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Meeting recap · August 25, 2026

Council passes a 12-month moratorium on new data centers and cryptocurrency operations

Following public input regarding potential water and energy demands, the Council voted unanimously to halt the acceptance and review of applications for data centers and related facilities. This move aims to allow the county time to research the impacts of these operations and develop comprehensive regulatory framework.

7 votes7 passed3 split
The vote behind the headline

Temporary Moratorium on Data Centers and Cryptocurrency Operations (1st Reading): Council approved a 12-month pause on new data center and cryptocurrency mining applications.

   Unanimous · 6-0
 ▸ detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Danny Catoe✓ Russell Brazell✓ Brant Tomlinson
What this was about
This ordinance institutes a 12-month moratorium on the acceptance and processing of zoning, construction, and site plan applications for data centers, data processing facilities, and cryptocurrency mining operations. The Council determined that existing zoning regulations are inadequate to manage the significant water and electrical load demands associated with these facilities, which can impact local utility infrastructure and environmental quality. This period allows the county to research potential impacts and develop a comprehensive regulatory framework, while also monitoring state-level legislative developments. The measure also invokes the Pending Ordinance Doctrine, meaning any applications submitted after the first reading will be denied while the moratorium is in effect. This step was taken in response to growing public concern regarding energy consumption, water usage, and the rapid proliferation of these industrial operations. Future readings will continue at upcoming sessions to finalize the measure.

PASSED (Unanimous)

Votes at a glance ▸ showhide

Temporary Moratorium on Data Centers and Cryptocurrency Operations (1st Reading): Council approved a 12-month pause on new data center and cryptocurrency mining applications.

   Unanimous · 6-0
 ▸ detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Danny Catoe✓ Russell Brazell✓ Brant Tomlinson
What this was about
This ordinance institutes a 12-month moratorium on the acceptance and processing of zoning, construction, and site plan applications for data centers, data processing facilities, and cryptocurrency mining operations. The Council determined that existing zoning regulations are inadequate to manage the significant water and electrical load demands associated with these facilities, which can impact local utility infrastructure and environmental quality. This period allows the county to research potential impacts and develop a comprehensive regulatory framework, while also monitoring state-level legislative developments. The measure also invokes the Pending Ordinance Doctrine, meaning any applications submitted after the first reading will be denied while the moratorium is in effect. This step was taken in response to growing public concern regarding energy consumption, water usage, and the rapid proliferation of these industrial operations. Future readings will continue at upcoming sessions to finalize the measure.

PASSED (Unanimous)

Directional Signs for Hospital and Medical Facilities (1st Reading): Council approved an ordinance allowing hospitals to install off-site directional signage.

   Unanimous · 6-0
 ▸ detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Danny Catoe✓ Russell Brazell✓ Brant Tomlinson
What this was about
This ordinance amends the Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations to permit hospitals and medical facilities to install off-premises directional signage. Previously, county regulations restricted all signage to the parcel where the facility was located, which created difficulties for residents and visitors navigating to healthcare providers. The ordinance includes specific constraints: signs cannot exceed 12 square feet in area and 8 feet in height, they cannot be illuminated, and they must contain only directional information rather than advertising. The Planning Commission added a provision specifically prohibiting the inclusion of commercial advertising on these directional signs to ensure fairness and prevent competitive branding on public-facing signage. The measure is designed to improve public safety by ensuring vital healthcare infrastructure is easily locatable for the community. The vote passed on the first reading following a staff-generated proposal.

PASSED (Unanimous)

Exempt Subdivision Amendments (1st Reading): Council passed an amendment clarifying stormwater requirements for exempt subdivisions. Development

     Yes 6 · No 1
 ▸ detailsless
How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Danny Catoe✓ Russell Brazell✓ Brant Tomlinson✗ Jimmy Jones
What this was about
This ordinance amends the zoning code to clarify that while exempt subdivisions are excused from certain subdivision standards, they are not exempt from all environmental permitting requirements. Specifically, it ensures that developers provide notice on plats regarding whether parcels are part of a Larger Common Plan (LCP) as defined by state environmental standards. This is critical because individual lots in these developments may be subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting for stormwater discharges. The measure requires plat notes that inform potential buyers about their responsibilities for land disturbance and stormwater permitting, protecting them from unexpected costs or regulatory hurdles after purchasing property. The Council debated the complexity of these federal and state-driven requirements, with some members initially calling for a deferral to allow for further study. Ultimately, it passed first reading, with future readings providing further time for review.

PASSED    For 6 · Against 1

Fire Hydrant Requirements for Subdivisions (1st Reading): The Council adjusted fire hydrant installation rules to reduce costs for minor subdivisions. DevelopmentEMS & fire

   Unanimous · 6-0
 ▸ detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Danny Catoe✓ Russell Brazell✓ Brant Tomlinson
What this was about
This ordinance amends the zoning code to clarify and adjust fire hydrant requirements for major and minor subdivisions. Previously, the county implemented a requirement for hydrants that some constituents found overly burdensome for smaller developments. The new ordinance removes the requirement for developers to install hydrants for minor subdivisions (five lots or fewer) and instead requires them to obtain an official determination letter from the local water district. This letter must verify if public water infrastructure is available and has the capacity to support fire protection. For major subdivisions (six or more lots), the ordinance provides clearer guidance on mitigation measures, including infrastructure extensions or the installation of internal water systems if no public infrastructure exists within 2,000 feet. This measure aims to balance public safety with the financial realities of smaller housing developments.

