York County Council Navigates Budget Battles and Silfab Solar Controversy in Marathon Meeting

The York County Council held a meeting on May 19, 2025, which included a workshop, a transportation meeting, and a regular council meeting. Key discussions and decisions revolved around infrastructure projects funded by “Pennies for Progress,” the county budget with significant debate on the recreation tax, and public concerns regarding the Silfab Solar facility. The council approved several motions related to facility construction, vehicle purchases, and personnel policy amendments.

Here’s a detailed summary of each agenda item and meeting results:

1. York County May 19th, 2025 Council Workshop 

• Pennies for Progress Update: Staff provided an update on active projects.
  • Highway 160 East (Fort Mill): Three-lane widening with intermediate asphalt mostly installed. Final paving is expected in June, and the project will open to traffic.
  • Riverview Road (Rock Hill): Three-lane widening from Cherry Road to Eden Terrace. Intermediate asphalt finished last week, with work shifting to the section towards Celanese Road next week. Full opening to traffic is anticipated this fall.
  • Highway 557: Bridge deck poured, curb and gutters installed. Storm drainage and utility relocation are ongoing. Full opening to traffic is expected in the latter part of next year.
  • Highway 72 (Rock Hill): Realignment with Rambo Road. This project involves part three-lane and part five-lane widening (five-lane from 901 to Rosville Road, then three-lane from Rosville to Rambo). Clearing is complete, and utility relocations are ongoing.
  • Highway 2151: Clearing and grubbing are complete. Utility relocation is expected throughout the rest of this year. The actual road work is planned to be bid out this summer, with hopes for a fall start.
  • Pennies 5 Projects: All Pennies 5 projects are under contract and active, with traffic counts and survey work underway.
  • SC DOT Repaving Projects: Approximately $15 million worth of repaving roads are being bid out, with bids due in June. The work will span throughout the eastern and western sides of the county, but not all roads will start this year. Approximately 15 miles of repaving are being bid out.
  • Cost of Paving: Repaving a two-lane road costs almost a million dollars per mile. This cost can double for three-lane or five-lane roads. The county receives about $7 million in C-funds from the state annually for roads, which equates to about seven miles of two-lane road.

2. Regular Meeting Transportation Meeting 

• Jack Armor Memorial Bridge Dedication: The council considered authorizing funding for a sign dedicating the bridge over Taylor Creek to Jack Armor. Jack Armor was a member of Mount Holly United Methodist Church and had perfect Sunday school attendance for 56 years. These dedications come to the council after approval by the general assembly, and the council is asked to fund them.
  • Motion: Motion to authorize the funding.
  • Result: Motion carries unanimously.

3. County Council Meeting

• Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance: Council member William “Bump” Roddey from District 4 led the invocation and pledge.

• Oath of Office: Stacie Harrison was sworn in to serve on the Catawba Regional Workforce Investment Board. The Chairwoman acknowledged the numerous volunteers serving on over 30 boards and commissions who are unpaid but appreciated.

• Recognition of Michael Davis: Michael Davis, a Rock Hill High School class of 2025 winner of the South Carolina Association of Counties (SCAC) 2025 Board of Director Scholarship for York County, was recognized. The scholarship, established in 1998, recognizes exceptional students furthering their education at an in-state two-year or four-year college. Michael Davis plans to attend the University of South Carolina to pursue a degree in sports recreation and leisure studies. He also received almost a full ride to the University of South Carolina from the Carolina Panthers.

