Council narrowly passed the third reading of an ordinance setting the county millage rate for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2022
The 4-3 vote followed significant debate and public testimony regarding the timing of the tax increase and the methodology used to calculate it.
13 votes13 passed1 split
The vote behind the headline
Millage Rate Ordinance (3rd Reading):Council narrowly passed the millage rate ordinance following a public hearing and debate regarding the county budget.Taxes & budget
Yes 4 · No 3
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How they voted
✓ Julian Burns✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Tom Gardner✗ Jimmy Jones✗ Brant Tomlinson✗ Russell Brazell
In a split 4-3 vote, the Council approved the third and final reading of the ordinance to set the millage rate for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022. This measure was the final step in finalizing the county budget, which had been previously debated during earlier meetings. Supporters argued that the millage was necessary to fund public safety services, including police and fire departments, and to maintain competitive salaries for county employees. Several citizens spoke during the public hearing, expressing strong opposition to the increase due to current economic conditions, including high inflation and rising utility costs. Dissenting council members raised concerns regarding the process, arguing that the decision had been made without sufficient transparency or inclusion of all members in the planning stages. With the ordinance passed, the county can now proceed with issuing tax notices by the November 15 deadline to ensure consistent revenue flow.
Proclamation Honoring the Post-17 American Legion Baseball Team:Council recognized the 2022 Southeast Regional Champion American Legion baseball team with an official proclamation.
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Tom Gardner
The Kershaw County Council issued this proclamation to honor the James Leroy Belt American Legion Post-17 senior baseball team for their remarkable 2022 season. The team achieved a 23-7 record, claimed the Legion 3 championship, and earned the title of Southeast Regional Champions, ultimately competing in the American Legion World Series. Council members emphasized that this achievement serves as a point of pride for the entire county, highlighting the dedication of the players, their volunteer coaches, and the supportive families and Legionnaires involved. The proclamation formally recognizes the team's excellence both on and off the field, noting the positive example they set for other youth in the community. Council members also took the opportunity to acknowledge the significant behind-the-scenes work performed by the American Legion in organizing and supporting youth sports programs across the region. This celebratory item was passed unanimously to honor the young athletes' hard work and sportsmanship.
Resolution Supporting the SC Revolutionary War Sestercentennial Commission:Council approved a resolution to formalize the county's participation in the upcoming 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Tom Gardner
This resolution establishes the Kershaw County 250 Committee as the official local body to partner with the South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission (SC 250). The commission aims to celebrate the state's pivotal role in the Revolutionary War over the next decade, leading up to the 2026 milestone. By formalizing this local committee, Kershaw County seeks to promote its unique historical assets, including local battlefields and heritage sites, to attract historical tourism and obtain potential grant funding for site improvements. The committee includes representatives from historical societies, tourism departments, and local government. The measure was passed unanimously, with council members reflecting on the historical importance of the back-country fighting that took place within the county's borders. The initiative focuses on educating citizens and youth about the local contributions to the war effort and coordinating future anniversary celebrations.
Millage Rate Ordinance (3rd Reading):Council narrowly passed the millage rate ordinance following a public hearing and debate regarding the county budget.Taxes & budget
Yes 4 · No 3
▸detailsless
How they voted
✓ Julian Burns✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Tom Gardner✗ Jimmy Jones✗ Brant Tomlinson✗ Russell Brazell
In a split 4-3 vote, the Council approved the third and final reading of the ordinance to set the millage rate for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022. This measure was the final step in finalizing the county budget, which had been previously debated during earlier meetings. Supporters argued that the millage was necessary to fund public safety services, including police and fire departments, and to maintain competitive salaries for county employees. Several citizens spoke during the public hearing, expressing strong opposition to the increase due to current economic conditions, including high inflation and rising utility costs. Dissenting council members raised concerns regarding the process, arguing that the decision had been made without sufficient transparency or inclusion of all members in the planning stages. With the ordinance passed, the county can now proceed with issuing tax notices by the November 15 deadline to ensure consistent revenue flow.
Codification Enabling Ordinance (3rd Reading):Council passed an ordinance to modernize and enable public online access to county codes and regulations.
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Tom Gardner
This ordinance finalizes the adoption of a modernized code of ordinances for Kershaw County. The primary goal of this codification project is to transition from large physical binders to a searchable online format, making county laws and regulations accessible to all residents. Council members noted that the previous system required residents to visit the office and pay for copies of documents, which was inefficient and restrictive. By making the code searchable online, citizens can now easily research regulations regarding zoning, building codes, and other county ordinances without administrative assistance. The passage was described as a significant, long-overdue step toward transparency. The move passed unanimously, with several members expressing relief that the multi-year effort to digitize and clean up the county's regulatory documents had finally reached a successful conclusion.
PASSED (Unanimous). This updates and modernizes county codes, enabling searchable online access to regulations
Appointment of Amy Kynard to A-Tax Committee:Council unanimously voted to reappoint Beth Ford to the Accommodations Tax (A-Tax) Committee.Taxes & budgetAppointments
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Tom Gardner
This vote formalizes the reappointment of Beth Ford to the Kershaw County Accommodations Tax (A-Tax) Committee. The committee plays a critical role in managing tax revenue derived from the tourism industry, helping to allocate funds toward projects that attract visitors and bolster local economic development. Ford, who was noted by the Chairman as currently being in Jerusalem, was reappointed alongside other committee members during the administrative portion of the September 13, 2022, meeting. These committee members represent the hospitality and tourism sectors, ensuring that the county's A-Tax allocations align with regional tourism goals. Her reappointment passed without opposition or discussion, as the council moved to fill vacancies left by departing members and to maintain the continuity of the committee's oversight responsibilities.
Appointment of Becky Robinson to Clean Community Commission:Council unanimously reappointed Becky Robinson to the Clean Community Commission.Appointments
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Tom Gardner
Becky Robinson was reappointed for another term on the Clean Community Commission, an active group dedicated to litter reduction and environmental awareness in Kershaw County.
Pam Delk was reappointed to the commission, where she has served as a past chair. Council members praised her dedication to the commission's efforts in cleaning up hundreds of miles of county roads.
Bob G. Georgie was appointed to represent District 6 on the Kershaw County Library Board, assisting in the governance and oversight of the library system.
Appointment of Dr. John Ellington to Library Board:Council unanimously appointed Dr. John Ellington to the Library Board.Parks & recAppointments
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Tom Gardner
What this was about
Dr. John Ellington, a local veterinarian, was appointed to the Library Board for District 5. Council members expressed confidence that he will serve the library well.
Robert Horton was appointed to the Planning Commission to fill a seat vacated by a previous member. This commission is vital for reviewing zoning and development proposals in the county.
Council discussed a potential memorandum of understanding (MOU) to provide building inspection services to the town of Bethune.
Staff indicated that this is a temporary arrangement while the town adopts its own international building code and seeks a permanent third-party contractor.
Public comment▸showhide
Residents expressed strong opposition to the millage increase, citing the current economic climate, inflation, and concerns over government transparency.
Other speakers raised concerns about zoning violations involving an animal shelter, debated the historical narrative surrounding the 9-11 attacks, and questioned the necessity of the county's ten-year comprehensive plan.
Coming up▸showhide
The council will move toward finalizing several committee vacancies, including positions on the Planning Commission and Recreation Committee, following the departures of previous members.
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.
