Meeting recap · April 18, 2023
Council accelerates economic development by approving major industrial project extensions and adding key agenda items
The council voted unanimously to adopt an amended agenda to facilitate time-sensitive economic development actions, including extending investment timelines for Canfor Southern Pine and restructuring fee agreements for INV Performance Surfaces. These measures aim to support local manufacturing growth while maintaining public oversight through scheduled hearings.
6 votes6 passed
The vote behind the headline
Resolution authorizing assignment and assumption of fee agreements for INV Performance Surfaces (None):
Council passed a resolution to update fee-in-lieu of tax agreements for INV Performance Surfaces.
Unanimous · 6-0
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detailsless
Unanimous · 6-0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Russell Brazell✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
Council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the assignment and assumption of existing fee-in-lieu of tax agreements for INV Performance Surfaces. The resolution was necessitated by the company's internal corporate restructuring, which required the current agreements to be formally transferred to new internal business divisions. County staff clarified that this was essentially a logistical, paperwork-driven matter rather than a change in tax policy or financial terms. The resolution ensures that INV Performance Surfaces remains in compliance with their tax obligations following their corporate reorganization. Council members took the opportunity to acknowledge the company's long-standing history as a keystone employer in the Lugoff and Camden area, dating back to the 1950s. The measure passed without controversy, as officials confirmed it did not create new liabilities or alter existing payment structures, but simply allowed the firm to proceed with its internal organizational alignment by the company's upcoming deadline.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Votes at a glance ▸ showhide
Adoption of Amended Agenda (None):
Council voted to add two time-sensitive economic development items to the evening's meeting agenda.
Unanimous · 6-0
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detailsless
Unanimous · 6-0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Danny Catoe✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Russell BrazellWhat this was about
Council voted unanimously to amend the meeting agenda to include two urgent items requiring immediate action before the next scheduled council meeting. The first addition was a first reading of an ordinance for Canfor Southern Pine, which requested an extension of its investment period to accommodate a new $10 million equipment upgrade. The second addition was a resolution concerning INV Performance Surfaces, which required an immediate assignment and assumption of existing fee-in-lieu of tax agreements due to internal corporate restructuring. Economic development staff emphasized that these items were time-sensitive, as Canfor's investment window expires in late May and the INV Performance Surfaces restructuring was finalized the following day. Council members verified the necessity of these additions with staff before voting to approve the revised agenda. This procedural move ensured the county could continue supporting established industrial partners while maintaining legal compliance with their specific contract deadlines.
PASSED (Unanimous)
First Reading of Ordinance extending Canfor Southern Pine investment period (1st Reading):
Council approved the first reading of an ordinance extending the investment period for Canfor Southern Pine.
Jobs & economy
Unanimous · 6-0
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detailsless
Unanimous · 6-0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Russell Brazell✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
Council approved the first of three required readings for an ordinance to amend a fee-in-lieu of tax agreement with Canfor Southern Pine. The company, which operates a major sawmill in the county, is investing an additional $10 million in new machinery and equipment to remain competitive. This ordinance extends their investment period until late 2023, as their initial five-year commitment window was set to expire on May 31, 2023. Council members expressed strong support for the project, highlighting the significant economic ripple effect the mill provides to local timber farmers, truck drivers, and facility employees. Staff clarified that while the initial commitment was $35 million, the company has already exceeded that by investing over $70 million to date. A public hearing for this ordinance is scheduled for the council's May 9, 2023, meeting, providing further opportunity for public oversight.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Resolution authorizing assignment and assumption of fee agreements for INV Performance Surfaces (None):
Council passed a resolution to update fee-in-lieu of tax agreements for INV Performance Surfaces.
