Headline: Council Adopts FY 2026-2027 Budget
Kershaw County Council unanimously passed the third and final reading of the 2026-2027 budget. The budget includes significant investments in EMS services, including funding for a new ambulance and staffing, while maintaining current millage rates.
FY 2026-2027 Budget (3rd Reading):
Taxes & budget
Yes 7 · No 0
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What this was about
This vote finalizes the county's financial plan for the upcoming fiscal year. It is crucial for residents because it sets the tax millage rates and secures funding for essential services like EMS and fire protection.
PASSED For 7 · Against 0
Who said what
» Russell Brazell: I'm very encouraged by what I heard from Mr. Glover and our EMS plan; we are moving in the right direction.
» Sammy Tucker: I appreciate my colleagues' support; it has been a year of a lot of meetings, and we put in the time to make sure we get the best information to move this budget along.
Votes at a Glance ▸ tap to showtap to hide
FY 2026-2027 Budget (3rd Reading):
Taxes & budget
Yes 7 · No 0
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What this was about
This vote finalizes the county's financial plan for the upcoming fiscal year. It is crucial for residents because it sets the tax millage rates and secures funding for essential services like EMS and fire protection.
PASSED For 7 · Against 0
Who said what
» Russell Brazell: I'm very encouraged by what I heard from Mr. Glover and our EMS plan; we are moving in the right direction.
» Sammy Tucker: I appreciate my colleagues' support; it has been a year of a lot of meetings, and we put in the time to make sure we get the best information to move this budget along.
Project Ballast Economic Incentive (2nd Reading):
Jobs & economy
Yes 4 · No 3
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How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✗ Russell Brazell✗ Danny Catoe✗ Jimmy JonesWhat this was about
This vote authorizes a tax incentive package for a proposed industrial project. This matters to residents as it represents a significant potential investment in the county's economy, though it has sparked debate regarding its location near residential areas.
PASSED For 4 · Against 3. (No votes: Russell Brazell, Danny Catoe, Jimmy Jones)
Who said what
» Danny Catoe: I cannot, with a clear heart and a clear conscience, vote for this tonight; I cannot turn my back on the people I was raised around.
» Jimmy Jones: I always said when I ran for this office 20 years ago that I would always put people before money.
» Brent Shumake: This would be, as I understand it, the largest economic development project Kershaw County's ever done.
» Russell Brazell: Bethune, I'm standing with you tonight.
About this project: Project Ballast »
Project Gemstone Economic Incentive (2nd Reading):
Jobs & economy
Yes 7 · No 0
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What this was about
This vote approves tax incentives for the 'Candleroot Lodge Golf' resort development. It is important to residents because it brings a large-scale commercial project to the area with a focus on non-residential growth.
PASSED For 7 · Against 0
Who said what
» Steven Smoak: On behalf of my client, I am here to reveal that Project Gemstone is Candleroot Lodge Golf; we look forward to working with you.
» Danny Catoe: I want to clarify tonight: this involves absolutely zero residential development.
» Brent Shumake: I'm extremely supportive of this because by opening the door to industry and projects, you get things that create huge economic development.
About this project: Project Gemstone »
Joint Industrial Park Amendment - Project Gemstone (2nd Reading):
Jobs & economyParks & rec
Yes 7 · No 0
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What this was about
This vote modifies the boundaries of a joint industrial park to include the site of the new resort project. This is a technical step required by state law to ensure the project qualifies for previously approved economic incentives.
PASSED For 7 · Against 0
About this project: Project Gemstone »
Lease of 632 W. DeKalb St. to DNR (2nd Reading):
County property
Yes 7 · No 0
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What this was about
This vote approves a lease agreement for county-owned property to the Department of Natural Resources. It matters as a housekeeping measure to ensure proper facility management for state agencies operating within the county.
PASSED For 7 · Against 0
Lease of 632 W. DeKalb St. to Forestry Commission (2nd Reading):
County property
Yes 7 · No 0
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What this was about
Similar to the previous vote, this authorizes a lease for county property to the Forestry Commission. It is a standard administrative action to maintain local office space for state operations.
PASSED For 7 · Against 0
Building Code/Appeals Amendment (3rd Reading):
Development
Yes 7 · No 0
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What this was about
This vote amends local ordinances to align building code appeals processes with the International Building Code. This matters to residents and developers as it ensures clear, standard procedures for building disputes.
PASSED For 7 · Against 0
Who said what
» Brent Shumake: It's just a cleanup ordinance so that our stuff comports with state law.
General Obligation Bonds for Wastewater Infrastructure (3rd Reading):
Taxes & budgetWater & sewer
Yes 5 · No 2
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How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✗ Russell Brazell✗ Jimmy JonesWhat this was about
This vote authorizes $2 million in bonds to improve the county's wastewater infrastructure. It is critical for residents as it addresses aging utility systems, which is necessary for long-term growth and environmental safety.
PASSED For 5 · Against 2. (No votes: Russell Brazell, Jimmy Jones)
Items Discussed (No Vote) ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Finance Committee Update: Council discussed the establishment of a revenue-neutral account for the Probate Judge to support mental health services.
- ATAX Recommendations: The ATAX commission presented the FY27 budget recommendations, highlighting a new online grant submission process.
- Lugoff Fire Budget: The Fire Chief presented the department's annual budget, noting no tax increase and plans for future staffing growth.
- Solid Waste Convenience Centers: The Solid Waste Director proposed standardizing hours (Tuesday-Saturday, 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.), closing Sundays and Mondays, to achieve an estimated $167,000 in annual savings.
Public Comment Summary ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Nine speakers addressed the council. Residents living near the proposed natural gas plant in Bethune expressed deep concerns regarding environmental impact, property values, noise, and health risks. Other residents voiced urgent needs for expanded EMS coverage in the Liberty Hill and Beaver Creek areas. A veteran spoke on behalf of local veterans requesting a joint commission to explore memorial monuments.
Coming Up ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Ribbon Cuttings: June 30, 2026, for new ballparks at Boyd Young (10:00 a.m.) and Copeland Field (11:15 a.m.).
- KC West Ribbon Cutting: July 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
- Holiday Closure: County government offices will be closed Friday, July 3, 2026, in observance of July 4th.
Independent summary, generated from the county's public video, not an official county communication.