The headline
County Council approves Third Reading of the fee-in-lieu of tax agreement for the Project Ballast power plant. Following intense public testimony regarding environmental, health, and property value concerns, Council voted to move forward with the agreement for the proposed natural gas-fired facility in the Bethune area. The project, now identified as BRNG LLC, will proceed to final stages of permitting despite split public opinion and divided votes among Council members.
Resolution to Negotiate Fee-in-Lieu Agreement for Project Ballast (As Amended):
Council passed the amended resolution to negotiate the Project Ballast tax agreement with a 4-2 vote.
Taxes & budget
Yes 4 · No 2
▸
detailsless
How they voted
✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Brant Tomlinson✗ Danny Catoe✗ Jimmy JonesWhat this was about
Following the approval of the amendments, the full resolution to negotiate the fee-in-lieu agreement for Project Ballast was passed. This resolution formalizes the County’s commitment to negotiate tax incentives for the 500-megawatt natural gas power plant. The negotiation focuses on providing a fee-in-lieu of ad valorem taxes to the developer, BRNG LLC, in exchange for a multi-million dollar capital investment. The agreement is designed to secure economic growth for the Bethune area, despite significant local opposition. This resolution signals that the County is prepared to move to the final stage of contract development, setting the stage for future permitting and construction timelines. It ensures that both the developer and the County have a clear framework for the incentive package.
PASSED For 4 · Against 2
About this project: Project Ballast »
Votes at a glance ▸ tap to showtap to hide
First Reading of Ordinance for Project Gemstone:
Council unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance for Project Gemstone.
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
This ordinance initiates the legislative process for Project Gemstone, an economic development initiative involving Candyroot Lodge Holdings, LLC. The project aims to develop a commercial resort in the county. As a first reading in title only, it serves as the initial step in authorizing a special source revenue credit agreement to incentivize this investment. The project is expected to create 150 full-time jobs over ten years with a minimum capital investment of $100 million. This measure helps set the millage rate and establishes the framework for the 30-year credit term. Future readings will provide more details on the financial specifics and land usage. The approval signifies Council's formal interest in moving forward with the resort development to boost the local tourism and tax base.
PASSED (Unanimous)
About this project: Project Gemstone »
First Reading of Lease Agreement for 632 W. Dekalb St. (SCDNR):
Council unanimously approved the first reading of a property lease for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
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
This ordinance authorizes Kershaw County to lease property located at 632 W. Dekalb St. to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). The measure outlines the obligations and responsibilities between the County and the state agency regarding the use and maintenance of the site. This is a routine real estate matter intended to formalize the agency's presence in the county and ensure all legal responsibilities are clearly defined in the lease agreement. It was introduced as a first reading in title only, with subsequent readings required to finalize the contract terms and ensure compliance with county property management standards. The lease is part of a broader effort to manage county-owned assets efficiently.
PASSED (Unanimous)
First Reading of Lease Agreement for 632 W. Dekalb St. (Forestry Commission):
Council unanimously approved the first reading of a property lease for the South Carolina 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
Similar to the SCDNR lease, this ordinance establishes a lease agreement between Kershaw County and the South Carolina Forestry Commission for the property at 632 W. Dekalb St. The measure defines the operational obligations and maintenance duties for the commission while occupying the county-owned facility. This formalizes the legal relationship and usage rights for the commission, ensuring the county's interests are protected while providing the state agency with a physical location in Camden. This was a first reading in title only, with further readings planned to finalize the specific contractual terms. The lease is intended to facilitate the continued presence of forestry operations in the area, contributing to the local administrative landscape.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Resolution to Negotiate Fee-in-Lieu Agreement for Project Ballast (Amend Motion):
Council voted 5-1 to amend and pass a resolution authorizing the negotiation of tax incentives for Project Ballast.
