Council approves FY2024/2025 Budget and approves new funding for United Way transportation
Council finalized the county budget for the upcoming fiscal year after passing several amendments, including creating a separate millage for the Sheriff's Office. Additionally, council approved a one-time allocation of $140,000 to the Kershaw County United Way transportation program to support transit services for residents.
14 votes13 passed1 failed3 split
The vote behind the headline
Amendment #1 to FY2024/2025 Budget (Sheriff's Office millage):Council voted to move the Sheriff's Office funding to a separate millage category.Taxes & budgetPublic safety
Unanimous · 6-0
▸detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Russell Brazell
In a significant budget adjustment, Council passed an amendment to separate the Sheriff's Office funding from the General Fund millage. The Sheriff's Office is now funded via its own dedicated millage rate of 24.6 mills. Council members noted that this structure provides greater transparency and accountability for law enforcement spending while mirroring the funding model used for Emergency Medical Services. It ensures the department has a predictable revenue stream that can grow with the county's population and service demands. The amendment passed unanimously.
Adopt the agenda:Council finalized the meeting agenda, including reordering items for efficiency.
Unanimous · 6-0
▸detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Russell Brazell
What this was about
Council approved the meeting agenda for June 25, 2024, after adopting a motion to reorder several items. The council moved the Accommodations Tax (ATAX) committee report to occur immediately after the public comment period to better align with budget discussions. Additionally, they swapped the sequence of the third readings for the budget and millage ordinances. This procedural vote ensures the meeting flow remains logical for the public and staff. The measure passed unanimously.
Council voted to accept the report presented by Chris Renfroe on behalf of the ATAX Committee. The report outlined recommendations for FY25 funding for local organizations and events. The committee noted that approximately $13,312 was placed into reserves for council's future allocation. Members discussed the need to update the application process for future grant cycles to gather more comprehensive information. Council expressed support for encouraging more applications from the western part of the county in the coming year. The report was accepted unanimously.
Council members voted to approve the minutes from the previous meeting held on June 11, 2024. Councilman Danny Catoe abstained from the vote as he was absent during that meeting. The approval ensures the historical record of the proceedings remains accurate and accessible to the public. All other council members present voted in favor.
Amendment #1 to FY2024/2025 Budget (Sheriff's Office millage):Council voted to move the Sheriff's Office funding to a separate millage category.Taxes & budgetPublic safety
Unanimous · 6-0
▸detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Russell Brazell
In a significant budget adjustment, Council passed an amendment to separate the Sheriff's Office funding from the General Fund millage. The Sheriff's Office is now funded via its own dedicated millage rate of 24.6 mills. Council members noted that this structure provides greater transparency and accountability for law enforcement spending while mirroring the funding model used for Emergency Medical Services. It ensures the department has a predictable revenue stream that can grow with the county's population and service demands. The amendment passed unanimously.
Amendment #2 to FY2024/2025 Budget (United Way funding):Council approved a one-time $140,000 allocation for the United Way transportation program.Taxes & budget
Unanimous · 6-0
▸detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Russell Brazell
What this was about
Council approved a one-time $140,000 grant from county reserves to the Kershaw County United Way transportation program. This funding was requested to bridge a budget gap caused by increased service costs, ensuring the program can continue to provide rides to senior citizens and residents in rural areas throughout the next fiscal year. Council members emphasized the program's importance in providing essential access to services. United Way representatives and board members were present to witness the vote. The measure passed unanimously.
Amendment #3 to FY2024/2025 Budget (Tax increase replacement via Reserves):A proposal to use reserves to offset a three-mill tax increase was defeated.Taxes & budget
Yes 2 · No 4
▸detailsless
How they voted
✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✗ Brant Tomlinson✗ Danny Catoe✗ Derek Shoemake✗ Sammie Tucker Jr.
Council considered an amendment to direct the Administrator to use county reserves instead of implementing a planned three-mill tax increase. The proposal aimed to relieve the tax burden on residents by utilizing unrestricted funds from the county's cash management reserves. However, the majority of the Council expressed concerns about starting the fiscal year with a deficit and the potential long-term impact on the county's capital projects and financial health. The motion failed with a vote of 2-4.
Final approval of FY2024/2025 Budget as amended:Council finalized the $52.8 million budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year after several late amendments.Taxes & budget
Yes 5 · No 1
▸detailsless
How they voted
✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Russell Brazell✗ Jimmy Jones
What this was about
Following the third reading and public hearing, Council approved the FY2024/2025 budget. The final approval came after a 5-1 vote, with Councilman Jimmy Jones casting the dissenting vote. Significant components of the budget include the creation of a separate millage rate for the Sheriff's Office, set at 24.6 mills, to provide more fiscal autonomy. Additionally, Council approved a one-time allocation of $140,000 from the county's reserves to support the United Way transportation program, which provides vital transit for rural residents and seniors. A motion to replace a 3-mill tax increase with additional reserve funding was defeated. The budget was developed to address increased service demands while maintaining the county's 25% cash management goal. The approved plan moves into effect on July 1, 2024, and funds various county departments and essential services for the upcoming year.
