Mac Bartley

The committee meeting addressed several agenda items, including the election of the 2026 Chair, staff reports regarding economic development, property statistics, and strategic planning for infrastructure expansion and site enhancement grants. Additionally, the committee entered an executive session to discuss contractual arrangements, legal matters, and economic incentives related to various industrial and business development projects.

The meeting agenda includes a review of the organization's by-laws, the establishment of the training and certification program schedule for the year, and preparations for the upcoming June primary election, including staff workshops and office coverage planning. Additionally, the agenda covers employee evaluations and participation in the SCARE Midyear Conference.

The council discussed various zoning ordinance amendments, including regulations for fences and walls, outdoor retail sales, and building permit penalties. Several rezoning requests were considered for properties to be reclassified as rural. Economic development initiatives were addressed, specifically regarding an option and purchase agreement with Project Altair and the designation of Fair Housing Month. Additionally, the council reviewed employee recognitions, project updates, and budgetary matters.

Key discussions during the meeting included the successful identification of a replacement location for the Newberry City Ward 4 precinct, which will be hosted by O'Neal Street Methodist Church. The Canvas of the Silverstreet Special Election held on December 30, 2025, was approved. For new business, details were finalized for a special election in the town of Prosperity for a town council seat, including filing dates and early voting schedules. Attendance was confirmed for four county representatives at the 49th Annual SCARE Conference. The board approved that the current acting officers would retain their positions, and the first reading of revised election board by-laws, which propose changing the entity name to the Board of Voter Registration and Elections of Newberry County, was completed.

The agenda for the Newberry County Council meeting included the adoption of consent items, specifically the minutes from the February 18, 2026, regular meeting and the February 24, 2026, Special Called Meeting. Key discussions focused on Special Recognition for Whitmire Fire Station 3 and Whitmire Rescue Squad Station 18, and the Proclamation for Disability Awareness Month in Newberry County. Substantive actions involved multiple ordinances: Ordinance No. 02-01-2026 concerning the issuance and sale of a General Obligation Bond not exceeding $405,000, Ordinance No. 02-02-2026 authorizing a Fee-In-Lieu of Ad Valorem Taxes Agreement for Project Nova 2025, and Ordinance 03-01-2026 authorizing an Option and Purchase Agreement for economic development with Project Altair. The agenda also included provisions for making appointments to the Building, Fire, Nuisance Board and the Board of Zoning Appeals.