Taxes & budget
Yes 5 · No 1
▸
detailsless
How they voted
✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Jimmy Jones✗ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
This resolution authorizes the County to negotiate a fee-in-lieu of tax (FILOT) agreement with BRNG LLC, formerly known as Project Ballast, for a proposed natural gas-fired power plant near Bethune. The amendment process addressed technical corrections, including addressing a scriveners error where Richland County was incorrectly referenced instead of Kershaw County. The vote allows staff to proceed with the drafting and refinement of the incentive package. Despite concerns from some Council members regarding transparency and environmental impacts, the majority voted to keep the negotiation process moving forward. This resolution is a procedural step to solidify the economic terms of the project, including identifying the project and setting expectations for future tax incentive agreements.
PASSED For 5 · Against 1
About this project: Project Ballast »
Resolution to Negotiate Fee-in-Lieu Agreement for Project Ballast (As Amended):
Council passed the amended resolution to negotiate the Project Ballast tax agreement with a 4-2 vote.
Taxes & budget
Yes 4 · No 2
▸
detailsless
How they voted
✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Brant Tomlinson✗ Danny Catoe✗ Jimmy JonesWhat this was about
Following the approval of the amendments, the full resolution to negotiate the fee-in-lieu agreement for Project Ballast was passed. This resolution formalizes the County’s commitment to negotiate tax incentives for the 500-megawatt natural gas power plant. The negotiation focuses on providing a fee-in-lieu of ad valorem taxes to the developer, BRNG LLC, in exchange for a multi-million dollar capital investment. The agreement is designed to secure economic growth for the Bethune area, despite significant local opposition. This resolution signals that the County is prepared to move to the final stage of contract development, setting the stage for future permitting and construction timelines. It ensures that both the developer and the County have a clear framework for the incentive package.
PASSED For 4 · Against 2
About this project: Project Ballast »
Third Reading of Ordinance for Project Ballast:
Council narrowly passed the third and final reading of the tax incentive ordinance for Project Ballast.
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
The passage of the third reading approves the fee-in-lieu of ad valorem tax agreement for Project Ballast, now identified as BRNG LLC. The project represents a $900 million investment in a natural gas-fired power facility. The 4-3 vote reflects the deep divide on Council regarding the project's impact, with supporters citing economic development and tax revenue, while opponents highlighted concerns about air quality, water use, and a lack of public transparency. The agreement includes a 40-year phase exemption and a fixed millage rate. With this vote, the ordinance is now law, allowing the company to proceed with project development. The Council has requested that staff monitor environmental compliance closely as the project transitions into its next phase.
PASSED For 4 · Against 3
Who said what
» Derek Shoemake Council Member: argued the project is zoned correctly and that rejecting such opportunities hurts the county's long-term economic growth ▶︎» Brant Tomlinson Council Member: stated he felt informed after visiting a similar facility and hearing from regulators ▶︎» Jimmy Jones Council Member: expressed skepticism about the project's transparency and suspected it could become a data center site ▶︎» Danny Catoe Council Member: voiced strong opposition, primarily citing the plant's close proximity to homes as a major flaw ▶︎» Russell Brazell Vice-Chairman: questioned the project's direct benefits to Kershaw County citizens and stated he lacked enough positive information to support it ▶︎About this project: Project Ballast »
Third Reading of Ordinance for Project Gemstone:
Council unanimously approved the final reading of the tax incentive agreement for Project Gemstone.
Yes 6 · No 0
▸
detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ 6 members voted yesThe official minutes recorded this vote as a count without listing each member by name.
What this was about
This ordinance finalizes the special source revenue credit agreement for Project Gemstone (Candyroot Lodge Holdings, LLC). The project involves the development of a commercial resort and is intended to be a significant economic driver for the county. The agreement grants the resort a 50% reduction in ad valorem taxes based on a 6% assessment ratio, with a minimum investment commitment of $100 million and 150 jobs over the next decade. As this was the third and final reading, the legislation is now fully enacted. The approval allows the developers to move forward with land development and site construction, marking a win for the county's goal of diversifying its economy toward high-end tourism and hospitality.
PASSED For 6 · Against 0 (J. Jones absent)
Who said what
» Ben Connell Chairman: noted the importance of the resort development to the county's economic goals ▶︎About this project: Project Gemstone »
Third Reading of Lease Agreement for 632 W. Dekalb St. (SCDNR):
Council finalized the lease agreement for the SCDNR facility after a member recusal.