Third reading of FY2024/2025 Millage Ordinance:Council finalized the county millage rates for the upcoming fiscal year.Taxes & budget
Yes 5 · No 1
▸detailsless
How they voted
✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Russell Brazell✗ Jimmy Jones
What this was about
Council passed the third and final reading of the millage ordinance, which officially sets the property tax rates for Kershaw County for the year beginning July 1, 2024. The ordinance dictates how funds are allocated across various county functions, including operations, debt service, and the newly established Sheriff's millage. The ordinance provides the formal authorization for the County Auditor to levy these rates. The vote was 5-1, with Jimmy Jones voting in opposition.
First reading of Case 24-19 (Impervious surface ratios for RV parks):Council approved a request to increase the maximum impervious surface ratio for RV parks.Parks & rec
Unanimous · 6-0
▸detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Russell Brazell✓ Jimmy Jones
Council passed the first reading of an ordinance to amend the Zoning and Land Development Regulations for Camps and Recreational Vehicle Parks. The change increases the maximum allowed impervious surface ratio from 15% to 35% for these projects. Council members determined that this adjustment is necessary to help small businesses like local campgrounds expand and remain competitive while still meeting modern environmental runoff standards. The request received a unanimous recommendation from the Planning Commission and passed unanimously.
First reading of Case 24-21 (Subdivision residential density limits):Council approved zoning amendments to cap high-density residential uses in major subdivisions at 10%.DevelopmentHousing
Unanimous · 6-0
▸detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell
Council passed the first reading of an ordinance amending the zoning code to limit the percentage of single-family attached units, townhomes, patio homes, and multifamily dwellings to 10% of the net developable acreage in a major subdivision. This measure aims to preserve the character of residential neighborhoods by preventing over-saturation of high-density housing developments. The proposal acts as a final administrative check to codify previously discussed growth management standards. The vote was unanimous.
Referral of Solar Energy Farms to Planning Commission:Council directed the Planning Commission to create mandatory neighborhood meeting requirements for solar farm applicants.Development
Unanimous · 6-0
▸detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Russell Brazell
Following concerns about the proliferation of solar farms, Council voted to task the Planning Commission with drafting new conditional use requirements. Applicants for large-scale solar projects will now be required to hold neighborhood meetings, provide written notice to property owners within a quarter-mile radius of the project, and submit a summary of meeting minutes and feedback as part of their permit application. This ensures that residents in rural areas have a formal venue to voice concerns before projects proceed. The measure was passed unanimously.
Reappointments to Library Board and Old English District:Council reappointed several board members to serve on the Library Board and Old English District.Parks & recAppointments
Unanimous · 6-0
▸detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Russell Brazell
Council approved the reappointments of John Miller and Lois Stuber to the Kershaw County Library Board, and Rickie Good to the Old English District. These individuals have served the community well, and their continued service ensures stability and institutional knowledge for these regional and local boards. Council expressed appreciation for their willingness to volunteer their time for the benefit of Kershaw County. The reappointments were approved unanimously.
Direct Legal Counsel to prepare/publish public hearing notice for airport moratorium ordinance:Council initiated a six-month moratorium on development near the airport to protect federal aviation standards.
Unanimous · 6-0
▸detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Russell Brazell
Following an executive session, Council directed legal counsel to draft and publish a notice for a six-month moratorium on rezonings and new development within the Airport Overlay District. The pause allows the county's airport consultant, planning staff, and legal team to update the district's land-use compatibility standards in line with Federal Aviation Administration and South Carolina Aeronautics Commission recommendations. This move protects the airport from encroachment by incompatible uses that could jeopardize future federal grant funding. Council invoked the pending ordinance doctrine to ensure the moratorium takes immediate effect. The motion passed unanimously.
Housekeeping Votes (Enter/Return from Executive Session, Adjourn meeting):Council conducted routine motions to enter and exit executive session and to adjourn the meeting.
Unanimous · 6-0
▸detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Danny Catoe✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Russell Brazell✓ Brant Tomlinson
What this was about
Council held standard procedural votes to enter and exit an executive session to receive legal advice regarding an airport overlay matter, as permitted under the Freedom of Information Act. Following the final vote to enact the airport moratorium ordinance, Council voted to adjourn the meeting at 8:19 p.m. All motions passed unanimously.
Solar Energy Farms: Council members discussed concerns regarding the rapid expansion of solar energy projects, specifically in District 6, and the need for improved community notification processes.
Airport Moratorium: Following executive session, Council moved to initiate a six-month moratorium on rezonings and new development within the airport overlay district to allow for a review of land use compatibility with federal aviation standards.
Public comment▸showhide
Four residents spoke during the public comment period.
Subjects included the annual audit reports for the Alpha Center, support for the United Way transportation budget motion, feedback on the county's litter ordinance, and concerns regarding the proliferation of solar energy farms in rural residential areas.
Coming up▸showhide
Future Agenda: Discussions regarding the Joint Equine Advisory Committee and an update from the COG Director on the Catawba Water Basin are expected for upcoming meetings.
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.
