The headline
Council approved the first reading of a $2 million bond ordinance to fund urgent repairs to the county's wastewater infrastructure. The bond is a four-year general obligation issuance intended to address long-standing maintenance needs without increasing the debt millage rate.
General Obligation Bonds for Wastewater Infrastructure (1st Reading):
Council approved a $2 million bond ordinance to fund necessary repairs to aging county wastewater infrastructure.
Taxes & budgetWater & sewer
Yes 6 · No 1
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How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✗ Russell BrazellWhat this was about
This ordinance authorizes the issuance of up to $2 million in general obligation bonds to address urgent repairs for the county's wastewater infrastructure. County officials noted that the system, particularly along the Highway 1 corridor, includes legacy lines installed decades ago that have suffered from chronic maintenance issues and odor complaints. This bond is structured as a four-year issuance that fits within the county's existing 8% debt millage capacity, meaning it will not require a tax increase. The funding is intended as a starting point for a broader 6-year, $12 million rehabilitation project. While the measure passed its first reading, council members discussed the possibility of exploring cash-reserve funding options or early debt payoffs for future bond stages.
PASSED For 6 · Against 1
Votes at a glance ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Adoption of the Agenda:
Council voted to adopt the meeting agenda, including moving the historical marker resolution to an earlier slot.
Yes 7 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
At the start of the May 26, 2026, meeting, Chairman Ben Connell presented the published agenda for official adoption. Following a motion by Councilman Danny Catoe and a second by Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr., the council unanimously approved the agenda. To accommodate public speakers, the Chairman exercised his authority to shift the resolution regarding the National Society Colonial Dames' historical marker to a position immediately following public comments. This move allowed community members present for the historical marker discussion to address the council earlier in the proceedings. The agenda adoption serves as the formal opening step for the session's legislative business.
PASSED For 7 · Against 0
Resolution Authorizing the National Society Colonial Dames to Place a Historical Marker at Veterans Park:
Council authorized the installation of a historical marker at Veterans Park commemorating the historic Camden Ferry.
Parks & recVeterans
Yes 7 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
The Wateree Chapter of the National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century requested permission to install a historical marker at Veterans Park. The marker commemorates 'Camden Ferry No. 1,' which operated as a river crossing as early as 1791 and was famously used by President George Washington. The marker will consist of a 13 by 19-inch bronze plaque on a freestanding pole, with an installation date proposed for October 17, 2026. This resolution grants the necessary formal authorization for the placement of the marker on public property, serving as the required property owner agreement. No taxpayer funds are involved in the project, as the Dames are funding the fabrication and installation. Council expressed appreciation for the group's efforts to highlight local history.
PASSED For 7 · Against 0
Zoning Overlay District for Master Planned Development (1st Reading):
Council approved the first reading of an ordinance creating a new Master Planned Development zoning overlay district.
Development
Yes 6 · No 1
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How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✗ Jimmy JonesWhat this was about
This ordinance creates a new zoning tool called a Master Planned Development (MPD) District, designed to provide the county with more flexibility in managing development. Unlike existing Planned Development Districts (PDDs), which require a non-residential component, an MPD functions as a flexible zoning tool that does not mandate commercial use. The measure allows the county to negotiate specific development terms - such as road standards and infrastructure - directly through development agreements. During the discussion, it was clarified that this addition provides a new 'tool in the toolbox' for managing residential growth without requiring the commercial footprint inherent in PDDs. The ordinance will now be referred to the Planning Commission for further study and recommendations before returning for future readings.
PASSED For 6 · Against 1
General Obligation Bonds for Wastewater Infrastructure (1st Reading):
Council approved a $2 million bond ordinance to fund necessary repairs to aging county wastewater infrastructure.
