Council advanced a contentious industrial development strategy by approving the first reading of an ordinance to create a multi-county industrial park with Lancaster County
While supporters argued the move is necessary for economic competitiveness, critics expressed concern over transparency and the potential impact of industrial projects in the county.
8 votes8 passed3 split
The vote behind the headline
Multi-County Industrial Park Agreement with Lancaster County (1st Reading):Council advanced a proposal to create a joint industrial park agreement with neighboring Lancaster County.Jobs & economyParks & rec
Yes 4 · No 3
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How they voted
✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Derek Shoemake✗ Russell Brazell✗ Danny Catoe✗ Jimmy Jones
This ordinance authorizes a Multi-County Park Agreement between Kershaw and Lancaster Counties, establishing a joint industrial park initially situated within Kershaw County's borders. The agreement is a strategic economic development tool that allows the county to offer tax incentives, such as fee-in-lieu of tax agreements, to attract industrial investment. By partnering with Lancaster County, Kershaw County aims to diversify its partnership portfolio, which currently includes agreements with counties like Lee and Fairfield. Supporters argue this is essential for economic competitiveness and infrastructure growth, while critics like Councilmen Russell Brazell, Danny Catoe, and Jimmy Jones expressed opposition, raising concerns about the potential impact of industrial projects and the underlying strategy of the partnership. The measure passed 4-3 on its first reading. The project will require further readings, where council members have indicated they expect more granular details regarding specific tenant contracts and project scopes to be provided by staff.
Private Hangar Contract at Kershaw County Airport (1st Reading):Council approved a first reading to establish a contract for a private hangar at the local airport.
Yes 6 · No 1
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How they voted
✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Russell Brazell✓ Ben Connell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Derek Shoemake✗ Jimmy Jones
This ordinance initiates the legislative process to establish specific rates and terms for a private hangar contract at the Kershaw County Airport. The measure provides the necessary legal authorization for county officials to execute the agreement and manage the terms of the hangar's usage. As a first reading in title only, the vote serves as the initial step in the county’s standard legislative process, which requires further readings and public review before final enactment. The specific dollar amounts, contract duration, and tenant responsibilities are intended to be finalized during subsequent readings. This contract is part of the ongoing infrastructure management of the county airport to ensure that private hangar facilities are operated under a formalized agreement. The vote passed 6-1, with Councilman Jimmy Jones casting the dissenting vote, signaling potential future debate or requests for further detail on contract specifics in the coming weeks.
Multi-County Industrial Park Agreement with Lancaster County (1st Reading):Council advanced a proposal to create a joint industrial park agreement with neighboring Lancaster County.Jobs & economyParks & rec
Yes 4 · No 3
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How they voted
✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Derek Shoemake✗ Russell Brazell✗ Danny Catoe✗ Jimmy Jones
This ordinance authorizes a Multi-County Park Agreement between Kershaw and Lancaster Counties, establishing a joint industrial park initially situated within Kershaw County's borders. The agreement is a strategic economic development tool that allows the county to offer tax incentives, such as fee-in-lieu of tax agreements, to attract industrial investment. By partnering with Lancaster County, Kershaw County aims to diversify its partnership portfolio, which currently includes agreements with counties like Lee and Fairfield. Supporters argue this is essential for economic competitiveness and infrastructure growth, while critics like Councilmen Russell Brazell, Danny Catoe, and Jimmy Jones expressed opposition, raising concerns about the potential impact of industrial projects and the underlying strategy of the partnership. The measure passed 4-3 on its first reading. The project will require further readings, where council members have indicated they expect more granular details regarding specific tenant contracts and project scopes to be provided by staff.
Amendments to Zoning Code Exceptions to Height Limitations (1st Reading):Council approved a first reading to amend height exceptions in the zoning code for energy infrastructure.Development
Yes 4 · No 3
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How they voted
✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Derek Shoemake✗ Russell Brazell✗ Danny Catoe✗ Jimmy Jones
This text amendment targets Section 3:2.6 of the Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations, which governs exceptions to height limitations. Currently, the code exempts specific structures like church spires and certain chimneys, but this amendment aims to add clarifying language for industrial infrastructure, particularly energy project-related structures. The move comes amid public debate over proposed industrial power projects, such as Project Ballast, and the visibility of their exhaust stacks. While staff described the change as a standard update to include modern energy infrastructure, several council members and residents voiced concerns that the change is specifically designed to accommodate tall industrial stacks that would otherwise require a variance. The first reading passed 4-3, with the opposition arguing that the timing and intent lack the transparency the community deserves. The item will undergo a full review process with the Planning Commission before returning for subsequent readings.
12-Month Data Center Moratorium Proposal (Amendment Vote):Council voted unanimously to amend the proposed data center moratorium timeframe to 12 months.
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Russell Brazell✓ Ben Connell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones
The council considered various proposals regarding a moratorium on data center development, ranging from five-year bans to shorter pauses. Councilman Jimmy Jones moved to amend the initial proposal to a 12-month timeframe, emphasizing the need for the county to establish regulatory guardrails before allowing large-scale data center projects. The amendment, which also directs staff to ensure that regulatory development occurs during this period, received unanimous support. This pause is intended to provide the county and the state legislature sufficient time to create comprehensive guidance and safety standards for the data center industry. The council emphasized that this moratorium will allow the county to address environmental, power, and security concerns without permanently barring future development. The unanimous vote signals a unified commitment among council members to prioritize public input and environmental safety over the rapid, unregulated expansion of this technology-heavy industry.
