Rock Hill City Council Greenlights Budget, Denies Ebenezer Road Rezoning, and Amends Accommodations Tax Funding [cite: 1, 46]

On May 27, 2025, the Rock Hill City Council held a special session. The meeting included a public hearing on the 2025/2026 fiscal year budget, proclamations, consideration of consent agenda items, second readings of ordinances, planning commission recommendations, and budget-related items.

Executive Session (5:00 P.M.)

The City Council considered holding an Executive Session for discussions covered by the attorney/client privilege.

Special Session (6:00 P.M.)

1. Call to Order.

2. Recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

3. Public Hearing.

A public hearing was held on the Municipal Budget for the 2025/2026 Fiscal Year and related items, as pursuant to S.C. Code of Laws, Section 6-1-80. The City Manager provided an overview, highlighting that there would be no electricity, water, or tax increases proposed. A 3% sanitation rate increase was proposed to cover York County’s rate increase, and an 8% wastewater rate increase ($4 per month per customer) was proposed to fund the new wastewater treatment plant expansion. The City’s electric and water rates were noted as very competitive. Cemetery fee adjustments were also recommended to cover costs. The budget includes 10 new full-time positions, with a net increase of 5 positions, many related to the new Sports and Events Center. The total proposed budget is just over $313 million, with anticipated revenues and expenses balanced. No one spoke for or against the budget during the public hearing.

4. Proclamations/Recognitions.

The Finance Department was recognized for receiving the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the current fiscal year from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).
June was proclaimed as National Safety Month.

5. Consider Approving the Consent Agenda.

The consent agenda, which included the Minutes of Work Session May 12, 2025, and Minutes of Regular Session May 12, 2025, was approved.

6. Consider Ordinances for Second Reading.

An Ordinance to amend Chapter 7, Annexations, for I-77 & Lazy Hawk Road Area I: This item was withdrawn.
An Ordinance to amend the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Rock Hill Code by making certain changes in the official zoning map affecting approximately 42.59 acres located on Lazy Hawk Road from Planned Development (PD) to Industry General (IG) and Design Overlay District (DOD) (Karis Cold rezoning ordinance): This item was withdrawn.

7. Consider Planning Commission Recommendations.

a. Petition M-2025-03 by David F. Norman to rezone approximately 16.71 acres at 2782 Commerce Drive from Industrial Development (ID) in York County to Industry General (IG). The parcel is located in York County and is proposed to be annexed into the City of Rock Hill. Tax Parcel 665-00-00-001 (portion).
- This request involved annexing and rezoning property for a proposed 210,000 sq ft industrial building for light industrial and distribution. Staff and Planning Commission recommended approval, noting it would allow for compatible development and contribute to economic growth. Concerns were raised about potential truck traffic routes and the requirement for a traffic impact analysis (TIA) once an end user is known. The item was approved.
b. Consider a Petition for Annexation to the City of Rock Hill of Red River Road/Commerce Drive Area IV lying adjacent to the city limits of the City of Rock Hill, S.C. as shown on map dated May 15, 2025. This petition was approved.
c. Consider first reading of an Ordinance to amend Chapter 7, Annexations, of the Code of the City of Rock Hill, so as to provide for the annexation, zoning, and ward designation of Red River Road/Commerce Drive Area IV lying adjacent to the city limits of the City of Rock Hill, S.C. This ordinance had its first reading approved.
d. Consider first reading of an Ordinance to amend the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Rock Hill Code by making certain changes in the official zoning map affecting approximately 16.71 acres located on Red River Road and Commerce Drive from Industrial Development (ID) to Industry General (IG). This ordinance had its first reading approved.
e. Consider Planning Commission recommendation regarding petition M-2025-07 by ACTS Retirement-Life Communities, Inc. to annex and rezone approximately 108.9 acres at 1108 Leach Road from Residential Mixed 20 (RMX-20) in York County Master Plan-Residential (MP-R). The parcel is located in York County and is proposed to be annexed into the City of Rock Hill. Tax Parcel 539-00-00-121.
- This request was to annex and rezone property for the expansion of the Park Point Village retirement community, including duplex cottages, independent living apartments, and a clubhouse. Discussions revolved around the proposed 1.2 spaces per unit for independent living apartments (a deficit of 37 spaces), the requirement for a right turn lane into the site from York Highway, and concerns about opening Leach Road as a full access point and its impact on traffic signal warrants at the main entrance. The motion was to accept the planning commission recommendation with additional language regarding access upon Leach Road being at a proper time later in development, subject to further traffic impact analysis. This was approved.
f. Consider a Petition for Annexation to the City of Rock Hill of York Highway/Main Street West Area I lying adjacent to the city limits of the City of Rock Hill, S.C. as shown on map dated May 14, 2025. This petition was approved.
g. Consider first reading of an Ordinance to amend Chapter 7, Annexations, of the Code of the City of Rock Hill, so as to provide for the annexation, zoning, and ward designation of York Highway/Main Street West Area I lying adjacent to the city limits of the City of Rock Hill, S.C. This ordinance had its first reading approved, with terms and conditions modified pursuant to the prior motion.
h. Consider first reading of an Ordinance to amend the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Rock Hill Code by making certain changes in the official zoning map affecting approximately 108.9 acres located on York Highway and Main Street West from Residential Mixed 20 (RMX-20) to Master Planned Residential (MP-R). This ordinance had its first reading approved, with terms and conditions modified.
i. Consider Planning Commission recommendation regarding petition M-2025-08 by Duane F. Christopher & Associates, LLC to annex and rezone approximately 5.78 acres at 2272 Ebenezer Road from Urban Development (UD) in York County to Industry Business (IB). The parcel is located in York County and is proposed to be annexed into the City of Rock Hill. Tax Parcel 591-00-00-034.
- This request was to annex and rezone property for flex space buildings. Staff recommended denial due to proposed direct access onto Ebenezer Road, which is a two-lane road with over 10,000 average daily trips, raising concerns about safety and traffic congestion. The developer noted difficulty in achieving alternative access through adjacent properties. A property owner nearby expressed concerns about traffic, noise, and potential impact on his property if Ebenezer Road were widened. The developer’s representative clarified that the proposed buildings were reduced from five to three due to traffic concerns. The Council made a motion to reject the planning commission recommendation, which was approved. This effectively meant that items 7j, 7k, and 7l failed for lack of a motion, as they were related to this annexation and rezoning.