Taxes & budgetWater & sewer
Yes 6 · No 1
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How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✗ Russell BrazellWhat this was about
This ordinance authorizes the issuance of up to $2 million in general obligation bonds to address urgent repairs for the county's wastewater infrastructure. County officials noted that the system, particularly along the Highway 1 corridor, includes legacy lines installed decades ago that have suffered from chronic maintenance issues and odor complaints. This bond is structured as a four-year issuance that fits within the county's existing 8% debt millage capacity, meaning it will not require a tax increase. The funding is intended as a starting point for a broader 6-year, $12 million rehabilitation project. While the measure passed its first reading, council members discussed the possibility of exploring cash-reserve funding options or early debt payoffs for future bond stages.
PASSED For 6 · Against 1
Amendment to Building and Building Regulations Chapter 6 (1st Reading):
Council approved updates to building regulations to simplify qualifications for the Board of Adjustments and Appeals.
Yes 6 · No 1
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How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✗ Jimmy JonesWhat this was about
This ordinance amends Chapter 6 of the county code to bring local building and appeal procedures into alignment with the International Building Code (IBC). The current county ordinance contains overly specific qualification requirements for members of the Building Codes Board of Adjustments and Appeals, which have made it difficult to keep the board fully impaneled. By aligning these requirements with the IBC, the county gains greater flexibility in filling board seats with qualified volunteers. The measure also clarifies administrative appeal procedures to ensure consistency with state-mandated standards. Council members raised questions about the burden of record-keeping for volunteer secretaries, and staff indicated the ordinance can be amended to ensure that planning staff support these administrative duties.
PASSED For 6 · Against 1
FY27 Budget Ordinance (2nd Reading, as amended):
Council approved the second reading of the FY27 budget, which maintains current millage rates.
Taxes & budget
Yes 6 · No 1
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How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✗ Russell BrazellWhat this was about
The council moved the FY27 budget forward to second reading, confirming that there is no property tax millage rate increase for the upcoming fiscal year. The ordinance underwent several amendments during the meeting to correct figures related to personnel budgets, fire service provisions, and vehicle mileage rates - adjustments staff identified as necessary corrections following the initial budget drafting. Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr. praised the collaborative effort of the finance committee and county staff in balancing the budget. While the budget remains tight, council members expressed satisfaction that the county was able to avoid raising taxes. The budget will proceed to a third and final reading in the next session.
PASSED For 6 · Against 1. This includes budget appropriations and millage rates for the upcoming fiscal year
Lease of Property at 632 W. Dekalb Street to Clemson Extension (2nd Reading):
Council approved the lease of county-owned property on West DeKalb Street to Clemson University Extension.
RoadsCounty property
Yes 7 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
This ordinance formalizes the lease agreement for county-owned property at 632 West DeKalb Street to the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service. The extension office provides significant services to the county, and this lease agreement outlines the specific obligations and operational responsibilities for both parties. Council members noted that this agreement is part of a broader county effort to formalize and clean up various long-standing lease arrangements with external entities. The arrangement ensures the extension service maintains a stable branch office in Camden, supporting its local agriculture and community development programs.
PASSED For 7 · Against 0
Amendment to Industrial Park Agreement with Fairfield County (3rd Reading):
Council approved the third and final reading of an amendment to the joint industrial park agreement.
Jobs & economyParks & rec
Yes 7 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
This ordinance serves as the third and final reading for an amendment to the agreement governing the Joint Industrial and Business Park shared by Kershaw and Fairfield counties. The amendment reduces the boundaries of the park by removing specific properties located in Kershaw County. This is a routine administrative adjustment to the park's geographic footprint to reflect current economic development goals and property usage. No changes were made to the ordinance since the first and second readings, and the measure passed with unanimous support.
PASSED For 7 · Against 0
Resolution Encouraging State Legislation to Increase Homestead Exemption:
Council failed to pass a resolution urging the State General Assembly to increase the homestead exemption.
