York County Council Approves Record Fort Mill School Impact Fees, Advances Infrastructure Projects and EMS Transition at April 7 Meeting

At the April 7, 2025, York County Council meeting, Council approved several major agenda items, with significant attention devoted to the adoption of new public education impact fees for the Fort Mill School District. The ordinance passed its third and final reading, establishing an impact fee of $29,640 for single-family detached homes and $20,796 for multifamily units within Fort Mill School District No. 4. The fees aim to fund future school facility needs driven by residential growth in the district.

The meeting also included public hearings on multiple rezoning requests, updates on infrastructure projects under the Pennies for Progress initiative, and authorization of various grant applications and intergovernmental agreements. The Council further addressed EMS service transitions in Fort Mill and salary adjustments for law enforcement.

Meeting Breakdown by Agenda Section:

1. Opening Proceedings

• The meeting was called to order by Chairwoman Christi Cox.

• Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance were led by Vice-Chairman Tom Audette.

• An oath of office was scheduled for Dennis Kelley (Lake Wylie Parks and Recreation District Board), but he was not present.

2. Public Forum

Numerous citizens addressed the Council, including:

• Ray Blue and Alicia Campbell, who supported the transition of Fort Mill EMS services to Atrium Health.

• Carl Young raised concerns about safety near Silfab Solar operations.

• Michael Pruner from the York County Home Builders Association criticized the Fort Mill School District’s impact fee plan, citing unfulfilled tax reduction promises from 2018 and the absence of a required affordable housing analysis.

• Others voiced opinions on various rezoning and infrastructure items.

3. Consent Agenda

Council approved all 32 items, including:

• Contract approvals for multiple Pennies 5 infrastructure design projects.

• Equipment and software purchases for county departments.

• Grant applications for law enforcement and historic preservation.

• HVAC maintenance and EMS equipment purchases.

• Renewals of agreements with Duke Energy and local municipalities.

4. Public Hearings

Several zoning changes were considered, including:

• Case #25-03: Rezoning of multifamily properties in Rock Hill to RMX-6 to remove nonconforming status (Approved).

• Case #25-04: Rezoning on McConnells Hwy to allow subdivision (Approved).

• Case #25-05: Boundary adjustment between two Fort Mill parcels (Approved).

• Land Development Code amendment to redefine “minor subdivision” (Approved).

• Sale of surplus property on Kanawha Street, Fort Mill (Approved).

5. Old Business

• Impact Fee Ordinance – Final Reading (Fort Mill School District):

  • Approved unanimously.

  • Establishes one of the highest impact fee rate in South Carolina: $29,640 per single-family home and $20,796 per multifamily unit.

  • Revenue will support future school capacity needs amid rapid residential growth.

  • An intergovernmental agreement with the district outlines collection and use of funds.

  • Public feedback was mixed. Some supported the fee to alleviate school overcrowding; others raised transparency and affordability concerns.

• EMS Transition to Atrium Health:

  • Council approved the reassignment of EMS services from Fort Mill Rescue to Atrium Health Fort Mill EMS, Inc.

  • The agreement ensures compliance with SC EMS regulations, establishes service levels, and assigns operational responsibility to Atrium.

6. New Business

• Approval of a $1.67 million CDBG application for the Stateline Waterline Extension in Lake Wylie.

• Agreements finalized for matching funds with Affordable Communities Group.

• Law Enforcement pay scale increase of 5% approved to improve recruitment and retention.

• First readings for:

  • Infrastructure Credit Agreement for “Project Unagi” ($5 million investment, 146 jobs).

  • Amendment to Rock Hill Redevelopment Plan (reducing TIF funding to $48 million).

7. Committee Reports

• Reports presented from Economic Development, Health & Environmental Protection, Planning & Zoning, and Finance & Operations Committees.

8. Citizen Concerns

• Pastor Raymond Scott provided information on the Greater Things Ministry Program, noted under Citizen Concerns.

9. Executive Session

• Council entered executive session to receive legal advice on litigation, contractual matters, and personnel issues.