This resolution formally renames the county-owned park along the Wateree River to the Wateree River Veterans Park. The initiative was spearheaded by American Legion Post 17, who formally requested the name change and potential installation of monuments in July 2018. The measure honors Kershaw County's veteran population, which includes over 6,000 residents. The resolution provides a pathway for the future installation of military monuments, including a potential relocation of the 505th Monument, funded entirely by private donations. Council members emphasized that while the naming is confirmed, future monument proposals will require individual council approval. The site, situated near the Bobby Jones Bridge, is intended to serve as a place of remembrance. Access and visibility from U.S. Highway 1 are prioritized for any future memorial construction. The resolution passed by a unanimous vote.
This resolution formally renames the county-owned park along the Wateree River to the Wateree River Veterans Park. The initiative was spearheaded by American Legion Post 17, who formally requested the name change and potential installation of monuments in July 2018. The measure honors Kershaw County's veteran population, which includes over 6,000 residents. The resolution provides a pathway for the future installation of military monuments, including a potential relocation of the 505th Monument, funded entirely by private donations. Council members emphasized that while the naming is confirmed, future monument proposals will require individual council approval. The site, situated near the Bobby Jones Bridge, is intended to serve as a place of remembrance. Access and visibility from U.S. Highway 1 are prioritized for any future memorial construction. The resolution passed by a unanimous vote.
Council voted to support a free-roaming cat program utilizing the trap, neuter, and return (TNR) method to manage stray populations humanely. The program will be administered by the Kershaw County Humane Society in collaboration with county code enforcement. Cats captured under this initiative will be vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and ear-tipped before being returned to their original location. This strategy aims to stabilize the stray cat population more effectively than previous methods. The Humane Society is required to report back to the council one year after implementation to assess the program's effectiveness. Council members viewed this as a practical and necessary step for animal welfare in the county.
PASSED (Unanimous). The program implements a trap, neuter, and return method administered by the Kershaw County Humane Society
The council approved an inducement resolution and first reading for Project Walnut A, an economic development initiative. These resolutions are common in the county to signal support for businesses considering new investment or expansion within Kershaw County. By passing an inducement resolution, the county demonstrates its interest in facilitating a fee-in-lieu of tax agreement (FILOT). While details remained confidential due to the competitive nature of corporate site selection, the council noted the move is part of a broader strategy to attract private sector investment. This is the first of three readings required for the project. The measure passed unanimously, with leadership praising the economic development team for the pace at which these opportunities were secured.
Inducement Resolution for Project Walnut B (1st Reading):Council approved the first reading of an inducement resolution and title-only ordinance for Project Walnut B.
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ David Snodgrass✓ Tom Gardner
The Council passed the first reading of an ordinance for Project Walnut B, handled as a title-only measure, along with an accompanying inducement resolution. This legislative step is a preliminary move in the economic development process, signaling the county's intent to offer tax incentives to the company in exchange for its investment in the region. Because the project remains in a competitive recruitment phase, the 'title only' procedure allows the county to initiate the legal framework without prematurely disclosing proprietary company details that could jeopardize negotiations. During the meeting, Council members praised County Administrator Vic Carpenter and staff for their efforts in bringing this prospect forward, contrasting it with previous years of stagnant development. The measure passed unanimously, with Council members noting that while they support transparency, protecting the competitive nature of these recruitment projects is essential for local success. Future readings will be held to finalize the terms of the agreement as the project moves forward.
Fee in Lieu of Tax Agreement for GE Appliances (3rd Reading):Council approved a tax incentive agreement for Whale Chem, formerly known as Project Wildcat, at third reading.Taxes & budget
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ David Snodgrass✓ Tom Gardner
The Council granted final approval to a Fee in Lieu of Tax (FILOT) agreement for Whale Chem, an economic development project previously referred to in confidential proceedings as Project Wildcat. This measure serves as the third and final reading for the ordinance, codifying tax incentives intended to foster industrial investment within Kershaw County. By structuring this as a FILOT agreement, the county establishes a stable, predictable tax rate for the company, which is a common incentive used to compete for industrial projects on a global scale. Council members voted unanimously in favor of the measure, following earlier positive tallies at the first and second readings. During the final vote, Council member Jimmy Jones sought clarification regarding whether this agreement represented a corporate restructuring or a new capital investment, receiving confirmation that it pertains to the company's commitment to the area. With this final vote, the agreement is officially authorized, moving the project toward realization as part of the county's broader economic development strategy.
Fee in Lieu of Tax Agreement for Whale Chem (3rd Reading):Council finalized the fee-in-lieu of tax agreement for Whale Chem.Taxes & budget
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ David Snodgrass✓ Tom Gardner
What this was about
Council approved the third reading of an ordinance authorizing a fee-in-lieu of tax agreement with Whale Chem, previously known as Project Wildcat. This agreement is part of a structural update for the facility's investment. The move is intended to maintain the economic relationship between the county and the industry. The council confirmed this is in addition to prior investments by the company. The ordinance passed unanimously.
