York County Council Meeting Covers Rezoning Approvals, Board Appointments, and First Reading of Impact Fee Increase

York County Council Meeting Summary – March 3, 2025

Executive Summary: The York County Council convened on March 3, 2025, to discuss a range of issues affecting the county, including rezoning requests, public safety concerns, and a significant proposal to increase impact fees on new residential developments within the Fort Mill School District. The meeting included a public forum, zoning hearings, and deliberations on school funding needs. The proposed impact fee increase, intended to address rising school construction costs and projected student enrollment growth, drew mixed reactions from the community. Below is a detailed breakdown of the meeting proceedings.

Call to Order and Opening Remarks: Chairperson Christi Cox called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM at the York County Government Center. The session began with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. The council expressed gratitude for community participation and acknowledged recent wildfire concerns in South Carolina, offering prayers for affected individuals.

Public Forum:

• Two community members spoke on various topics, including concerns about a proposed Silfab industrial development near schools and an administrative error regarding property ownership records.

Consent Agenda: The following 16 items were approved:

1. Approval of minutes from the County Council Workshop on February 11, 2025.
2. Third reading for rezoning request (Case #24-63) for 6.73 acres on Dulin Road, Clover (approved).
3. Third reading for rezoning request (Case #24-64) for 12 acres on Mt. Gallant Road, Rock Hill (approved).
4. Third reading for rezoning request (Case #24-65) for a 1.54-acre parcel on Ervin Street, Clover (approved).
5. Third reading for rezoning request (Case #24-67) for 4.86 acres on Highway 21, Fort Mill (approved).
6. Third reading for rezoning request (Case #24-68) for 1.26 acres on Pikeview Road, Fort Mill (approved).
7. Council received the Annual Impact Fee Report as information.
8. Approval of nominated applicants for various Boards & Commissions.
9. Authorization of the donation of a surplused 1998 New Holland 555E Backhoe to the Town of Sharon, SC.
10. Amendment of contractual agreement with Devita & Associates for additional professional services.
11. Approval of a Utility Relocation Agreement with MCImetro (Verizon) for Pennies 3 Project.
12. Approval of a design contract with Joel E. Wood & Associates, LLC for Pennies 5 Project.
13. Approval of the purchase of two Vermeer LPXDT1004 sewer vacuum excavators.
14. Approval of the purchase of Microsoft Office licenses from SHI.
15. Second reading of an ordinance regarding the provision of EMS services by Atrium Health Fort Mill EMS.
16. Approval of the distribution of $8,000,000 from the state for local road projects.

Board Appointments:

The York County Council approved several appointments to Boards and Commissions based on recommendations from the Finance & Operations Committee meeting held on February 17, 2025. The following individuals were appointed:

• Bethel Fire Tax District Board: Joseph Costello, Walter Wilkes, Michael Robbe
• Board of Assessment Appeals (District 2): John Jiminez
• Board of Disabilities and Special Needs (District 2): Whitney Cobas
• Keep York County Beautiful (District 2): Amy Hutchins
• Lake Wylie Parks and Recreation District: Michael Hurst, Dennis Kelley
• York County Natural Gas Board: Joel Wood
• Catawba Regional Council of Governments: Stacey Moore, Dean Faile
• Rock Hill/York County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (At Large): Brian Jones

Rezoning Requests and Public Hearings:

1. Rezoning Request for Residential Subdivision (Case #25-01)
   • Proposal to rezone 7.46 acres in District 1 for a new residential subdivision.
   • Staff and Planning Commission recommended denial, citing inconsistency with the county’s comprehensive plan and concerns over traffic congestion.
   • Several homeowners opposed the rezoning, citing potential overdevelopment and traffic issues.
   • The council deferred the decision to the next meeting.
2. Rezoning for Office Development (Case #25-02)
   • Proposal to rezone 1.01 acres for an office building in District 7.
   • Staff and Planning Commission recommended approval, citing compatibility with the area’s long-term development plan.
   • Residents raised concerns about increased traffic and suggested annexation into the Town of Fort Mill for better planning alignment.
   • The council approved the first reading, with further readings required for final adoption.

Public Education Impact Fee Increase:

• The council held a public hearing on a proposed increase in impact fees on new residential developments within the Fort Mill School District.
• Proposed Fee Increases:
  • Single-family homes: Increase from $18,158 to $29,640.
  • Multi-family units: Increase from $12,020 to $20,796.
• The Fort Mill School District presented data supporting the increase, highlighting:
  • Rising construction costs (up 35-67% since the last study in 2018).
  • Enrollment growth projections of 5,221 additional students by 2035.
  • The successful use of past impact fees, which have funded over $73 million in school construction, including Flint Hill Elementary School.
• Public reactions were mixed:
  • Supporters argued the increase ensures that new developments contribute fairly to school expansion needs.
  • Opponents expressed concerns about housing affordability and potential deterrents to new home construction.
• The council approved the first reading of the ordinance, with further discussions and votes to follow in upcoming meetings.

Old Business:

1. Third reading approval of a rezoning request for 5.20 acres on Ogden Road, Fort Mill (approved).
2. Second reading of an ordinance amendment to add administrative adjustments to zoning procedures (approved).
3. Second reading of an ordinance to amend zoning code regarding accessory structure standards in the Lake Wylie Overlay (approved).

New Business & Reports:

• The Justice & Public Safety Committee meeting was scheduled for February 19, 2025.
• Council members addressed citizen concerns and provided non-agenda comments.

Executive Session:

• The council entered into an executive session to receive legal advice on litigation matters and conduct annual reviews of the County Attorney and Clerk to Council.

Adjournment:

• The meeting concluded following the executive session, with scheduling for the next council session announced.