Katherine Cook

The Newberry County Registration and Elections Board convened as the county board of canvassers to certify the results of the December 30, 2025, Town of Silverstreet Special Election. The unofficial results indicated that Julie Ann Richardson received all five votes cast for Mayor, and Lydia Kinard received the three votes cast for Town Council. The board approved the motion to certify the election results. Furthermore, discussions included scheduling the swearing-in ceremony for Silverstreet officials and noting an upcoming election on March 31, 2026, to fill a town council seat, with candidate filing opening in February 2026. The meeting concluded with an adjournment.

The agenda for the Newberry County Council meeting includes the adoption of consent items related to minutes from previous Work Session, Regular Meeting, and Special Called Meeting in January 2026. Key discussions scheduled involve a recap of the emergency response to Winter Storm Fern, consideration and award of a contract for Inmate Food Services (RFP Number 2025-20), and special recognition for local emergency response units. Furthermore, the council is scheduled for the first reading of an Ordinance concerning the issuance and sale of a General Obligation Bond not exceeding $405,000 to defray costs for equipment such as a tri-axle dump truck and trailers.

The agenda for the Newberry County Council meeting includes the adoption of the Consent Agenda, which covers the Work Session and Regular Meeting Minutes from January 7, 2026. Key items for discussion and potential action are special recognitions for employee service and retirement, the third reading of an Ordinance to rezone a parcel from RS-Single Family to R2-Rural, and the first reading of an Ordinance amending several sections of the Zoning Ordinance text, including provisions for fences, lake shore setbacks, and definitions. The Council will also consider and approve bids for the Newberry Museum Roof Repairs, address appointments, and allow for public comments. Furthermore, actions taken in the prior executive session, such as offering the position of County Administrator to William Luckadoo, will be ratified.

The primary focus of the meeting was the election of the Chair and Vice-Chair for 2026. Key agenda items included public hearings and third readings for two ordinances: one authorizing a fee agreement in lieu of taxes with Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC for a solar energy production facility project, and another concerning the rezoning of a parcel from RS-Single Family to R2-Rural classification. The Council also planned to consider and award a contract for engineering and consulting services for the Safe Streets and Roads For All Project, adopt the 2026 County Council Committee Meeting Schedule, and adopt the proposed FY 2026-2027 Budget Calendar. Finally, appointments were scheduled for the Employee Grievance Committee and the Building, Fire and Nuisance Codes Board of Appeals.

The County Council convened for a work session and meeting that included an executive session to discuss economic development matters related to project N and personnel matters related to county administration employees. The council also discussed and held public hearings regarding amendments to the zoning ordinance, adopting requirements for local government development agreements, and an option and purchase agreement for economic development purposes with project Alter. Additionally, the council addressed an agreement with Newberry Electric Co-op to exchange properties and considered a resolution committing to negotiate a fee in lieu of tax agreement with Duke Energy Carolina's LLC for a solar project.