Headline: Council Adopts FY 2026-2027 Budget
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.
FY 2026-2027 Budget (3rd Reading):
Council finalized the county's operating budget for the upcoming year, prioritizing EMS improvements without increasing millage rates.
Taxes & budget
Yes 7 · No 0
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What this was about
This measure marks the third and final reading of the county's financial plan for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026. The budget was approved unanimously and focuses on maintaining current millage rates while funding key service expansions, specifically in emergency medical services. A significant portion of the discussion centered on a $1.1 million increase for the EMS department, which includes plans for additional staffing and ambulance deployment to high-need areas. The council also approved amendments to establish a revenue-neutral account for the Probate Judge's mental health services, update ATAX tourism grant allocations, and provide a framework for future grant matching. Public reaction during the meeting included concerns regarding EMS response times in rural Liberty Hill and Beaver Creek, which council members and staff addressed as phased priorities in future capital cycles.
PASSED For 7 · Against 0
Who said what
» Lee Reed, resident: The absence of funding for adequate EMS coverage in Liberty Hill and other underserved areas of the county sends a clear message about where this issue ranks among your priorities.
» Will Glover, EMS Director: Our phased staffing approach targets scaling our fleet from five ambulances to an optimal eight, addressing high call volume areas first before expanding further into rural zones.
» Russell Brazell, Councilman: I am very encouraged by what I heard from Mr. Glover and your words, Mr. Tucker; please help us follow through with the EMS plan.
» Sammy Tucker, Councilman: I want to thank my colleagues for their support on this unanimous budget vote, which hasn't happened in over a decade.
Votes at a Glance ▸ tap to showtap to hide
FY 2026-2027 Budget (3rd Reading):
Council finalized the county's operating budget for the upcoming year, prioritizing EMS improvements without increasing millage rates.
Taxes & budget
Yes 7 · No 0
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detailsless
What this was about
This measure marks the third and final reading of the county's financial plan for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026. The budget was approved unanimously and focuses on maintaining current millage rates while funding key service expansions, specifically in emergency medical services. A significant portion of the discussion centered on a $1.1 million increase for the EMS department, which includes plans for additional staffing and ambulance deployment to high-need areas. The council also approved amendments to establish a revenue-neutral account for the Probate Judge's mental health services, update ATAX tourism grant allocations, and provide a framework for future grant matching. Public reaction during the meeting included concerns regarding EMS response times in rural Liberty Hill and Beaver Creek, which council members and staff addressed as phased priorities in future capital cycles.
PASSED For 7 · Against 0
Who said what
» Lee Reed, resident: The absence of funding for adequate EMS coverage in Liberty Hill and other underserved areas of the county sends a clear message about where this issue ranks among your priorities.
» Will Glover, EMS Director: Our phased staffing approach targets scaling our fleet from five ambulances to an optimal eight, addressing high call volume areas first before expanding further into rural zones.
» Russell Brazell, Councilman: I am very encouraged by what I heard from Mr. Glover and your words, Mr. Tucker; please help us follow through with the EMS plan.
» Sammy Tucker, Councilman: I want to thank my colleagues for their support on this unanimous budget vote, which hasn't happened in over a decade.
Project Ballast Economic Incentive (2nd Reading):
Council approved a tax incentive agreement for an industrial project, despite significant community opposition regarding potential environmental impacts.
Jobs & economy
Yes 4 · No 3
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How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✗ Russell Brazell✗ Danny Catoe✗ Jimmy JonesWhat this was about
This ordinance approves a fee-in-lieu-of-tax (FILOT) agreement and special source revenue credits (SSRC) for 'Project Ballast,' a proposed natural gas-fired power plant. The agreement sets a framework for an anticipated $900 million investment, though it does not guarantee the plant's construction. During the public hearing and comment period, local residents living near the proposed site in Bethune expressed intense opposition, citing fears about noise, property values, groundwater contamination, and health risks. Supporters on the council argued the project is a permitted use of the land and a vital economic development opportunity, while opponents, including Councilmen Brazell, Cato, and Jones, voted against the measure due to concerns over the impact on their constituents' quality of life. The project will now proceed to a third reading for final consideration.
PASSED For 4 · Against 3. (No votes: Russell Brazell, Danny Catoe, Jimmy Jones)
Who said what
» Denise Rollins, resident: We are asking you to reject the proposed natural gas plant that is planned less than two miles from our homes; our rural community has long been defined by its quiet farmland.
» Danny Catoe, Councilman: I cannot, with a clear heart and a clear conscience, vote for this tonight; I cannot turn my back on the people I was raised around.
» Brent Shoemake, Councilman: This would be the largest economic development project Kershaw County’s ever done, and I think it is important to note that the use being proposed is an allowed use.
