March 24, 2025 – Fort Mill, S.C. — The Town of Fort Mill Council held its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, March 24, with a full agenda that included a presentation on designating downtown Fort Mill as a South Carolina Cultural District, budget amendments, and updates to procurement policies.
Downtown Fort Mill Cultural District Proposal
A primary focus of the meeting was a presentation by local artist Debbie Whit and Melanie Cooper of the Arts Council of York County proposing the designation of downtown Fort Mill as a South Carolina Cultural District. The designation, governed by the South Carolina Arts Commission, requires a walkable area with established cultural assets such as theaters, galleries, murals, public art, restaurants, and other supporting businesses.
Whit emphasized Fort Mill’s existing strengths, including the downtown amphitheater, public art installations, and active arts organizations like the Fort Mill Community Playhouse. Cooper noted that Fort Mill already meets many criteria and that the designation would offer access to marketing grants, increase tourism, and enhance local pride. The town would join Rock Hill as one of only two York County locations with this status.
Town staff will work with the Arts Council and community representatives to form a steering committee and draft a resolution of support for future council approval.
Budget Amendment and Procurement Code Update
Council approved the second reading of a budget amendment for the 2024–2025 fiscal year (Amendment 25-6) with no changes from the first reading. Staff and council praised the proactive financial planning, especially in light of long lead times for equipment purchases, such as fire trucks.
Additionally, council passed a first reading of an ordinance to raise the small purchase threshold in the town’s procurement code from $1,000 to $2,500. Procurement Officer Philip Ayo-Kay explained the change would streamline operations while maintaining safeguards, including a continued requirement for three competitive quotes.
Town Property Sale and Lease
The council approved the second reading of two ordinances related to 112 Confederate Street, the current municipal building. The property will be sold following the police department’s move to the new Town Hall at 205 North White Street. A short-term leaseback agreement was also approved to allow continued use of certain facilities, including the 911 communications center, until the transition is complete.
Comprehensive Plan and Downtown Master Plan
Planning staff introduced “Fort Mill: Our Path Forward,” the town’s comprehensive plan update project, led by Bolton & Menk. Public engagement will include a community survey and open house events, with the first scheduled for April 9 at Unity Church Fellowship Hall.
The town will also launch a downtown master plan and parks and recreation master plan later in the year. A new website landing page will host updates, surveys, and project documents.
Committee Appointments
Council approved the ad hoc committee’s recommendations for multiple appointments and reappointments across the Board of Zoning Appeals, Historic Review Board, Planning Commission, Stormwater Advisory Committee, and the Keep Fort Mill Beautiful Committee.
Other Business and Announcements
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Council passed a streamlined ordinance for approving town-sponsored events during the budget process.
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Council members and the mayor discussed upcoming events, including the Fort Mill Strawberry Festival, local high school proms, and public clean-up efforts.
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Fort Mill Fire Department’s recruit class began training, and town officials encouraged residents to follow their progress online.
The meeting concluded with an executive session. Upon return to open session, no action was taken.
The next public engagement opportunity related to the comprehensive plan is the open house on April 9 from 4:30–7:00 PM at Unity Church Fellowship Hall.
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