Yes 3 · No 4
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How they voted
✓ Russell Brazell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✗ Derek Shoemake✗ Sammie Tucker Jr.✗ Danny Catoe✗ Ben ConnellWhat this was about
Councilman Russell Brazell proposed a resolution urging the State General Assembly to increase the homestead exemption, citing that the current $50,000 threshold has not been adjusted since 2000 despite significant growth in property values. The debate highlighted a fundamental disagreement over the appropriate process for influencing state law. While supporters argued that the resolution would signal local support for tax relief, opponents argued that the council should defer to the South Carolina Association of Counties' formal legislative process. Additionally, the county administrator clarified that local governments are legally prohibited from increasing the exemption themselves. Concerns were also raised about the potential impact of such changes on state-wide funding models and the need to address broader issues like Act 388.
FAILED For 3 · Against 4
Who said what
» Russell Brazell Vice-Chairman: argued the exemption is long overdue for an increase due to inflation and housing values ▶︎» Sammie Tucker Jr. Council Member: argued that local issues should be directed through the Association of Counties rather than independent resolutions ▶︎» Ben Connell Chairman: suggested that delegation relationships are more effective than resolutions and voiced caution over state-wide funding impacts ▶︎
Appointment of Chris Anderson to Airport Advisory Commission:
Council appointed Chris Anderson to the Airport Advisory Commission.
Appointments
Yes 7 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
Council voted to appoint Chris Anderson to the Airport Advisory Commission. Mr. Anderson previously served a full term on the commission and has completed the required one-year waiting period following his departure. Councilman Ben Connell, who placed the item on the agenda, noted Mr. Anderson's passion and deep knowledge of aviation operations. The appointment fills a vacancy on the advisory body, which provides input on the management and development of the Kershaw County airport.
PASSED For 7 · Against 0
Reappointment of Mike Borowski to Airport Advisory Commission:
Council reappointed Mike Borowski to the Airport Advisory Commission.
Appointments
Yes 7 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
Council reappointed Mike Borowski to the Airport Advisory Commission for a new term, effective July 1, 2026. Councilman Jimmy Jones sponsored the reappointment, praising Mr. Borowski's dedicated work and the collaborative nature of the current commission. Council members expressed high confidence in the commission's work and the overall direction of the airport.
PASSED For 7 · Against 0
Routine procedural votes (Executive Session, Adjournment):
Council moved into executive session to discuss economic development and property negotiations, then adjourned.
Yes 3 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ 3 members voted yesThe official minutes recorded this vote as a count without listing each member by name.
What this was about
Council voted to enter executive session at 8:31 p.m. to discuss matters related to the potential location or expansion of industries under Project Ballast, as well as contractual negotiations concerning the purchase and sale of property. Following these closed-door deliberations, Council reconvened in open session at 8:54 p.m. No official votes or statements were recorded following the session. Subsequently, Council voted to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 p.m. These routine procedural actions are standard practice to ensure compliance with the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act regarding sensitive economic and legal negotiations.
PASSED For 3 · Against 0
Discussed, no vote ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Rugley's Mill Painting Dedication: Council accepted the donation of a commemorative painting funded by community sponsors, depicting the Revolutionary War-era Rugeley's Mill incident.
- Boat Landing Update: Alliance Engineering presented potential solutions, including the use of articulated concrete blocks, to address low-water launch issues at Veterans Park. The matter was referred to the Finance Committee.
- Kershaw County School District Budget: Superintendent Dr. Harrison Goodwin and staff presented the district's FY27 budget, requesting to maintain the operating millage at 162.9 mills. Council voted to accept and incorporate this into the third reading of the county budget.
- Artwork Safeguards Resolution: A resolution to establish preservation policies for county-owned art was discussed but deferred to the June 9 meeting for further revision.
Coming up ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- June 9, 2026: Next regular Council meeting, featuring the third reading of the budget and further discussion on artwork protection policies and pending property leases.
This is an independent summary prepared from the county's official published minutes and the meeting's live stream, not an official county communication.