The headline
Kershaw County Council advanced several ordinances aimed at managing the county's rapid growth while addressing concerns from the local building community. The Council also focused on improving medical care standards at the county jail, approving a contract for Advanced Correctional Health Care (ACH) to provide enhanced services.
Detainee Health Services Contract (Proposal #25-128-04):
Council approved a contract for Advanced Correctional Health Care to provide upgraded medical services at the county jail.
Unanimous · 7-0
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detailsless
✓ Unanimous - every member present voted yes
What this was about
The Council approved a contract with Advanced Correctional Health Care (ACH) to manage medical services for detainees at the county jail. The agreement, valued at approximately $828,871 per year, represents an increase over previous costs but provides a significantly higher standard of care. Specifically, the contract replaces LPNs with RNs and increases the number of prescriber hours, ensuring more professional medical oversight on-site. The agreement also includes enhanced mental health services and expanded screening protocols, which administrators argued are vital for liability protection and mitigating potential litigation risks. While there was initial discussion about the increased cost, Council members ultimately supported the move, citing the need for better health outcomes and the mitigation of safety risks associated with transporting inmates to off-site medical facilities. The contract passed following a brief deferment to allow staff to clarify the specific staffing and service improvements provided by the provider.
PASSED (Unanimous). The Council approved the contract for Advanced Correctional Health Care (ACH), citing a necessary shift from LPNs to RNs and increased prescriber availability to ensure higher standards of care and liability protection
Who said what
» Councilman Derek Shoemake: He noted that the Finance Committee reviewed the proposal and found that the slightly higher cost offers substantially better quality of professional medical services.
» Councilman Danny Catoe: He emphasized that having RNs and mental health professionals on-site reduces the need for dangerous inmate transports to hospitals, thereby improving overall jail safety.
» County Administrator Danny Templar: He clarified that the contract includes an increase in prescriber hours and upgrades staffing from LPNs to RNs to ensure better compliance and care standards.
Votes at a glance ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Joint Industrial and Business Park Boundary Amendment (1st Reading):
Council approved a housekeeping measure to remove non-performing properties from the joint park agreement with Fairfield County.
Jobs & economyParks & rec
Unanimous · 7-0
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detailsless
✓ Unanimous - every member present voted yes
What this was about
This ordinance serves as a necessary administrative adjustment to the joint industrial and business park agreement between Kershaw and Fairfield Counties. The properties in question, specifically the Kawashima sites, were previously included in the multi-county park designation; however, they have since been reoccupied by new projects that are already covered under separate economic development incentive agreements. Because these properties no longer meet the criteria for the joint park status, the amendment removes them to maintain the accuracy of the industrial park boundaries. This action ensures that the county's economic development records remain current and compliant with established industrial park protocols. There was no controversy regarding this change, as it is viewed as a routine cleanup of tax and boundary classifications. The measure passed unanimously on first reading and will move forward for final approval in a subsequent meeting.
PASSED (Unanimous). This "housekeeping" measure removes non-performing properties from the joint park agreement with Fairfield County
Rezoning 32.17 Acres at 41 Youngs Bend Road to General Development (2nd Reading):
The Council approved the second reading to rezone 32.17 acres of land to General Development for business expansion.
DevelopmentRoads
Unanimous · 7-0
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detailsless
✓ Unanimous - every member present voted yes
What this was about
This ordinance rezones approximately 32.17 acres of property located at 41 Youngs Bend Road in Kershaw from an RD-2 (Rural Development) classification to a GD (General Development) district. The applicant is seeking this change to facilitate the growth and expansion of an existing local business operation. Council members noted that the parcel is situated in an area already dominated by General Development zoning, making this request consistent with the surrounding land use patterns. The move is intended to support local economic development and allows the business to scale its operations appropriately within the designated zoning framework. No significant opposition was raised during the meeting, and Council members expressed appreciation for the business's presence and contribution to the Westville area. With the second reading passing unanimously, the rezoning is now finalized, permitting the owner to proceed with their development plans.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Who said what
» Councilman Sammie Tucker, Jr.: He expressed appreciation for the business, noting they have been good neighbors in the Westville area and wished them well in their continued growth.
Amendment to ZLDR Section 3:3 Rural Country Golf Club Requirements (2nd Reading):
Council amended regulations for rural golf clubs to correct errors, standardize conflict provisions, and increase guest lodge space.
Parks & rec
Unanimous · 7-0
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detailsless
✓ Unanimous - every member present voted yes
What this was about
This ordinance amends the Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations (ZLDR) specifically concerning the requirements for rural country golf clubs. The approved changes address several technical areas: it corrects spelling errors, aligns the ordinance with standard county conflict-of-law provisions, and increases the allowable square footage for guest lodging from 8,000 to 20,000 square feet. Additionally, the ordinance now includes specific, formalized regulations for staff lodging, which were previously undefined. These changes were developed in consultation with the applicant to better align the regulations with the master plan for the project. By establishing these clear parameters, the county ensures that transient guest and staff housing remain compatible with the rural character of the district. The amendments were approved as presented in the agenda packet, passing with a unanimous vote after being introduced as an amendment.