PASSED (Unanimous). The council voted to amend the initial proposal to a 12-month timeframe
12-Month Data Center Moratorium Proposal (Main Motion as Amended):Council voted unanimously to proceed with a 12-month moratorium on data centers to allow for regulatory drafting.
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Russell Brazell✓ Ben Connell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones
Following the adoption of the 12-month amendment, the council voted unanimously to adopt the main motion to establish a moratorium on data center development. This action directs staff to begin drafting an ordinance, which will undergo three formal readings and a public hearing process. The measure aims to curb the rapid influx of speculative data center development by establishing a period of legislative review. Council members expressed a shared desire to draft specific ordinances covering water usage, power consumption, setback requirements, and performance bonds. By taking this step, the council aims to manage the potential risks associated with AI-driven facilities and ensure that if the industry develops in the county, it complies with strictly defined community standards. The unanimous vote underscores the council's response to significant public concern regarding environmental impacts and the lack of existing state-level regulations for this fast-growing sector.
PASSED (Unanimous). This vote directs staff to prepare an ordinance for formal readings
Resolution for Probate Judge to Serve as Special Judge for Commitment Cases:Council approved a resolution allowing the Probate Judge to handle involuntary commitment cases from other counties.
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Russell Brazell✓ Ben Connell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones
What this was about
This resolution approves a Memorandum of Understanding allowing the Kershaw County Probate Judge, Honorable Debra Branham, to act as a special probate judge for emergency involuntary commitment cases arising in other counties. The arrangement is designed to be revenue positive and expense neutral, with all costs, including an additional $25,000 annual salary for the judge, covered by fees paid by the Department of Mental Health and participating outside agencies. The county will provide initial personnel and equipment support of up to $120,000, which will be recouped through the generated fees. The program is set to commence in the 2026-2027 fiscal year and will be reviewed annually during the budget process. Council members discussed the necessity of ensuring that these outside cases do not impact the local court's workflow. The resolution passed unanimously, reflecting confidence in the Probate Court’s capacity to provide this essential regional service.
Cancellation of November 24 and December 22 Council Meetings:Council voted unanimously to cancel the two final meetings of 2026 to accommodate the holiday schedule.
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Russell Brazell✓ Ben Connell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones
What this was about
Chairman Ben Connell introduced a motion to cancel the regularly scheduled council meetings for November 24 and December 22, 2026. This is a common administrative practice to accommodate the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday weeks when council attendance and staff availability are often limited. The vote passed unanimously, with council members noting that this allows for better advance planning for both the public and staff. The council affirmed its commitment to maintaining the current meeting cadence of two meetings per month for the remainder of the year to address pending legislative matters, outside of these two specific holiday-related cancellations. This procedural vote ensures the administrative schedule for the final quarter of the year is finalized early, providing clarity for all interested stakeholders.
Deferral of Master Planned Development District Ordinance (2nd Reading):Council voted unanimously to defer the second reading of the Master Planned Development District ordinance.Development
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Russell Brazell✓ Ben Connell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones
What this was about
This motion to defer the second reading of the ordinance regarding the Master Planned Development District was brought forward by Councilman Russell Brazell. The ordinance, which aims to create a zoning overlay district for residential developments, was introduced on May 26, 2026, and is intended to promote innovative design and housing variety while protecting natural resources. The unanimous vote to defer allows council members additional time to review the details and ensure the proposed language aligns with recent planning recommendations. The deferral does not permanently set aside the proposal, but rather pauses the legislative process to allow for further clarification and coordination before the second reading occurs. The council is expected to revisit this matter in two future meetings, following a review of the Planning Commission's recent feedback and public concerns raised during the hearing process.
Council members held a lengthy debate regarding the recent reduction in convenience center hours. While some members advocated for reopening sites on Sunday afternoons to accommodate residents, the administrator emphasized that the current schedule is essential for budget solvency and operational efficiency.
The administration will continue to monitor data and adjust services as needed. Additionally, council discussed the feasibility of reinstating inmate work crews for litter pickup, though concerns regarding legal liabilities and staffing costs were raised.
Public comment▸showhide
Residents expressed significant concerns regarding the lack of transparency surrounding industrial growth and the potential environmental impact of data centers and power plants.
Speakers urged the council to implement strict regulatory "guardrails" before approving further industrial projects. Other residents highlighted the ongoing challenges with road maintenance and drainage issues in local neighborhoods.
One speaker shared a personal history regarding the identification of soldiers from the Battle of Camden, requesting continued support for naming the remaining unidentified fallen soldiers.
Coming up▸showhide
The council will move forward with the formal legislative process for a 12-month data center moratorium, which will require three readings and a public hearing to be enacted.
Staff will also continue to collect data on convenience center operations to explore potential adjustments to current hours.
Independent summary, generated from the county's public video, not an official county communication.
How this recap was made: Prepared from the meeting's live-stream transcript and the official agenda packet. The county's official minutes (the verified vote record) will be cross-checked automatically once the county publishes them, often a couple of months later. This is an automated summary written by software (a neural-network summarizer working from the documents above). Rely on the official county record for anything important.
