Cherokee County

The meeting commenced with the adoption of the agenda for January 5, 2026. Key actions included the nomination and election of Tim Spencer as Chairman and David Smith as Vice-Chairman for the new year 2026. Council approved claims totaling $918,690.52 and awarded RFP 2026-16 for Roof Replacement at the EOC to Pickens Contracting, Inc. A public hearing was held regarding three ordinances: Ordinance No. 2025-25 concerning a Jointly Owned & Operated Industrial/Business Park with Spartanburg Co. (Project Kingfisher), and two ordinances (2025-42 and 2025-43) authorizing amended fee-in-lieu-of-tax agreements with CCC-85 1B Owner, LLC and CCC-85 LANDCO OWNER, LLC, respectively. All three ordinances subsequently passed their 3rd Reading. The council also adopted the 1st Reading of Ordinance No. 2026-01 to amend the Joint County Industrial Park agreement to include additional property in Spartanburg Co. Administrator Merv Bishop presented the FY 26/27 budget schedule and recommendations for Solid Waste Collection, proposing the return of trash pickup services to the City of Gaffney and the Town of Blacksburg effective July 1, 2026, along with the transfer of relevant trucks. This recommendation passed after discussion. The council was informed of updates to the building permitting ordinance, which will introduce a 'Permit Card System.' The session concluded with a motion to end the contract with Thorne Ambulance, providing a 180-day cancellation notice, following an Executive Session discussing contract negotiations and potential property transactions.

The agenda for the combined Public Hearing and Regular Meeting outlines several significant items. Discussion topics include the annual review for the Economic Development Director and a public comment segment regarding the Data Center. The public hearings focus on three ordinances: Ordinance No. 2025-40 concerning an Infrastructure Credit Agreement with Project Salon, Ordinance No. 2025-41 regarding an Agreement for the Development of a Joint Industrial & Business Park (Salon Park) with Spartanburg County, and Ordinance No. 2026-01 to amend the Joint County Industrial Park agreement to include additional Spartanburg County property. The Regular Meeting portion includes the third reading of these three ordinances, the second reading of Ordinance No. 2026-02 pertaining to Cherokee County Building & Construction Standards, a Winter Storm Update and the FY 26/27 Solid Waste Request from the Administrator, and a scheduled Executive Session for the receipt of legal advice.

This annual report details the transition of the Cherokee County Animal Shelter into a rescue and adoption capacity, highlighting the significant achievements and financial overview for 2025. It outlines key initiatives such as increased vetting services, the development of a dog playground, and comprehensive animal care. The report also sets forth strategic plans and fundraising goals for 2026, focusing on expanding facilities, enhancing adoption programs, improving animal welfare, and continuing rescue efforts.

The meeting included the adoption of the agenda with amendments to delay action on an RFP for roof replacement and to add a representative. Key discussions involved the approval of county claims totaling $641,191.76. A letter regarding a proposal on Broad River Electric property was reviewed with no action taken. The Public Hearing for Ordinance No. 2025-31 was held, authorizing a Special Source Revenue Credit Agreement with Fenner Precision Polymers (Project Quantum Leap), which involves a $30 million investment and creation of 51 jobs. Following the third reading adoption of the ordinance, council approved moving forward with a repayment grant of $43,500 for the Site Enhancement Program. Approvals were also granted to sign documentation for locking in pricing for essential EMS equipment through Stryker Sales, to solicit bids for a consultant to complete a Comprehensive Safety Action plan utilizing a $400,000 grant, and to solicit bids for the EOC Equipment Garage, funded by a Department of Homeland Security grant. An update on Land Development Regulations was provided, noting a future meeting to vote on proposed changes. The session concluded with an Executive Session to receive legal advice regarding a pending contractual matter.

This Community Health Improvement Plan for Cherokee County outlines a three-year strategy to significantly improve the health and well-being of its residents. The plan focuses on four key priorities: access to care, behavioral health, chronic health conditions, and fostering resilient children and families. It aims to build a community where all individuals have a fair and just opportunity for health and well-being by 2025.