The headline
Council members approved a contentious fee-in-lieu-of-tax agreement for a natural gas power plant project following hours of public testimony. The council also authorized a multi-county industrial park inclusion for the project, which remains a focal point of ongoing local debate regarding economic development and environmental oversight.
Third Reading: Ordinance for Project Ballast (Fee-in-lieu of tax agreement):
Council approved a controversial tax incentive agreement for a new natural gas power plant project.
Taxes & budget
Yes 4 · No 3
▸
detailsless
How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✗ Danny Catoe✗ Jimmy Jones✗ Russell BrazellWhat this was about
Following extensive public testimony, Council voted 4-3 to approve the fee-in-lieu of tax (FILOT) agreement for BRNG LLC, formerly identified as Project Ballast. The ordinance provides for a $400 million minimum investment commitment and the establishment of a 40-year tax incentive period, alongside special source revenue credits. Opponents of the measure argued that the plant poses significant environmental risks, including potential water contamination and air pollution, and questioned the long-term impact on local health and property values. Supporters emphasized the need for reliable energy infrastructure to accommodate Kershaw County's ongoing growth and argued that the project brings substantial economic development. The project is expected to result in 15 new full-time jobs. Because the project remains a point of intense local debate, opponents have expressed continued concerns regarding future land use and the potential for a subsequent data center development, which Council members clarified would require separate approval. The project now moves toward the permitting process with state and federal environmental agencies.
PASSED For 4 · Against 3
Who said what
» Derek Shoemake Council Member: argued that the project is appropriately zoned for heavy industrial use and is necessary to increase the tax base. ▶︎» Jimmy Jones Council Member: expressed skepticism about the project's true purpose and raised concerns about potential side effects like health risks. ▶︎» Russell Brazell Vice-Chairman: stated that he could not support the tax agreement due to a lack of clear benefits for the average citizen. ▶︎» Brant Tomlinson Council Member: explained that his support follows consultations with environmental regulators and utility experts regarding the plant's safety. ▶︎About this project: Project Ballast »
Votes at a glance ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Third Reading: Ordinance for Project Ballast (Fee-in-lieu of tax agreement):
Council approved a controversial tax incentive agreement for a new natural gas power plant project.
Taxes & budget
Yes 4 · No 3
▸
detailsless
How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✗ Danny Catoe✗ Jimmy Jones✗ Russell BrazellWhat this was about
Following extensive public testimony, Council voted 4-3 to approve the fee-in-lieu of tax (FILOT) agreement for BRNG LLC, formerly identified as Project Ballast. The ordinance provides for a $400 million minimum investment commitment and the establishment of a 40-year tax incentive period, alongside special source revenue credits. Opponents of the measure argued that the plant poses significant environmental risks, including potential water contamination and air pollution, and questioned the long-term impact on local health and property values. Supporters emphasized the need for reliable energy infrastructure to accommodate Kershaw County's ongoing growth and argued that the project brings substantial economic development. The project is expected to result in 15 new full-time jobs. Because the project remains a point of intense local debate, opponents have expressed continued concerns regarding future land use and the potential for a subsequent data center development, which Council members clarified would require separate approval. The project now moves toward the permitting process with state and federal environmental agencies.
PASSED For 4 · Against 3
Who said what
» Derek Shoemake Council Member: argued that the project is appropriately zoned for heavy industrial use and is necessary to increase the tax base. ▶︎» Jimmy Jones Council Member: expressed skepticism about the project's true purpose and raised concerns about potential side effects like health risks. ▶︎» Russell Brazell Vice-Chairman: stated that he could not support the tax agreement due to a lack of clear benefits for the average citizen. ▶︎» Brant Tomlinson Council Member: explained that his support follows consultations with environmental regulators and utility experts regarding the plant's safety. ▶︎About this project: Project Ballast »
Third Reading: Ordinance for Project Gemstone (Special source revenue credit agreement):
Council unanimously approved a special source revenue credit agreement for the Project Gemstone resort development.