PASSED (Unanimous, as amended). The Council approved amendments to correct scrivener's errors, align with standard conflict-of-law provisions, and adjust guest lodging square footage to 20,000 sq. ft
Who said what
» Stephen Smoak: He noted the changes were largely housekeeping to correct scrivener's errors and align the text with standard county conflict-of-law provisions.
» John DuBose: He explained that the staff lodging regulations were added to the ZLDR to provide necessary parameters that were previously missing from the code.
Solicitation and Panhandling Ordinance (2nd Reading):
The Council passed an ordinance regulating solicitation, with specific protections for charitable groups and volunteer fire departments.
DevelopmentEMS & fire
Unanimous · 7-0
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detailsless
✓ Unanimous - every member present voted yes
What this was about
This ordinance establishes new regulations for solicitation and panhandling in the unincorporated areas of Kershaw County, including penalties for violations. A significant amendment was incorporated to address community concerns raised during the first reading: the new language explicitly protects registered 501c3 non-profits, rescue squads, and volunteer fire departments, ensuring they retain the ability to solicit funds from motorists while using a permit. The ordinance distinguishes between authorized charitable fundraising and general panhandling activities, aiming to improve safety and reduce congestion on county roadways. Council members emphasized that these changes ensure that legitimate community service organizations are not penalized by the new restrictions. The measure passed unanimously on second reading, marking a balanced approach between maintaining public order and supporting the fundraising efforts of local volunteer and non-profit entities.
PASSED (Unanimous, as amended). The approved version explicitly protects the ability of registered 501c3 groups, rescue squads, and volunteer fire departments to solicit funds with a permit
Who said what
» Councilman Derek Shoemake: He explained that the amendment ensures registered 501c3 groups, fire squads, and rescue units can still solicit with a permit, addressing concerns raised at the first reading.
Detainee Health Services Contract (Proposal #25-128-04):
Council approved a contract for Advanced Correctional Health Care to provide upgraded medical services at the county jail.
Unanimous · 7-0
▸
detailsless
✓ Unanimous - every member present voted yes
What this was about
The Council approved a contract with Advanced Correctional Health Care (ACH) to manage medical services for detainees at the county jail. The agreement, valued at approximately $828,871 per year, represents an increase over previous costs but provides a significantly higher standard of care. Specifically, the contract replaces LPNs with RNs and increases the number of prescriber hours, ensuring more professional medical oversight on-site. The agreement also includes enhanced mental health services and expanded screening protocols, which administrators argued are vital for liability protection and mitigating potential litigation risks. While there was initial discussion about the increased cost, Council members ultimately supported the move, citing the need for better health outcomes and the mitigation of safety risks associated with transporting inmates to off-site medical facilities. The contract passed following a brief deferment to allow staff to clarify the specific staffing and service improvements provided by the provider.
PASSED (Unanimous). The Council approved the contract for Advanced Correctional Health Care (ACH), citing a necessary shift from LPNs to RNs and increased prescriber availability to ensure higher standards of care and liability protection
Who said what
» Councilman Derek Shoemake: He noted that the Finance Committee reviewed the proposal and found that the slightly higher cost offers substantially better quality of professional medical services.
» Councilman Danny Catoe: He emphasized that having RNs and mental health professionals on-site reduces the need for dangerous inmate transports to hospitals, thereby improving overall jail safety.
» County Administrator Danny Templar: He clarified that the contract includes an increase in prescriber hours and upgrades staffing from LPNs to RNs to ensure better compliance and care standards.
Discussed, no vote ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Homestead Exemption Plan: Vice-Chairman Brazell proposed a multi-year plan to increase homestead exemptions for seniors, eventually aiming for full tax exemptions for those over 75 with homes valued under $500,000. No vote was taken; the Council will continue to study fiscal impacts.
- Pecan Orchard Drainage: Council members and the County Administrator discussed ongoing drainage and property acquisition efforts. While frustration remains regarding the timeline, administration reiterated that legal and engineering steps - including utility identification and property appraisals - are currently underway.
Public comment ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Four residents addressed the Council: - Mark Wood expressed disappointment regarding the progress of drainage projects in the Pecan Orchard neighborhood. - Isaac McCaskill inquired about the status of a property tax seizure issue previously brought before Council. - David Dabney urged a "common sense" approach to permit allocations and ADU restrictions, emphasizing the impact on local builders and families. - William Robinson invited the public to the Knights Hill Park May Festival on May 9th and announced new free golf instruction for the community.
Coming up ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- The Council will continue monitoring the progress of the Pecan Orchard project and expects further updates on drainage and property acquisition timelines.
- Future meetings will further address the "Smart Growth" ordinance recommendations previously introduced in the March 31st special meeting.
Independent summary, generated from the county's public video, not an official county communication.