLC, known as Project Gemstone. The project is described as a commercial resort development located in the county. Under the agreement, the company will receive a 50% reduction in ad valorem taxes during the credit term, contingent on a minimum investment of $100 million and the creation of 150 full-time jobs within 10 years. Council members noted that the nature of this project differs from industrial proposals, focusing on resort development to enhance local tourism and employment. The ordinance was passed with 6-0 support, with one council member recusing themselves. This agreement effectively solidifies the tax incentives intended to encourage the completion of the resort and associated economic benefits for the area.
PASSED For 6 · Against 0. (Note: J. Jones was absent during this specific vote; B. Tomlinson recused himself from the DNR lease vote but participated in others)
About this project: Project Gemstone »
Third Reading of Ordinance for Lease of Real Property (SCDNR): Council approved a lease agreement for property at 632 W. Dekalb Street for the DNR. County property ▸ detailsless
How they voted
● Brant Tomlinson (recused)What this was about
This ordinance approves a lease agreement between Kershaw County and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) for property located at 632 W. Dekalb Street, Camden. The measure formalizes the obligations and responsibilities between the County and the agency. It was described by officials as a routine housekeeping matter to ensure all legal documentation for the site is in order. The ordinance passed following a unanimous vote by members present, with one council member recusing themselves due to a conflict of interest. The lease ensures the continued presence of the DNR at this location, which is important for coordinating natural resource management within the region.
PASSED (see video for full roll call). B. Tomlinson recused himself due to a conflict of interest
Third Reading of Ordinance for Lease of Real Property (Forestry Commission):
Council approved a lease agreement for property at 632 W. Dekalb Street for the Forestry Commission.
County 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 authorizes a lease for the South Carolina Forestry Commission at 632 W. Dekalb Street in Camden. Similar to the DNR lease, this agreement outlines the responsibilities between the County and the Forestry Commission. Council members treated the item as routine, confirming that no significant changes had been made to the terms since the first reading. The ordinance passed unanimously. This action secures the facility for the Forestry Commission's use, facilitating their ongoing operations and services to the public within Kershaw County.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Resolution for Project Ballast tax agreement (as amended):
Council passed a resolution to finalize negotiations for the Project Ballast tax incentive agreement.
Taxes & budget
Yes 4 · No 2
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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 resolution commits Kershaw County to negotiate a fee-in-lieu of ad valorem taxes (FILOT) agreement specifically related to the Project Ballast initiative (BRNG, LLC). During the meeting, the Council adopted several amendments to correct scriveners' errors, including a reference to Richland County that was corrected to Kershaw County, and technical adjustments to the legal language in section two. The resolution serves as a supporting document to the main tax ordinance approved earlier. Despite opposition from two members, the resolution passed as amended. This action enables the County to finalize the contractual framework necessary for the project's development.
PASSED For 4 · Against 2
About this project: Project Ballast »
Approval of bid for pickleball court conversion:
Council approved a contract to convert existing tennis courts at KC West into pickleball courts.
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 a bid of $249,239.96 from Sport Court Carolina, Inc., to convert the KC West tennis courts into pickleball facilities. The project is funded through the current budget and will be supplemented by anticipated private donations totaling approximately $210,000. Council members expressed enthusiasm for the project, noting the high local demand for pickleball courts. Officials also noted that this contract utilizes a pre-existing Sourcewell cooperative purchasing agreement, allowing for a more efficient procurement process. This move is part of a broader effort to expand recreational amenities throughout the county.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Cancel July 28th meeting:
Council voted to cancel the meeting scheduled for July 28, 2026.
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 voted unanimously to cancel the regularly scheduled July 28, 2026, meeting. The cancellation is due to the scheduling of the annual South Carolina Association of Counties (SCAC) conference, which will be attended by a quorum of Council members. Chairman Ben Connell indicated that the Council will address the schedule for the remainder of the year at the next meeting in August. This ensures that the County remains compliant with meeting requirements while allowing members to participate in the necessary state-level professional development and policy discussions.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Discussed, no vote ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Inmate Work Crews: Council discussed the possibility of reintroducing inmate road crews for highway litter cleanup. Staff noted staffing and liability challenges, and the matter will return for further discussion on August 11.
- Convenience Center Hours: Council debated the impact of pending schedule changes to waste convenience centers. Councilman J. Jones and Councilman R. Brazell advocated for maintaining Sunday availability for lake-area residents, with further discussion scheduled for August 11.
- Project Ballast removal: Councilman J. Jones requested the removal of a specific Project Ballast discussion item from the agenda.
Public comment ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Residents from the Bethune area and surrounding communities expressed significant concerns regarding the proposed Project Ballast gas plant. Speakers raised issues about air and water quality, noise pollution, potential impact on local property values, and the adequacy of emergency healthcare access in the region. Other residents shared their support for economic development and potential tax revenue for the county, while speakers also urged the council to address a proposed hate crimes ordinance.
Coming up ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- The next regularly scheduled meeting is August 11, 2026.
- Future discussions on convenience center operational hours and the potential use of inmate labor for roadside maintenance will be included on the August 11 agenda.
This is an independent summary prepared from the county's official published minutes and the meeting's live stream, not an official county communication.