Unanimous · 6-0
▸
detailsless
Unanimous · 6-0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Russell Brazell✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
Council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the assignment and assumption of existing fee-in-lieu of tax agreements for INV Performance Surfaces. The resolution was necessitated by the company's internal corporate restructuring, which required the current agreements to be formally transferred to new internal business divisions. County staff clarified that this was essentially a logistical, paperwork-driven matter rather than a change in tax policy or financial terms. The resolution ensures that INV Performance Surfaces remains in compliance with their tax obligations following their corporate reorganization. Council members took the opportunity to acknowledge the company's long-standing history as a keystone employer in the Lugoff and Camden area, dating back to the 1950s. The measure passed without controversy, as officials confirmed it did not create new liabilities or alter existing payment structures, but simply allowed the firm to proceed with its internal organizational alignment by the company's upcoming deadline.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Approval of FY24 Budget and Millage Ordinance schedule (None):
Council adopted the official timeline for upcoming readings and public review of the FY24 budget.
Taxes & budget
Unanimous · 6-0
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detailsless
Unanimous · 6-0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Russell Brazell✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
Council members formally adopted the schedule for the FY24 budget and millage ordinances to ensure a structured public review process. The timeline sets the first reading for April 25, the second for May 23, and the third for June 13, 2023. This schedule was designed to allow a full month between each reading, providing council members ample time to discuss the details with their constituents. Council members praised the finance team for their hard work in preparing the budget earlier than in previous years, which avoids the typical end-of-June scramble. The adoption of this schedule establishes a clear framework for transparency, enabling the public to track the budget’s progress throughout the spring and early summer months.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Appointment of Andrea Larrymore to Recreation Commission (None):
Andrea Larrymore was appointed to the Recreation Commission to represent District 3.
Parks & recAppointments
Unanimous · 6-0
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detailsless
Unanimous · 6-0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Russell Brazell✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
Council unanimously appointed Andrea Larrymore to the Kershaw County Recreation Commission to represent District 3. The nomination was made by Councilman Derek Shoemake, who noted that Larrymore brings a much-needed voice from the rapidly growing Elgin area. Larrymore, an instructional coach, is a newcomer to Kershaw County but has extensive ties in the Midlands and expressed a strong desire to serve the community. She was accompanied by her family during the meeting and confirmed her focus on ensuring the county’s recreational offerings serve all residents. Her appointment is expected to provide valuable community perspective as the council continues to deliberate on recreational facility improvements and team-drafting mechanisms.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Appointment of Jason Bittner to Recreation Commission (None):
Jason Bittner was appointed to the Recreation Commission to represent District 6.
Parks & recAppointments
Unanimous · 6-0
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detailsless
Unanimous · 6-0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Russell Brazell✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
Council unanimously appointed Jason Bittner to the Kershaw County Recreation Commission as the representative for District 6. The nomination was put forward by Councilman Danny Catoe, who highlighted Bittner's background as an engineer and his 25 years of experience in the construction industry. Bittner, a Camden High School graduate, has previously served on the county's Airport Commission, making him well-versed in local board operations. His professional background in managing construction budgets and facilities was cited as a key asset for the Recreation Commission. Although Bittner was unable to attend the meeting, council members expressed their support for his appointment based on his extensive experience and his family's active involvement in local sports programs.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Discussed, no vote ▸ showhide
- Proclamations: The council formally recognized April as Fair Housing Month and April as the Month of the Military Child.
- Meeting Minutes: Council approved the regular meeting minutes from March 28, 2023, and the special called meeting minutes from April 6, 2023.
- Budget and Planning: Council members discussed the upcoming FY24 budget cycle, emphasizing the importance of the Finance Committee's ongoing work, and reviewed input from recent public planning and zoning workshops.
- Infrastructure: Council members addressed ongoing concerns regarding boat ramp safety, courthouse facilities, and the SC-12 Black River Road improvement project, encouraging residents to provide feedback to the SCDOT.
- Administrative Updates: Council discussed the status of recreation program team-drafting mechanisms and the ongoing development of the County Comprehensive Plan.
Coming up ▸ showhide
- Public Hearing: A public hearing for the Canfor Southern Pine ordinance is scheduled for the May 9, 2023, council meeting.
- Budget Meetings: The council is coordinating upcoming Finance Committee meetings to finalize the FY24 budget schedule.
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.