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
Council unanimously approved the county's financial roadmap for the upcoming fiscal year starting July 1, 2026. This final vote follows several months of deliberation, focusing on stabilizing essential services while managing inflationary pressures. The budget prioritizes emergency services with funding for a new ambulance and staffing to address response time gaps in rural areas, while maintaining current property tax millage rates. Additionally, the budget incorporates new revenue-neutral accounts for mental health initiatives within the Probate Court and establishes a structured grant-matching fund. Residents should note that while the county is not raising the millage rate, recent state-mandated property reassessments will likely result in increased individual tax bills.
PASSED For 7 · Against 0
Who said what
» Councilman Sammy Tucker: I am also very grateful for this council being a unanimous vote; it hadn't happened in over a decade.
» Chairman Ben Connell: EMS received the largest single department increase of roughly $1.1 million, and the priorities as a plan was mentioned, the priorities are being followed.
» Councilman Jimmy Jones: I want to make sure everybody knows this is a balanced budget with no current tax increase, but reassessment is what's causing an increase in revenue.
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
Council unanimously approved the county's financial roadmap for the upcoming fiscal year starting July 1, 2026. This final vote follows several months of deliberation, focusing on stabilizing essential services while managing inflationary pressures. The budget prioritizes emergency services with funding for a new ambulance and staffing to address response time gaps in rural areas, while maintaining current property tax millage rates. Additionally, the budget incorporates new revenue-neutral accounts for mental health initiatives within the Probate Court and establishes a structured grant-matching fund. Residents should note that while the county is not raising the millage rate, recent state-mandated property reassessments will likely result in increased individual tax bills.
PASSED For 7 · Against 0
Who said what
» Councilman Sammy Tucker: I am also very grateful for this council being a unanimous vote; it hadn't happened in over a decade.
» Chairman Ben Connell: EMS received the largest single department increase of roughly $1.1 million, and the priorities as a plan was mentioned, the priorities are being followed.
» Councilman Jimmy Jones: I want to make sure everybody knows this is a balanced budget with no current tax increase, but reassessment is what's causing an increase in revenue.
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 ordinance authorizes a fee-in-lieu-of-tax (FILOT) agreement and special source revenue credits (SSRC) for a proposed economic development project referred to as 'Project Ballast.' The proposal anticipates a significant $900 million private investment and the creation of 15 full-time jobs, focusing on a natural gas-fired facility. The matter moved to a second reading despite vocal public opposition regarding environmental concerns, potential noise, impacts on property values, and groundwater protection. Proponents argue the project is a permitted use under existing zoning and offers critical tax revenue for the county, while opponents urge council to prioritize the long-term well-being of local residents over industrial expansion. The project will require a third reading before final adoption, during which council members expect further environmental and health-related disclosures.
PASSED For 4 · Against 3. (No votes: Russell Brazell, Danny Catoe, Jimmy Jones)
Who said what
» Councilman Danny Cato: I cannot, with a clear heart and a clear conscience, vote for this tonight; I cannot turn my back on the people that I was raised around.
» Councilman Jimmy Jones: If property owners voted against it or protest against it, I'm not going to support it because you have to go back to putting the people over the money.
» Councilman Russell Brazell: Bethune, I'm standing with you tonight.
» Councilman Tyler Shoemake: What we're doing voting here is solely as in a tax package, which are very common for these sizes of business; again, this does not authorize the business nor does it prohibit it.
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
Council approved the second reading of a tax incentive package for 'Project Gemstone,' which was publicly identified during the meeting as the 'Candleroot Lodge Golf' resort. The project involves a long-term, $100 million investment to develop four golf courses, a wellness center, and eventually lodging accommodations. The incentive includes a 50% special source revenue credit over a 30-year term, provided the developer meets minimum investment and job creation targets of 150 full-time roles within 10 years. Unlike other recent industrial proposals, this project involves no residential development, which helped secure unanimous support from the council. The development is expected to serve as a significant tourism draw for the county.
PASSED For 7 · Against 0
Who said what
» Chris Smoke, Project Representative: On behalf of my client, I am here to reveal that Project Gemstone is Candleroot Lodge Golf.
» Councilman Tyler Shoemake: I'm extremely supportive of this because by opening the door to industry and projects, you get things that create huge economic development.
» Councilman Danny Cato: I want to clarify tonight and I want you to say it again: This involves absolutely zero residential 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 technical amendment expands the boundaries of the existing multi-county industrial park shared between Kershaw and Fairfield Counties. This administrative step is a state-law requirement to ensure the property associated with Project Gemstone (Candleroot Lodge Golf) is legally eligible to receive the fee-in-lieu-of-tax incentives and special source revenue credits approved in the previous vote. It does not change the nature of the project itself but effectively integrates the site into the county’s economic development district. This is a standard procedure for large-scale developments seeking local tax 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
Council moved forward with a second reading to finalize the lease of county-owned property located at 632 W. DeKalb St. to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR). This lease agreement serves as a housekeeping measure to formalize the occupation of the space by the state agency. The arrangement ensures that the property remains utilized by a governmental partner, consistent with the county's strategy for managing its real estate assets in the downtown corridor.
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 DNR lease, this second reading authorizes the formal leasing of space at the county facility at 632 W. DeKalb St. to the South Carolina Forestry Commission. By structuring these leases, the county clarifies responsibilities for property maintenance and ensures continued, productive use of the historic or central office location. No significant public controversy or debate occurred regarding these leases, as they represent standard inter-agency 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 ordinance amends the Kershaw County code regarding building codes and the Board of Adjustments and Appeals. The primary purpose of the change is to align local administrative appeals procedures with the standards set forth in the International Building Code (IBC). By synchronizing these rules, the county aims to streamline construction permitting and improve the clarity of the appeals process for contractors and property owners. The amendment was described by council members as a 'cleanup' measure to ensure local compliance with state and international regulatory frameworks.
PASSED For 7 · Against 0
Who said what
» Councilman Tyler Shoemake: It's just a cleanup ordinance like the other one 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
Council granted final approval for the issuance of $2 million in general obligation bonds to fund improvements to the county's wastewater infrastructure. These funds are designated for the acquisition, construction, equipment, and rehabilitation of critical sewer and water assets. The measure passed despite 'no' votes from two council members, reflecting ongoing debate regarding the scope of capital projects versus operational spending. Proponents emphasized that these upgrades are necessary to support continued growth and maintain utility reliability, while opponents expressed concerns regarding the issuance of additional debt.
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.