[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6527689,"mediaKeyId","3542473-029c5a693eaf0f7186195f9cf3c72149","parentId",3542473,"title","Kershaw County Council approves 180‑day moratorium on many subdivision approvals","audioSeconds",2293,"startMs",1501000,"endMs",3794000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3542473-029c5a693eaf0f7186195f9cf3c72149&start=1501&end=3794","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3542473-029c5a693eaf0f7186195f9cf3c72149/thumbnail_1501000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6527689/Kershaw-County/South-Carolina/Kershaw-County-Council-approves-180day-moratorium-on-many-subdivision-approvals","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6527689-e00da824914a57a4a5d805a32d5ac57c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175441&Signature=VoFYxhxo-896kqNaYrmB7qNrR2mEGTpq4mhBKz-NDwQPZYX~Fm7p3IpeOZaMFNUnZGOwj1mgyB8BZHsfRCirOYcL4Hx5AyEs-12Xu4QB57udz0-Bm9i1Fi3d8CN1Hsm2ADmCAxutQHB5ogB4l2jEGDujgvBSTPXzLnuKvPbVbDmHcoK8hLG~J-Tj~xIMOAbrfMMN-1vYCKtMUjGovRcJ9iW67XG7xmomEU0-c~hMdpwdSibzzlUD5qAT70HX8CzgKPc2TqsWQKFqlzzRgu2kZwUmKEzKsU-kmp~KpmlUIR7HedV8Wjn2kHvFMerzSpE~D5VY0RXiEBsQQTHIEynEYQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-05-28T03:05:41Z","article","KAMDEN, S.C. — Kershaw County Council on Tuesday approved first reading of an ordinance imposing a 180‑day moratorium on many subdivision approvals, adopting an amendment to extend the pause to certain minor subdivisions while exempting single‑family residences and planned development districts.

The measure, placed on the agenda after a large public comment period about growth, passed first reading by a 5‑2 vote. Councilman Jimmy Jones introduced the ordinance; Councilman Russell Brazel seconded it. The council voted in favor: Councilmen Derek Shoemake, Russell Brazel, Ben Cato, Ryan Thomason and Jimmy Jones. Councilmen Tucker and Chairman Ben Connell voted no.

The Planning and Zoning Commission had requested a pause and sent a recommendation to council. Council members and numerous public speakers said rapid residential development and weak or outdated subdivision standards were straining infrastructure and natural resources across the county.

Why it matters: advocates and some commissioners said a temporary halt will allow staff and the Planning Commission to complete a targeted review of the county’s subdivision standards and related parts of the Zoning and Land Development Regulations (ZLDR), and to consider capital‑improvement and infrastructure plans that would support future growth. Opponents cautioned that a broad moratorium could restrict property rights for small landowners and delay building activity for local builders.

Public comments: the public comment period immediately preceding the vote featured more than a dozen residents who urged a pause in large developments and stronger rules. Helen Crowley of Camden said, “Growth does bring money…and with enough money we can build more schools, more fire stations…But can we build fresh water supply?” Mike Burcotte, who identified himself as a resident of eight years, told council he supported a six‑month moratorium while a “coherent action plan” is developed. Barbara Taggie said some large developers were taking advantage of “weak and outdated zoning laws” and urged a moratorium so the county could “gather the facts of this new reality.”

Council debate: Councilman Jones, who introduced the ordinance, argued the Planning Commission had repeatedly said existing subdivision regulations were not protecting county resources and that “time equals muscle” when planning is needed to keep infrastructure from being overwhelmed. Councilman Ben Cato and others pushed for a broader pause that would include minor subdivisions, saying piecemeal approvals were producing density and infrastructure strain countywide. Several members, including Chairman Connell and Councilman Tucker, said they supported stronger rules but worried the proposed countywide pause was too broad and would unduly affect small land owners and local builders.

Amendment and scope: Councilman Ryan Thomason proposed an amendment that was adopted on the floor to include minor subdivisions in the moratorium language while excluding single‑family residential sales and planned development districts (PDDs). The council debated different drafting approaches and whether to narrow the moratorium geographically, and several members warned the technical studies the moratorium envisions could take longer than six months.

Procedural next steps: The ordinance passed first reading as amended. Council scheduled second and third readings under the normal ordinance process; the council indicated it intends to continue work between readings and to refine the draft language before final adoption. Council discussed but did not finalize any immediate funding for the technical studies the ordinance contemplates. The council also noted that any extension beyond the 180 days would require an additional council action.