• Public Forum Session

  • Lana Vivant (148 Charter House Lane, Fort Mill): Expressed concern about Silfab’s proposed operations, stating they exceed light industrial zoning limitations, including storage of hazardous chemicals, air pollution devices, and wastewater treatment. She believes permits were obtained with limited or misleading information and should be revoked, citing zoning code paragraph 1551239 for permit revocation.
  • Brendan McCluskey (729 Warwick Way, Fort Mill): Referenced a USC Arnold School of Public Health report (Phase 2) expanding on Silfab’s air dispersion application concentrations for hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acids. He highlighted discrepancies in Silfab’s modeling (urban vs. rural) and stated that expanded worst-case scenarios affect both York and Mecklenburg Counties. He urged the council to revoke permits due to potential impact on over 50,000 citizens from accidental releases.
  • Natalia Mitchell (965 Bridal Path, Fort Mill): Stated that Silfab is a heavy industrial facility located in a light industrial zone next to two schools and neighborhoods. She emphasized concerns about bulk storage of toxic and flammable chemicals near children and urged the council to revoke permits.
  • Brandon Dunford (157 Rose Tree Lane, Fort Mill): A parent whose children were redistricted to Flint Hill schools, he expressed unawareness of Silfab’s large-scale chemical operation. He cited a previous council member’s comment that “safety is first” and criticized county staff for failing the community by not following the BCA decision. He urged the council to revoke permits.
  • Jamie Costilla (325 Brixham Place, Fort Mill): Moved to Fort Mill for affordability and family. She was unaware of Silfab’s operations until May 2024 and felt parents’ voices were unheard regarding the safety of their children near a “heavy industrial chemical manufacturing” facility. She expressed concern about 1 million cubic feet of toxic gases near schools and prayed for a miracle to end the nightmare, urging permit revocation.
  • Jen Williams (3139 Horseshoe Trail, Fort Mill): Stated Silfab is a heavy industrial chemical manufacturing process using and storing bulk quantities of hazardous chemicals and 1 million gallons of water daily, located in a light industrial zone next to schools with no evacuation plan. She highlighted that York County staff issued nine permits and 30 approvals since the BCA decision on May 9, 2024, despite the administrative error finding. She urged permit revocation.
  • David Ortiz (Saddlegate Neighborhood, Fort Mill): Raised concerns about the state’s $2 million grant to Silfab, alleging misrepresentation on the grant application regarding new building construction. He stated that three new buildings have been built for chemical storage and wastewater treatment, which are not allowable in light industrial zones. He requested a full audit of the fee-in-lieu-of-tax agreement and revocation of permits.
  • Ashley Horn (4104 Bambber Drive, Fort Mill): Revealed information from Gaston County documents indicating Silfab prioritized communities with “fasttrack permitting processes and low regulatory requirements.” She questioned what prevents Silfab from cutting corners during operation if they did so to obtain permits, urging permit revocation.
  • Marissa Robbins (1126 Kings Bottom Drive): Stated that new facts show Silfab Solar is not light industrial and doesn’t align with what leaders expected. She urged the council to adapt to new information, review facts, and consider whether Silfab’s location reflects community standards, asking for permit revocation.
  • Scott Cookenower (122 West Oak Street, Fort Mill): Commended York County’s park and recreation efforts. He suggested using $8 million in assessor money to fully fund the new York County recreation department, increase municipal recreation department budgets by triple, decrease millage on resident York County residents, and not increase millage on municipal residents. He expressed concern about spending on outside counsel for Silfab and a tower in Region Park, and opposed the overlay district due to lack of notification and public hearings. He also mentioned receiving a letter about a Pennies 5 project starting on his property with a threat of eminent domain and condemnation.
  • Lawrence Shaheen (209 Delbert Street, Davidson, NC): Representing Stanley Martin and Prestige Development, he provided an update on rezoning case 25-09 (age-restricted senior living townhome community). He reported a positive meeting with the community, commitment to transportation improvements and pushing for a stoplight on Highway 160. He requested the age-restricted single-family attached homes deed restriction be recorded at the time of lot transference.
  • Bob Bennett (1203 Lookout Circle, Waxaw): Thanked the council for listening and reiterated commitment to addressing homeowner concerns about traffic.
  • Derek Lindsay (123 Court): Speaking about the rec tax, he asked for clarity on “traditional youth sport,” what programs are included/excluded, if everyone would receive a stipend, and if the $75 stipend is one-time per year or per sport. He asked if youth could get the stipend from the county and take it to municipalities to avoid new positions. He requested tabling the discussion for 6 months.
  • Dr. Bradley Saha (2099 Coverbridge Court): Spoke against eliminating the recreation tax, which has supported municipal recreation programs for over 17 years. He emphasized the importance of affordable recreation for all, especially seniors on fixed incomes and individuals with disabilities. He urged reconsideration and reinstatement of assistance, noting the county lacks facilities offering such activities for non-sports participants.

