Stephanie C. Kitchens

Key discussions included the appointment of a new member to the Planning Commission. Legacy Healthcare Advantage and Legacy Transport Services proposed establishing an Adult Daycare Center in Union, requesting assistance in securing a facility. The Council approved the request from the Sheriff's Office to add a School Resource Officer position, fully funded by the Union County School District. A resolution was adopted authorizing the donation of an unassigned Law Enforcement K-9 to the Chester County Sheriff's Office. Emergency repairs to the Union County Courthouse dome and other associated damages, estimated up to $750,000, were approved for funding from the Capital Fund. The Council accepted an SC PARD Project Agreement for the Buffalo Mill Pond cleanup project. Resolutions were adopted to extend the Pilot Rural Transit Program and to execute Equipment Lease to Purchase Agreements totaling nearly $2.5 million for updating 911 radio equipment and purchasing new EMS heart monitors. Ordinance 407 regarding the distribution of certain FILOTs and Ordinance 408 authorizing a Special Source Revenue Credit Agreement with Gestamp for an expansion that could create over 500 jobs were both adopted on third reading. Updates were provided by the Treasurer regarding tax bills and Homestead exemption suggestions, and by the Clerk of Court on Courthouse improvements.

The council meeting addressed several key areas, including service awards for county employees and appointments to the temporary Union Hospital Board. A grant award from The SC Department of Public Safety for the Union County Sheriff's Office was accepted. Discussions were held on Resolution 2025-08 to set the Tax Levy for the 2026 fiscal year, with considerations for a rollback on millage and a CPI increase for fire departments. The council also discussed ordinances related to the distribution of FILOTs and a Special Source Revenue Credit Agreement with Gestamp. The Finance and Administration Committee recommended increasing airport hangar fees and reclassifying the County Finance Director position. Proceeds from the sale of Trakas Industrial Park were designated for upgrading 911 equipment and the courthouse roof. Updates were provided on various county projects and events, including MycoWorks shutting down operations, Buffalo Mill Pond, Airport runway lighting, Gateway signs, and the Union County Fair.

The Union County Council held a meeting where they discussed several key issues. Service awards were presented to county employees, and a presentation was given by the Robinhood Group regarding their community initiatives and funding needs. The Union/Laurens Commission on Higher Education discussed tax millage rates and the financial needs of USC Union. The council also considered board appointments, approved an Airport Improvement Grant, and discussed the termination of a Fee Agreement with Belk, Inc. Additionally, they adopted a Proclamation honoring the South Carolina State Guard and approved the renaming of Lukesville Park. They also discussed contractual and legal matters, approved local match funding for the SC DES Brownfields Voluntary Cleanup Program Grant, and agreed to provide local funds for the clean-up of Buffalo Mill. Furthermore, they introduced ordinances related to the distribution of Fees-in-Lieu of Tax and a special source revenue credit agreement.

The Union County Council will hold a public hearing regarding an ordinance to direct the distribution of certain fees-in-lieu of tax received and retained by Union County, South Carolina, pursuant to various agreements for the development of joint county industrial and business parks, and to amend certain ordinances of the county and the Union County Code of Ordinances to give effect to such direction; and other matters relating thereto.

Joint public hearing to review the performance and accomplishments conducted under the Community Development Block Grant -- Coronavirus 1 ("CDBG-CV1") Project Grant (#CDBG-CV1 003). This project consisted of serving home-delivered meals to senior citizens in Chester, Lancaster, Union, and York Counties as well as related costs for equipment, supplies, staffing, and administration.