PASSED (Unanimous)

Multi-County Park Agreement (2nd Reading): Council approved a joint industrial park agreement with Lancaster County. Parks & rec

     Yes 4 · No 3
 ▸ detailsless
How they voted
✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Brant Tomlinson✗ Danny Catoe✗ Jimmy Jones✗ Russell Brazell
What this was about
The Council granted second reading approval for an agreement to create a Multi-County Park with Lancaster County. Under South Carolina law, joint county industrial parks allow for specific fee-in-lieu-of-tax (FILOT) arrangements and tax incentives that help counties attract economic development projects. This agreement establishes that the park will initially be located within the geographical boundaries of Kershaw County. The ordinance outlines revenue-sharing provisions, where Kershaw County retains the vast majority of fee revenues generated from the park while transmitting a small percentage (1%) to Lancaster County, and vice versa. This structure is a standard economic development tool used across the state to facilitate industrial growth. The agreement includes provisions for law enforcement, revenue distribution to local taxing entities, and the ability for either county to modify the park's boundaries. The ordinance passed 4-3, highlighting ongoing internal Council debate regarding economic development strategies.

PASSED    For 4 · Against 3

Approval of Human Resources Policies: The Council approved updates to county human resources policies to improve competitiveness.

     Yes 4 · No 2
 ▸ detailsless
How they voted
✗ Russell Brazell✗ Jimmy Jones• Ben Connell · not recorded• Sammie Tucker Jr. · not recorded• Derek Shoemake · not recorded• Danny Catoe · not recorded• Brant Tomlinson · not recorded
The meeting video didn't make clear how the members in grey voted; their votes fill in automatically once the county posts the official minutes.
What this was about
The Council approved a package of updated human resources policies for Kershaw County employees. The Administrator noted that these updates are essential to make the county a more competitive employer in the current labor market. The policy updates cover several administrative areas, including dual employment and the creation of a new paid parental leave policy for births and adoptions occurring on or after July 1, 2026. The parental leave policy offers up to six weeks of paid leave to support bonding, running concurrently with FMLA. Another policy established a sick leave bank to assist employees facing prolonged, catastrophic illnesses by allowing them to draw from a shared pool once their personal leave is exhausted. Despite concerns from some members about the volume of material and a request for a workshop to further discuss the policy changes, the measure passed with a majority vote.

PASSED    For 4 · Against 2

Library Board Appointment: The Council confirmed Jill Fleishman to the Kershaw County First Steps Board. Parks & recAppointments

   Unanimous · 6-0
 ▸ detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Danny Catoe✓ Russell Brazell✓ Brant Tomlinson
What this was about
The Council formally approved the appointment of Jill Fleishman to the Kershaw County First Steps Board of Trustees. This position opened following the retirement of Jennifer Kelly. The appointment process requires the Council to review and confirm the recommendation provided by the County Library staff and the First Steps Board. This is a routine administrative duty performed by the Council to ensure that local community boards are fully staffed with qualified members to oversee educational and early childhood development programs in the county.

PASSED (Unanimous, B. Tomlinson absent)

Housekeeping Votes: Council approved the meeting agenda, past minutes, and executive session procedures.

   Unanimous · 6-0
 ▸ detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Danny Catoe✓ Russell Brazell✓ Brant Tomlinson
What this was about
The Council conducted routine business, including the adoption of the August 25, 2026, agenda and the approval of the August 11, 2026, meeting minutes. The Council also voted to enter and subsequently exit an executive session to discuss contractual negotiations and receive legal advice. These votes ensure that the Council's proceedings remain in compliance with the Freedom of Information Act and that public records are maintained accurately for the constituents.

The Council voted unanimously to adopt the agenda, approve the August 11, 2026, meeting minutes, enter and exit executive session, and adjourn the meeting

Discussed, no vote ▸ showhide
  • Flock Safety Cameras: Councilman B. Tomlinson introduced a discussion on the accountability and operation of automated license-plate reader systems. The Sheriff is scheduled to provide a formal presentation at the September 8 meeting.
  • Boat Ramp Extension: Vice-Chairman R. Brazell requested an update on the ongoing maintenance project, noting that while funding is secured, the administration reported delays in securing a contractor for the installation of materials.
Public comment ▸ showhide

Eight residents spoke during the public comment period.

Topics included concerns regarding the environmental and utility impact of potential data centers, the importance of government transparency regarding industrial developments, and the need for rigorous oversight of law enforcement surveillance technology.

Coming up ▸ showhide
  • The next regular Council meeting is scheduled for September 8, 2026.
  • Future readings for the data center moratorium and subdivision amendments will continue in the upcoming sessions.

This is an independent summary prepared from the county's official published minutes and the meeting's live stream, not an official county communication.

How this recap was made: Prepared from the county's official minutes (the verified vote record) combined with the meeting's live stream (quotes and discussion). 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.