Colleton County

The meeting agenda includes the election of officers, specifically a Chairman and Vice Chairman, to preside over meetings and assume duties as necessary. Other key items involve the review and potential amendment of previously adopted rules of procedure, the approval of the 2026 Calendar, and a benchmark discussion related to the Colleton County Comprehensive Plan Update. Project reviews include a Major Subdivision request by Gray's Bay LLC for a 6.14-acre parcel resulting in 23 lots, requiring review for compliance with land development regulations. Additionally, a Map Amendment request by Walterboro Ventures LLC seeks to rezone approximately 638 acres from Urban Development -- 2 (UD-2) to Industrial (ID), requiring a recommendation to County Council.

The Colleton County Council held a regular meeting to discuss various topics. These included recognizing Mayor William T. (Bill) Young, Jr. for his service to the City of Walterboro and honoring Carla Harvey for her service as the County Engineer. The council also addressed public concerns, including issues with animal control, road maintenance, and proposed data centers. Additionally, they discussed and took action on ordinances related to animal control and land management, as well as resolutions concerning joint use agreements, special project funding, and board appointments. An update on the County's Comprehensive Plan was provided, and the council entered an executive session to discuss personnel and contractual matters.

The meeting focused on the A-Tax fund balance, discussing the funds received last year and from previous years, as well as interest earned. There was discussion about the need to spend or earmark the funds by June 30, 2022, to avoid returning them to the state. The board discussed guidelines for how the money can be spent, including projects that directly benefit tourism by attracting visitors from over 50 miles away. Categories for spending include festivals, public facilities, marketing, and waterfront erosion control. The board also discussed the application process for grants and the need to publicize the availability of funds to non-profit organizations.

The Colleton County Council held a regular meeting where they received a quarterly report from the Southern Carolina Alliance, which highlighted economic development achievements and challenges, including announcements of capital investments and job creation in the region. The council also heard a presentation from In His Name Colleton, a local organization seeking to establish a pet-friendly homeless shelter, discussing their current services and fundraising efforts. Additionally, the council discussed revenue projections, expenditure management, and plans for COVID-19 vaccinations for county teachers and employees. They also considered a new training agreement at the Career Skills Center and addressed logistical concerns related to building demolition.

The meeting addressed the county's response to COVID-19 and a recent tornado outbreak. Discussions included the implementation of virtual meeting procedures, recognition of essential personnel, and updates on COVID-19 cases and the impact of the tornado, including infrastructure damage and recovery efforts. The council also reviewed the county's revenue situation and potential budget impacts due to the pandemic.