Taxes & budget
Unanimous · 7-0
▸
detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
Council approved the third reading of an ordinance for Project Gemstone, a commercial resort development, granting a special source revenue credit agreement. This agreement provides a 50% credit against ad valorem taxes at a 6% assessment ratio over a 30-year term. The project requires a minimum investment of $100 million and the creation of 150 full-time equivalent jobs within a 10-year period. Unlike the natural gas plant, this development has faced minimal opposition, with Council members highlighting its potential to stimulate local economic growth through hospitality and tourism. The measure passed unanimously in the presence of the participating Council members.
PASSED (Unanimous, J. Jones absent)
About this project: Project Gemstone »
Third Reading: Lease for SC Department of Natural Resources:
Council approved a lease agreement for state property located at 632 W. Dekalb Street in Camden.
County property
Yes 5 · No 0
▸
detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Danny Catoe✓ Russell Brazell● Brant Tomlinson (recused)What this was about
This ordinance formalizes a lease agreement between Kershaw County and the South Carolina Forestry Commission for property located at 632 W. Dekalb Street in Camden. The lease defines the obligations and operational responsibilities for both parties regarding the use of the site. This item underwent its first and second readings on June 9 and June 23, 2026, respectively. The lease agreement ensures the state agency has clear terms for occupying the county-owned facility. No public speakers addressed the council during the public hearing held on July 14, 2026. The measure passed with a unanimous vote, excluding Councilman Jimmy Jones, who was absent. The approval allows the Forestry Commission to continue its operations at this specific municipal location under defined contractual terms.
PASSED For 5 · Against 0 (B. Tomlinson recused, J. Jones absent)
Third Reading: Lease for SC Forestry Commission:
Council approved a routine lease agreement for property occupied by the SC Forestry Commission.
County property
Unanimous · 7-0
▸
detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
Council approved the third reading of an ordinance to formalize the lease agreement for county property at 632 W. Dekalb Street, currently used by the South Carolina Forestry Commission. The lease serves to clarify the responsibilities of both the county and the commission regarding the site. The approval process followed standard procedures with no amendments, marking the final legislative step for the agreement.
PASSED (Unanimous, J. Jones absent)
Pickleball Court Conversion Bid Approval:
Council authorized the conversion of tennis courts to pickleball courts at the KC West facility.
Unanimous · 7-0
▸
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 to approve a bid from Sport Court Carolina, Inc. in the amount of $249,239.96 for the conversion of existing tennis courts to pickleball courts at the KC West facility. The project is funded through the existing capital budget and is expected to be supplemented by a $210,000 donation from private sources. Council members noted the rising popularity of the sport and expressed interest in extending similar improvements to the Boyd Young Park facilities in the near future.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Routine Housekeeping: Council handled several administrative tasks, including agenda adoption, cancellations, and appointments. Appointments ▸ detailsless
What this was about
In a series of routine administrative actions, Council adopted the meeting agenda as amended, officially canceled the July 28, 2026, meeting due to a scheduling conflict with the South Carolina Association of Counties conference, and reappointed Christine Denis to the Kershaw County Clean Commission for District 3. Additionally, the Council entered into and exited Executive Session to discuss contractual negotiations and legal matters, with no official votes taken during the session.
The agenda was adopted, the July 28 meeting was canceled, Christine Denis was reappointed to the Clean Commission, and the council entered and exited Executive Session (all PASSED)
Discussed, no vote ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Inmate Work Crews: Council members discussed the feasibility of re-establishing inmate road crews for highway cleanup, citing past staffing and security challenges. The matter was moved to the next meeting for further discussion.
- Convenience Center Hours: A proposal regarding standardized operating hours for waste convenience centers was discussed. Council members debated the impact of Sunday closures on residents, particularly those in lake communities. The item was deferred to the next meeting for further review.
Public comment ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Residents addressed the council regarding a wide range of topics, with the vast majority of testimony focused on the proposed natural gas plant (Project Ballast). Opponents voiced concerns about air quality, water usage, property values, and the proximity of the facility to residential areas. Supporters spoke to the potential for economic growth and the need for reliable energy infrastructure. Additionally, a speaker requested that the council revisit a proposed hate crimes ordinance.
Coming up ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Next Council Meeting: August 11, 2026.
- Pending Discussion: Further review of convenience center operating hours and the potential establishment of inmate work crews.
This is an independent summary prepared from the county's official published minutes and the meeting's live stream, not an official county communication.