What’s next for residents: Council members said they expect further draft language and a staff memo between readings to clarify precisely which subdivision activities are paused and what process will apply to allowed activities such as single‑family building on existing lots. The council set no immediate changes to routine building permits for individually owned single‑family homes that are not part of a subdivision process.

Speakers (selected):
- Jimmy Jones, Councilman (mover)
- Ben Connell, Chairman, Kershaw County Council
- Ryan Thomason, Councilman (mover of amendment)
- Russell Brazel, Vice chairman, Kershaw County Council
- Derek Shoemake, Councilman
- Tucker (last name: Tucker), Councilman
- Helen Crowley, Camden resident (public comment)
- Mike Burcotte, Camden area resident (public comment)
- Barbara Taggie, Kershaw County resident (public comment)
- Linda Knatzer, Kershaw County resident (public comment)
- Lynn Canto, Kershaw County resident (public comment)

Ending: Council members said they expect to continue technical work and public outreach during the weeks before second reading. The council scheduled the next regular meetings and flagged June 17 as the planned third‑reading date for key budget and ordinance business.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Kershaw County Live","oneSentenceSummary","Kershaw County Council voted 5‑2 on May 27 to approve first reading of a 180‑day moratorium on many subdivision approvals, adopting an amendment to include certain minor subdivisions while exempting single‑family residences and planned development districts.","taxTitle","Kershaw County, South Carolina","taxId",51040,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6527680,"Votes at a glance: Kershaw County Council, May 27, 2025",219,3519000,3738000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3542473-029c5a693eaf0f7186195f9cf3c72149&start=3519&end=3738","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3542473-029c5a693eaf0f7186195f9cf3c72149/thumbnail_3519000.jpg","/articles/6527680/Kershaw-County/South-Carolina/Votes-at-a-glance-Kershaw-County-Council-May-27-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6527680-7da5c0b0010b4eb245330ed3d5813249/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175441&Signature=kvfsc4GwJgUasmFo2paAjCXAQwNh0zlwWhrqVneu2rDcJ0N4VBBcSCr1wCBoCWdXkajDOExwvD-K~AmRQAKYRGpXdhs6WVgCqMnweSEG80U-uXHddxRU131ipl~3lQKzScwQAvd67zzFrjxCVwG79V4irVGYpipd9Yr6JPLki6BisnY43x1ITQeu9EKcEbofKUsgc3QH03VMA9MyuGOP3z4sSPcJIFnIBjJ0EXBCzNfJB~hdLuydK-XQdZjKxCnsOLf2-EMUoPu~GY0xOOrBRJh4~lrT6MTVrAf3pj0f-HPybB0WP9CZ5u8ST9ezOuFzeEN7HxEsiqCzw2AAvfLB8g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","KAMDEN, S.C. — Below are the formal actions recorded during the Kershaw County Council meeting on May 27, 2025. Each item lists the motion, mover/second (if recorded), vote tally and outcome as captured on the council floor.

1) Adoption of agenda (amended)
- Motion: Adopt the agenda with deletion of item 7(a).
- Mover: (on record) Councilman (not specified)
- Second: (on record) Council member
- Vote/tally: unanimous by those voting (recorded as unanimous)
- Outcome: approved (agenda amended; item 7(a) deleted)

2) Approval of minutes
- Motion: Approve minutes as submitted.
- Second: yes
- Vote/tally: Approved; Councilman Jones abstained due to absence.
- Outcome: approved (record note: Jones abstained)

3) Register of Deeds — appointment of Kelly Josie
- Item: Approval of county administrator’s recommendation to appoint Kelly Josie as Register of Deeds following a retirement.
- Motion: Approve administrator recommendation.
- Mover: Councilman (on floor)
- Second: (on floor)
- Votes/tally: Unanimous in favor (Miss Hannah recorded unanimous)
- Outcome: approved. Notes: Ms. Josie described ~20 years of title industry experience and familiarity with local recordings; staff and outgoing register endorsed the appointment.

4) Kershaw Health District, District 4 — appointment
- Item: Reappointment/appointment to Health District Board, District 4.
- Motion: Approve the nomination to fill vacancy (reappointment to continue service).
- Mover: Councilman Jimmy Jones
- Second: Councilman Derek Shoemake
- Votes/tally: Unanimous in favor (recorded as unanimous)
- Outcome: approved. Names in transcript: “Daryl” (last name variously pronounced/recorded); council recorded the appointment.