» Jimmy Jones, Councilman: I always said when I ran for this office 20 years ago that I would always put people before money.
About this project: Project Ballast »
Project Gemstone Economic Incentive (2nd Reading):
Council approved tax incentives for a new 100-million-dollar golf resort and wellness development known as Candleroot Lodge.
Jobs & economy
Yes 7 · No 0
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What this was about
This ordinance provides a fee-in-lieu-of-tax agreement and a 50% special source revenue credit for 'Project Gemstone,' which was revealed during the meeting as the Candleroot Lodge Golf resort. The project involves a 10-year, $100 million capital investment expected to create 150 full-time jobs. The development includes plans for four golf courses, a wellness center, and a restaurant, but explicitly excludes residential housing. Unlike the contentious Project Ballast, this measure passed unanimously. Council members expressed support for the project as a positive example of economic growth that respects the county's desire to avoid residential sprawl while still increasing the tax base.
PASSED For 7 · Against 0
Who said what
» Steven Smoke, Project Representative: On behalf of my client, I am here to reveal that Project Gemstone is the Candleroot Lodge Golf resort; we look forward to working with you.
» Brent Shoemake, Councilman: I am extremely supportive of this because by opening the door to industrial and commercial projects, you get things like a golf course that create huge economic development.
» Danny Catoe, Councilman: I want to clarify tonight, and I want you to say it again: this involves absolutely zero residential development.
About this project: Project Gemstone »
Joint Industrial Park Amendment - Project Gemstone (2nd Reading):
This technical amendment adds the Gemstone project property to the joint industrial park to qualify for tax incentives.
Jobs & economyParks & rec
Yes 7 · No 0
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What this was about
This ordinance amends the existing agreement for a joint industrial park shared between Kershaw and Fairfield Counties. By adding the real property associated with the Project Gemstone (Candleroot Lodge) site to the park's boundaries, the county enables the project to qualify for the fee-in-lieu-of-tax (FILOT) and special source revenue credit (SSRC) incentives authorized in the previous vote. This is a standard procedural step for economic development projects in South Carolina to ensure legal compliance with tax structures. The amendment passed unanimously alongside the primary incentive package for the resort.
PASSED For 7 · Against 0
About this project: Project Gemstone »
Lease of 632 W. DeKalb St. to DNR (2nd Reading):
Council approved a lease renewal for the Department of Natural Resources to utilize the county-owned building on DeKalb Street.
County property
Yes 7 · No 0
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What this was about
This measure acts as a housekeeping ordinance to formalize the lease agreement for the county-owned facility located at 632 W. DeKalb Street. The lease allows the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to continue its operations from this location. As part of a series of standard administrative renewals, the council approved the lease during the second reading without significant debate or public opposition, viewing it as a routine administrative function.
PASSED For 7 · Against 0
Lease of 632 W. DeKalb St. to Forestry Commission (2nd Reading):
Council approved a lease renewal for the Forestry Commission to utilize the county-owned building on DeKalb Street.
County property
Yes 7 · No 0
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What this was about
Similar to the lease agreement for the Department of Natural Resources, this ordinance formalizes the terms for the South Carolina Forestry Commission to occupy space at the county-owned site at 632 W. DeKalb Street. The council treated this as a standard administrative matter, confirming the lease as part of the county's ongoing management of its real property assets. The measure passed unanimously in its second reading.
PASSED For 7 · Against 0
Building Code/Appeals Amendment (3rd Reading):
Council adopted an ordinance to update local building codes and appeals procedures to match state and international standards.
Development
Yes 7 · No 0
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What this was about
This ordinance amends Article IV of the Kershaw County Code of Ordinances. The purpose of the update is to align the county's building codes and the Board of Adjustments and Appeals procedures with the current administrative requirements set forth in the International Building Code (IBC). Council members described this as a necessary technical cleanup to ensure local regulations remain compliant with modern state and international building standards. The measure passed its third and final reading unanimously.
PASSED For 7 · Against 0
General Obligation Bonds for Wastewater Infrastructure (3rd Reading):
Council finalized the authorization of $2 million in bonds to fund wastewater infrastructure and capital improvements.
Taxes & budgetWater & sewer
Yes 5 · No 2
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How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✗ Russell Brazell✗ Jimmy JonesWhat this was about
This ordinance authorizes the issuance of $2 million in General Obligation (GO) bonds specifically designated for acquiring, constructing, equipping, and rehabilitating the county’s wastewater infrastructure and other related capital projects. The issuance faced opposition from Councilmen Brazell and Jones, though it secured the necessary majority to pass its third reading. The funds are earmarked for necessary utility upgrades to support current and future county needs. The council had previously held a public hearing on the matter earlier in the meeting, where no members of the public came forward to testify.
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.