Debra Weldon

The Council conducted public hearings and reached the third and final reading for two ordinances, specifically Ordinance 863 and Ordinance 864. Both ordinances relate to the approval of revenue allocation derived from incentive agreements between the County and various companies located within joint county industrial business parks involving neighboring counties.

The council held a called workshop to conduct an executive session for the discussion of contractual matters.

The Council agenda includes the election of officers, presentations from the Library Board and Housing Authority, and a public hearing regarding the transfer of the Boro Site property. New business items involve a first reading of an ordinance authorizing a lease agreement with Project Purity and an inducement resolution for a fee-in-lieu of taxes agreement. Additionally, the meeting will cover appointments to boards and commissions, department reports, an executive session to discuss a contractual matter, and recognition of council members.

The agenda focuses on the introduction of several ordinances, including amendments to the Economic Development Board and fee-in-lieu of tax agreements for various business projects designated as Project Crystal Eagle, Project Pineapple Palace, Project Dancing Diamonds, and Project Purity. Additionally, the Council planned to address the expansion of a joint county industrial park, resolutions regarding the South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission and the Marlboro County 250 Committee, the lease of a hangar at the county jetport, and appointments to the Library Board. The session also included finance and administrative reports and an executive session for legal and contractual matters.

The council meeting addressed several legislative and administrative items. Key discussions included the approval of an ordinance amending the agreement for a multi-county industrial park, and the first readings of ordinances authorizing fee-in-lieu of tax agreements for two companies, Horizon and Omega. The council also established millage rates for the upcoming fiscal year. A proposal for an Opioid Fentanyl Telehealth initiative was reviewed and rejected. Additionally, the meeting featured a presentation from the Pee Dee Regional Transportation Authority regarding funding, an update on general fund revenues and expenditures, and administrative reports on community projects, including the repair of the Smithfield Community Center and the implementation of a new government communication tool. An executive session was conducted to discuss economic development and contractual matters.