• Council Comments on Public Forum: The Chairwoman noted two civil lawsuits filed regarding Silfab, with York County named as a defendant in one, involving claims for monetary damages against taxpayers. She stated that the county’s attorneys advised not to comment due to ongoing litigation, and that zoning-related issues are before the circuit courts for decision.

• Consent Agenda:

  • Motion: Motion to approve the consent agenda with the removal of item number three.
  • Result: Motion carries unanimously.
  • The consent agenda included various rezoning actions, grant approvals, contractual agreements, and vehicle purchases.

• Old Business:

  • Item 1: Second Reading of Operating and Capital Budgets for FY 2025-2026:
    • Motion: Motion to approve the budget.
    • Amendment 1 (Recreation Tax): Motion to add the 1.5 millage rate back into the budget for recreation funding for unincorporated areas.
      • Discussion: Supporters argued for continuing the existing 17-year funding to municipalities, emphasizing the value they bring and the need for more time to quantify measurements. Opponents argued that the current system lacks transparency and data, is a “double tax” if the countywide tax is also implemented, and that municipalities should provide more data. They also highlighted the significant capital investments made by municipalities and the county’s own need for park funding.
      • Result: The amendment fails.
    • Amendment 2 (Funding for Keystone, Safe Passage, Catawba Mental Health, and Coroner’s Evidence Technician): Motion to increase funding for Keystone ($71,250), Safe Passage ($150,000), Catawba Mental Health ($150,000), and add one evidence technician for the coroner’s office.
      • Discussion: Concerns were raised about voting on amendments without staff having time to assess the financial impact and identify funding sources.
      • Result: The motion to rescind the amendment and instead request staff to look at these items and come back with numbers for the next meeting.
    • Amendment 3 (Nanny’s Mountain Master Plan): Motion to reallocate $60,000 of H-tax to fund the Nanny’s Mountain Master Plan, with an adjustment to the millage of the Lake Wylie recreation tax millage rate.
      • Discussion: The proponent explained that Nanny’s Mountain was acquired in 1997, a master plan was developed in 2021 but deferred, and staff has been working on it independently. This funding would allow for construction and completion of the project, showing support for staff and providing a natural area for residents.
      • Result: The amendment carries.
    • Amendment 4 (Elimination of Capital Budget Analyst, Marketing Manager, Planning Position, and Studies): Motion to reduce general operation expenses by 1.5 mills by eliminating the capital budget analyst, marketing manager, and a planning position, as well as eliminating specific one-time expenses for studies and directing management to explore in-house options or approve funds later as non-recurring expenses. Also, to eliminate vacant positions for over four years, direct $1 million from the ED FE Felo revenue to the ED department, and increase the projected value of the mill by $17,500.
      • Discussion: The motion was supported by the Chairwoman to avoid raising taxes. Concerns were raised about eliminating positions recommended by the county manager’s team and using the ED fund for operational expenses, which is intended for economic development projects and job creation.
      • Result: The amendment carries four to three.
    • Main Motion Result (Budget Approval): Motion to approve the budget (after amendments).
      • Result: Motion carries four to three.
  • Item 2: Second Reading of Ordinance to Abolish York County Recreation Tax District:
    • Motion: Motion to approve.
    • Discussion: Supporters emphasized the commitment to ensuring proper allocation of funds for recreation services countywide, and working with municipalities to get it right. They advocated for giving the new approach a chance and highlighted the need for accountability and data on participation from municipalities. One council member also noted the availability of library programs duplicating some municipal offerings. Opponents did not support the motion.
    • Result: Motion carries.
  • Item 3: Second Reading of Ordinance to Amend Chapter 33 Personnel (Sick Leave, Parental Leave, Bereavement Leave):
    • Motion: Motion to approve.
    • Discussion: Staff clarified that the changes include formally offering parental leave (currently only sick leave can be used for birth/adoption), establishing 3 days of bereavement leave (currently sick leave is used), and opening up requirements for using the sick leave bank. These changes do not require additional funding and are aimed at providing employees with more time off for family care.
    • Result: Motion carries unanimously.

