Watch the full meeting: YouTube Link
Headline: Council Adopts FY 2026-2027 Budget ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Kershaw County Council unanimously passed the third and final reading of the 2026-2027 budget. The budget includes significant investments in EMS services, including funding for a new ambulance and staffing, while maintaining current millage rates.
Votes at a Glance ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- FY 2026-2027 Budget (3rd Reading): PASSED For 7 · Against 0.
- Project Ballast Economic Incentive (2nd Reading): PASSED For 4 · Against 3. (No votes: Russell Brazell, Danny Catoe, Jimmy Jones).
- Project Gemstone Economic Incentive (2nd Reading): PASSED For 7 · Against 0.
- Joint Industrial Park Amendment - Project Gemstone (2nd Reading): PASSED For 7 · Against 0.
- Lease of 632 W. DeKalb St. to DNR (2nd Reading): PASSED For 7 · Against 0.
- Lease of 632 W. DeKalb St. to Forestry Commission (2nd Reading): PASSED For 7 · Against 0.
- Building Code/Appeals Amendment (3rd Reading): PASSED For 7 · Against 0.
- General Obligation Bonds for Wastewater Infrastructure (3rd Reading): PASSED For 5 · Against 2. (No votes: Russell Brazell, Jimmy Jones).
Items Discussed (No Vote) ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Finance Committee Update: Council discussed the establishment of a revenue-neutral account for the Probate Judge to support mental health services.
- ATAX Recommendations: The ATAX commission presented the FY27 budget recommendations, highlighting a new online grant submission process.
- Lugoff Fire Budget: The Fire Chief presented the department's annual budget, noting no tax increase and plans for future staffing growth.
- Solid Waste Convenience Centers: The Solid Waste Director proposed standardizing hours (Tuesday-Saturday, 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.), closing Sundays and Mondays, to achieve an estimated $167,000 in annual savings.
Public Comment Summary ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Nine speakers addressed the council. Residents living near the proposed natural gas plant in Bethune expressed deep concerns regarding environmental impact, property values, noise, and health risks. Other residents voiced urgent needs for expanded EMS coverage in the Liberty Hill and Beaver Creek areas. A veteran spoke on behalf of local veterans requesting a joint commission to explore memorial monuments.
Coming Up ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Ribbon Cuttings: June 30, 2026, for new ballparks at Boyd Young (10:00 a.m.) and Copeland Field (11:15 a.m.).
- KC West Ribbon Cutting: July 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
- Holiday Closure: County government offices will be closed Friday, July 3, 2026, in observance of July 4th.
Independent summary, generated from the county's public video, not an official county communication.