5) First reading — Rezoning for a 3.75‑acre parcel (sawmill discussion)
- Item: First reading of an ordinance to rezone a 3.75‑acre parcel to General Development (GD) to allow a small, portable sawmill operation.
- Motion: Move first reading and title only (appearance and applicant presented on floor)
- Second: yes
- Key discussion: Applicant said the sawmill is portable and diesel‑powered; nearby resident expressed concerns about clearing and impacts, and several council members questioned long‑term permitted uses under GD.
- Vote/tally: Passed first reading 4‑3 (For: Bridal, Connell, Thomas, Cato. Against: Jones, Shoemake, Tucker.)
- Outcome: passed first reading (will return for subsequent readings)

6) Project NAM — first reading (title only)
- Item: First reading and title only for Project NAM (economic development project).
- Motion: Approve first reading and title only.
- Second: yes
- Details: Project described by staff as a $12,000,000 investment expected to create roughly 50 jobs in reused textile facility space.
- Vote/tally: Unanimous in favor on first reading (recorded unanimous)
- Outcome: passed first reading

7) Second reading — 2025–26 budget (as amended)
- Item: Second reading of the county budget for fiscal 2025–26.
- Motion: Approve second reading as amended by subsequent floor amendments (Cato and Tucker amendments passed prior to the vote).
- Vote/tally: Passed 5‑2 (Yes: Shoemake, Tucker, Connell, Cato, Thomason. No: Brazel, Jones.)
- Outcome: passed second reading; third reading scheduled for June 17, 2025.

8) Temporary moratorium ordinance — first reading (as amended)
- Item: Ordinance imposing a temporary 180‑day moratorium on many subdivision approvals.
- Motion: Approve ordinance imposing a 180‑day moratorium (introduced by Councilman Jimmy Jones).
- Amendment: Councilman Ryan Thomason’s amendment to include certain minor subdivisions (transcript: proposed to include minor subdivisions of 2 lots or more while excluding single‑family residences and planned development districts); the amendment was debated and adopted on the floor.
- Vote/tally (on the amended moratorium): Passed first reading 5‑2 (yes: Shoemake, Brazel, Cato, Thomason, Jones; no: Tucker, Connell).
- Outcome: Passed first reading as amended; second/third reading to follow. Council asked staff for clarified ordinance language and study scope before subsequent readings.

9) Lugoff Fire Department — request for millage increase / board budget
- Item: Council considered the Lugoff Fire Department Board’s request to set local millage for the district to fund operations and staff increases.
- Motion: Approve board request (as presented) to set district millage at board‑recommended level (the board requested a 7.62‑mill increase for the Lugoff Fire District to raise approximately $400,000, enabling four additional firefighter hires and to avoid layoffs).
- Vote/tally: Unanimous in favor
- Outcome: approved. Notes: Chief Chris Spitzer presented statistics showing increased call volume and equipment needs; council approved the board’s request.

10) Other recorded procedural votes
- Various votes on agenda amendments, minutes and procedural matters were recorded; see meeting transcript for full roll calls.

Notes on provenance and record: All vote tallies and motion language are taken from council meeting floor discussion and roll call as recorded in the official meeting transcript (May 27, 2025). The council completed multiple first‑reading ordinances and advanced the county budget to third reading with amendments. For detailed motion language and supporting documents (ordinance text, full budget packet, appointment resolutions), see the county clerk’s office.

","Summary of formal actions, motions and vote tallies from the Kershaw County Council meeting on May 27, 2025. Includes appointments, rezonings, first readings and budget votes. Vote counts reflect floor votes recorded in the meeting transcript.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6527685,"Kershaw County Council advances 2025–26 budget after amendments; public urged caution on taxpayer impacts",1881,3480000,5361000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3542473-029c5a693eaf0f7186195f9cf3c72149&start=3480&end=5361","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3542473-029c5a693eaf0f7186195f9cf3c72149/thumbnail_3480000.jpg","/articles/6527685/Kershaw-County/South-Carolina/Kershaw-County-Council-advances-202526-budget-after-amendments-public-urged-caution-on-taxpayer-impacts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6527685-6b32dcfddee16e7acd833c5a76e1d4e7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175441&Signature=NtTUsFpj90GAU2sl-O-f4asNM3B~qpWwemUCJPl7ten~33d0oFP7yIdJlpvvd46x012GynUDsxwxITL66qbmF4SrKtexcKfC2JSRAvIALTwKV~WxnW2hZlMEWoPBiDgyaUWOIpnI5sq~b09N7cAOaC8GUDlg2UTssO0RKF1rnJe9AeDsJJ7LYfcSY5Izadg41IZnDXwF~D0D6CufC97X9AOBDy3B4Q4HNg-Dt-cILvixIdcYkirB1gjxEqZEAeVdkpWfTGiT8PsOXW9WhjIZOao8MfnSMVb7YHw76qUJpJfODpCMBGWhW9vGzTuLTPMAbmsOOsIBPe2dXafHyLY1~w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","KAMDEN, S.C. — Kershaw County Council on Tuesday approved second reading of the 2025–26 fiscal year budget after voting through two amendments that reduced a proposed millage increase and authorized a transfer from fire reserves to purchase apparatus.