County property
Yes 5 · No 0
▸
detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Jimmy Jones● Brant Tomlinson (recused)What this was about
The third reading concludes the approval of a formal lease agreement between Kershaw County and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources for property located at 632 W. Dekalb St. This lease defines the long-term occupancy terms and maintenance responsibilities between the two entities. The measure passed 5-0, with Councilman Brant Tomlinson recusing himself due to a conflict of interest. This finalized document ensures that the department has a stable administrative office in the county, maintaining essential services for local residents. The approval marks the final legislative step in securing the lease, ensuring the county maintains a positive relationship with the state department.
PASSED For 5 · Against 0 (B. Tomlinson recused; J. Jones absent)
Third Reading of Lease Agreement for 632 W. Dekalb St. (Forestry Commission):
Council finalized the lease agreement for the Forestry Commission facility after a member recusal.
County property
Yes 5 · No 0
▸
detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Jimmy Jones● Brant Tomlinson (recused)What this was about
The third reading confirms the lease agreement between Kershaw County and the South Carolina Forestry Commission for the property at 632 W. Dekalb St. Similar to the DNR lease, this agreement outlines the terms of usage, administrative duties, and financial responsibilities for the commission while operating from this site. The measure passed 5-0 following the recusal of Councilman Brant Tomlinson. By finalizing this lease, the County confirms its support for the commission's local presence, aiding in the administration of forestry management programs. This legislative action completes the county's management of the property's tenancy agreements for the current fiscal cycle.
PASSED For 5 · Against 0 (B. Tomlinson recused; J. Jones absent)
Pickle Ball Courts Conversion Purchase:
Council approved the $249,239.96 purchase for pickleball court conversions at KC West.
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 a contract with Sport Court Carolina, Inc., to convert existing tennis courts at KC West into pickleball courts. The total project cost is $249,239.96, which is fully covered by existing budget allocations. This decision comes in response to the growing popularity of pickleball within the county. Officials noted that future donations might help offset costs for similar projects at other parks, such as Boyd Young Park. By investing in these facilities, the County aims to provide modern recreational opportunities that appeal to a wide range of age groups, helping to increase physical activity and community engagement across the region.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Reappointment of Christine Denis to Clean Commission:
Council unanimously reappointed Christine Denis to the Kershaw County Clean Commission.
Appointments
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
This vote reappoints Christine Denis to the Kershaw County Clean Community Commission for District 3. The commission plays a vital role in maintaining the environmental quality, litter control, and beautification efforts of the county. Her reappointment ensures continuity in the commission's mission as they address local waste management and environmental advocacy. The unanimous approval reflects the Council's confidence in her past performance and commitment to the community's cleanliness and sustainability goals. Reappointments are crucial for board stability, allowing members to see long-term projects through to completion.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Housekeeping Votes:
Unanimous · 7-0
▸
detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoePASSED (Unanimous, including entering/exiting executive session, cancellation of the July 28 meeting, and meeting adjournment)
Discussed, no vote ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Inmate Work Crews: Council discussed the possibility of utilizing inmate road crews for highway cleanup, citing past issues with staffing and contraband; the item will return for further discussion on August 11.
- Convenience Center Hours: Council debated proposed changes to standardized convenience center hours, specifically addressing concerns regarding Sunday accessibility for lake residents; the matter is slated for further review on August 11.
Public comment ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Public comments were dominated by the proposed Project Ballast facility near Bethune. Residents expressed significant concerns regarding air and water quality, property values, noise, and the long-term impact on the rural character of the area. Several speakers criticized the tax incentive structure and the perceived lack of transparency, while proponents argued the project would provide economic development, essential energy grid support, and infrastructure tax revenue for the county.
Coming up ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Next Meeting: August 11, 2026.
- Pending Business: Continued discussion on Inmate Road Crews, review of Convenience Center operating hours, and potential scheduling updates for the remainder of the year.
This is an independent summary prepared from the county's official published minutes and the meeting's live stream, not an official county communication.