Rezoning 13 acres from R15 to RD2 (2nd Reading):Council approved the rezoning of 13 acres to accommodate larger residential lot requirements.Development
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ David Snodgrass✓ Tom Gardner
Council granted second reading approval to rezone approximately 13 acres from R15 (residential, 15,000 square foot lots) to RD2. The rezoning was recommended by the Planning Commission with a 5-2 vote. County staff clarified that the RD2 classification actually increases the minimum lot size requirements, making it more consistent with the surrounding area's character than the denser R15 zoning. This change is intended to facilitate residential development while respecting neighborhood density standards. The ordinance passed unanimously.
This ordinance consolidates 14 acres currently zoned R15 and GD into a single RD2 parcel. This rezoning, which follows the same logic as the previous 13-acre request, received a 5-1 recommendation from the Planning Commission. By moving to RD2, the land becomes more consistent with existing residential dwellings in the vicinity. The council emphasized that this move helps maintain the character of the neighborhood while allowing for proper land utilization. The measure passed unanimously.
Fee in Lieu of Tax Agreement for Midlands Regional Rehab Hospital (2nd Reading):Council moved forward on tax incentives for the new regional rehabilitation hospital.Taxes & budget
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ David Snodgrass✓ Tom Gardner
The council approved the second reading of an ordinance establishing a fee-in-lieu of tax agreement for the Midlands Regional Rehab Hospital. The facility, which has already begun construction, is viewed as a significant investment for the county's healthcare infrastructure. This agreement outlines the financial terms between the county and the hospital project to incentivize its establishment. Following this second reading, the project will move toward final approval. Council members expressed satisfaction with the progress of the construction. The measure passed unanimously.
The council approved the first reading of an ordinance to amend the county's official rules of order. Proposed by Sammie Tucker Jr., these changes aim to improve the efficiency and transparency of council meetings. Key amendments include formalizing the deadline for publishing the agenda (1 p.m. Friday), clarifying procedures for special meetings, and creating more consistent protocols for public presentations and hearings. The amendments also define the Chairman's role as the parliamentarian during sessions. The council intends to review the updates over the next two readings to ensure they are practical and functional for the body. The vote was unanimous.
This action represents the formal first reading, by title only, of the ordinance authorizing a fee agreement for Project Walnut A. This ordinance tracks alongside the previously approved inducement resolution, ensuring the legal steps for the project are being satisfied. Because this is a title-only reading, the ordinance serves to keep the legislative process moving while final details are negotiated. The council approved the reading unanimously.
Similar to the Project Walnut A action, this is the first reading, by title only, for the fee agreement associated with Project Walnut B. This legislative step is a prerequisite to finalizing the incentive structure for the project. By processing this now, the county remains positioned to attract the investor. The council voted unanimously to move the ordinance forward.
The council unanimously approved the appointment of Pam Delk to the Clean Community Commission. Ben Connell, who made the nomination, cited her active involvement in the Elgin community and her previous work with local cleanup efforts. The appointment is part of the county's broader push to enhance community cleanliness and litter control, a goal the council noted has gained momentum through increased public and organizational participation.
Council approved the contract award for the grading, drainage, and paving of approximately 1,400 linear feet of Brazell Lane and a 600-foot access road in Elgin. The project is necessary to provide access to the Palmetto Utilities wastewater plant, following the utility's transition from older lagoon systems to a new treatment facility. The work will be funded through industrial fees paid by the utility provider, not through property tax increases. JF Contractors was selected as the lowest bidder for the project. The road will become a county-maintained asset once the paving is complete. The contract award passed unanimously.
The council heard the annual audit presentation from Shaheen, Hancock, and Godwin, which resulted in an unmodified opinion with no findings. Sheriff Lee Boan presented the department's new pickup trucks and tactical equipment, noting the effectiveness of new body camera signaling devices.
Fire service officials introduced two new Battalion Chiefs, Stephen Teal and Gary Parnell, and discussed the procurement of ballistic vests for local fire departments.
Public comment▸showhide
Public comments included a presentation by the Committee of 100 announcing Earnest Health's new $17.56 million hospital investment. Other residents raised concerns regarding the Patriot Landing boat ramp safety and the potential for better accommodation of motorboaters at the new park.
One resident provided a critique of the "title only" ordinance procedure, citing transparency concerns.
Coming up▸showhide
The council will hold future readings on the various fee-in-lieu agreements and the proposed amendments to the rules of council business. A 2020 Census meeting is scheduled for November 21 in the council chambers.
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. 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.