• New Business:

  • Item 1: Approval of Award for York County Coroner’s Facility Construction:
    • Motion: Motion to approve the award to JNB Services LLC for $4,786,487.01.
    • Discussion: This project came in under budget, which was good news for taxpayers.
    • Result: Motion passes unanimously.
  • Item 2: First Reading of Ordinance to Amend Chapter 155 Zoning Code (Transportation Corridor Preservation Overlay):
    • Motion: Motion to approve.
    • Discussion: A public hearing will be held at the next reading. Staff confirmed the public hearing was noticed, but individual residents affected were not directly notified since the last “Pennies” changes.
    • Result: Motion carries unanimously.
  • Item 3: First Reading of Ordinance to Amend Chapter 155 Zoning Code (Increase Maximum Building Height for Data Center Use):
    • Motion: Motion to approve.
    • Amendment: Motion to strike “data center use” and apply it to all uses within ID zoning.
      • Discussion: The amendment’s proponent argued against carving out special ordinances for specific uses and for a more general application to all industrial zoning. Opponents favored keeping it specific to data centers for initial study and noted that broader height discussions are already in committee.
      • Result: The amendment fails due to lack of a second.
    • Main Motion Result: Motion to approve the ordinance to increase building height for data centers only.
      • Result: Motion carries unanimously.

• Pulled Consent Agenda Item (Old Business – Item 3):

  • Rezoning Action Case #25-09 (RUD to RMX-6 for age-restricted senior living townhome community):
    • Motion: Motion to approve with the original deed restrictions. The applicant had requested an amendment to record the deed restriction per lot, but the council decided to proceed with the original and address it at the third reading.
    • Result: Motion carries unanimously.

• Committee and Other Reports:

  • Planning and Zoning Committee (May 6, 2025): Chairwoman Debi Cloninger reported an update on the rural zoning project, which will be coming to council for a vote. They also discussed maximum building heights for data centers and countywide commercial situations (hotels), with the planning commission leading on the hotel discussion.

• Council Member New/Non-agenda Comments:

  • Councilman Atkins reminded everyone about the 39th annual Memorial Day ceremony on Sunday, May 25th at 3:45 PM at the Veterans Park in York.
  • Councilwoman Cloninger requested that the packet from the public forum session regarding Silfab be placed on the June 16th agenda for discussion, giving time to review the material.
  • Councilman Watts supported the request for discussion on Silfab, emphasizing the concerns about toxic liquids and corrosive materials near schools.
  • A council member (unnamed) reminded everyone to pay homage and respect to those who made sacrifices for the country on Memorial Day.

• Executive Session: The council moved into executive session for receipt of legal advice on litigation updates, authorization of condemnations for Flint Hill Street Drainage Improvements, contractual matters regarding recreation tax IGAs, and Silfab Solar matters.

  • Result: No action was taken in executive session.
  • Motions following Executive Session:
    • Motion 1: Authorize the county manager and chairwoman to issue a press release regarding Silfab as discussed in executive session.
      • Result: Motion passes unanimously.
    • Motion 2: Authorize condemnation regarding Project number 17228-011 Flint Hill Street drainage improvement track numbers 32, 38, 41, 93, 103, and 164 as discussed in executive session.
      • Result: Motion carries unanimously.
  • Adjournment: Motion to adjourn.
    • Result: Motion carries unanimously.