The amended budget passed on second reading after debate and two successful council amendments. The body voted 5‑2 on the Cato amendment that reduced the proposed general‑fund millage increase from four mills to 3.5 mills and shifted portions of the revenue to specific fees; Councilman Ben Cato sponsored that amendment. The council also approved the “Tucker amendment,” which authorized a $547,762 transfer from the county’s fire reserve to fire operations to buy two fire trucks that staff said are available and priced below expected replacement costs.

How the council amended the budget:
- Cato amendment: Councilman Ben Cato proposed and the council adopted an amendment that reduced the county’s proposed general‑fund millage increase from 4.0 mills to 3.5 mills. The motion also adjusted proposed fee changes so the net impact to taxpayers would be smaller, relying in part on the county’s expected local option sales tax reimbursement. Supporters argued the change would avoid an immediate tax burden while maintaining revenue for priorities; opponents said some fee adjustments would still be necessary.
- Tucker amendment: The council approved a one‑time transfer of $547,762 from the county’s fire reserve to operations so the county could purchase two available fire apparatus that staff said would otherwise face long build times and higher costs in the future.

Vote on second reading: After the amendments, Council approved second reading of the budget. The second‑reading tally on the budget as amended was 5‑2: Councilmen Derek Shoemake, Tucker, Ben Connell, Ben Cato and Ryan Thomason in favor; Councilmen Russell Brazel and Jimmy Jones opposed.

Why the amendments: Council members and public speakers stressed sensitivity to taxpayers amid uncertain state and federal policy changes and upcoming property reappraisals. Several council members also emphasized the county’s need to invest in public safety and to keep the county’s ISO fire rating stable. Chief arguments included:
- Fiscal caution: Several speakers urged staff and council to limit fee increases and find savings to avoid placing additional burdens on households facing inflation and potential reassessments.
- Public safety: Council members supported purchasing ready‑to‑deliver fire apparatus now to avoid multiyear build waits and likely higher prices later.

Public comment and context: Earlier in the meeting a large group of residents urged the council to adopt a moratorium on large developments so the county could rewrite its comprehensive plan and subdivision rules; several of those speakers also urged careful attention to the budget and the impact of growth on schools, water supplies and roads. Multiple speakers raised concerns about tree loss and water quality near Lake Watery and the Upper Catawba River system; council members said those are topics they plan to discuss alongside zoning changes.

What the budget includes: Staff and the finance committee produced a package that included a 4‑mill proposal originally; after amendments the council reduced the proposed mill increase to 3.5 mills. The budget also contains increases in some user fees and a proposal to expand fire staffing over several years. In committee, council members and administration discussed a range of line‑item changes and some corrections staff agreed to make before final adoption. The budget process included a finance committee review and multiple work sessions.

Next steps and timing: Council scheduled third reading of the budget for June 17 (the council moved one meeting in June because of summer travel schedules). Council members asked staff to provide more detailed line‑item analyses on selected items before third reading and to document funding sources for any late requests.

Speakers (selected):
- Ben Cato, Councilman (sponsor of millage reduction amendment)
- Ben Tucker, Councilman (sponsor of fire reserve transfer)
- Derek Shoemake, Councilman
- Jimmy Jones, Councilman

Ending: Council members said they expect to continue negotiations with staff between second and third readings; they stressed the need to balance taxpayer protection with investments in public safety and infrastructure.","Council approved second reading of the county's fiscal 2025–26 budget after two floor amendments that lower an initial millage proposal and move money for fire apparatus. The council agreed to further staff work before final adoption and scheduled third reading for June 17.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Kershaw County Council approves 180‑day moratorium on many subdivision approvals

Votes at a glance: Kershaw County Council, May 27, 2025

Kershaw County Council advances 2025–26 budget after amendments; public urged caution on taxpayer impacts