8. Consider Budget Related Items.

a. Consider adoption of a Personnel Resolution. The resolution aimed to clarify and update language, enhance longevity pay, expand sick leave banks and annual leave conversion programs, and consider Veterans Day as an additional holiday. The resolution was adopted.
b. Consider first reading of an Ordinance to amend Appendix A, Fee Schedule and Chapter 29 Utilities of the Code of the City of Rock Hill concerning Sewer Rates. This ordinance, proposing an average $4 increase for customers, was for the continued construction to upgrade the wastewater plant. The first reading was approved.
c. Consider first reading of an Ordinance to amend Appendix A, Fee Schedule, of the Code of the City of Rock Hill concerning Solid Waste Rates. This ordinance proposed a 3% increase to cover York County’s landfill tipping fees. The first reading was approved.
d. Consider first reading of an Ordinance amending Chapter 29, Utilities, of the Code of the City of Rock Hill concerning Schedule GD (Demand Service) Electric Rate. This was a correction of a scrivener’s error from the previous year, with no impact on customers. The first reading was approved.
e. Consider first reading of an Ordinance to amend Chapter 29, Utilities, of the Code of the City of Rock Hill concerning Master Meter. This ordinance set forth a process for apartment complexes and multifamily units to request master metering, including billing and penalties for non-compliance. The first reading was approved.
f. Consider first reading of an Ordinance amending Chapter 11, Businesses of the Code of the City of Rock Hill concerning Business Licenses and Business License Fees. This proposed to require commercial or residential lessors to apply for a no-cost business license if their gross revenues are $125,000 or less, to track and monitor them. This item was defeated.
g. Consider first reading of an Ordinance to amend Chapter 10, Buildings and Building Regulations, of the Code of the City of Rock Hill concerning Development Regulation. This ordinance proposed adopting the South Carolina International Swimming Pool and Spa code and allowing someone other than the building official to administer the flood prevention ordinance. The first reading was approved.
h. Consider first reading of an Ordinance to amend Appendix A, Fee Schedule, of the Code of the City of Rock Hill concerning Building Inspection Fees. This ordinance proposed updating inspection fees to meet cost of service increases and codify the practice of not charging for re-inspections if a staff error was made. The first reading was approved.
i. Consider first reading of an Ordinance to amend Appendix A, Fee Schedule, of the Code of the City of Rock Hill concerning Zoning Fees. This ordinance proposed creating fees for plans submitted separately from civil plans (e.g., landscaping, lighting), changing encroachment request fees to be higher for commercial users, and adjusting final plat review fees to match county charges. The first reading was approved.
j. Consider Economic Development Incentive Policy. This policy aimed to streamline various applications, put the burden on the applicant to make their proposal, and provide more flexibility to respond to prospect activity. The policy was approved.
k. Consider first reading of an Ordinance authorizing the City of Rock Hill, South Carolina, to execute and deliver an Equipment Lease Purchase Agreement in the amount of not exceeding $12,250,000 between the City and the Lessor thereof to defray the cost of acquiring certain equipment; and other matters relating thereto. This agreement would authorize the purchase and procurement of equipment for replacement, including personal equipment for facilities like the armory, Park McGirt, and the bleacher tree build house, and two fire trucks. The first reading was approved.
l. Consider Accommodations Tax Funding. The recommendation for accommodation tax allocation was presented, with a total of $661,680. A motion was made and seconded to amend the proposed allocations for several organizations, including adjustments for USA Cornhole, York County Visitors Bureau, and Rock Hill Parks, Recreation and Tourism. The amended motion was approved.
m. Consider adoption of a Safety Resolution. This annual resolution reiterates the city’s core value of safety to its citizens and employees. The resolution was adopted.
n. Consider extension of the Local Preference Provision. This provision provides a 5% adjustment factor for bidders residing in Rock Hill and a 3% adjustment factor for businesses in York County but outside Rock Hill. The extension until June 30, 2026, was approved.
o. Consider extension of Utility Upsizing Reimbursement Policy. This policy reimburses developers for the cost of upsizing water and sewer lines. The extension until June 30, 2026, was approved.
p. Consider appointment of Spencer & Spencer, P.A. as City Attorney. The continuation of the relationship with Spencer & Spencer, P.A. as city attorney was recommended and approved.
q. Consider first reading of an Ordinance to raise Revenue, adopt a Budget and Work Program for the City of Rock Hill, S.C. for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2026, and to Authorize the Issuance of Tax Anticipation Notes from time to time during the Fiscal Year 2025/2026. Based on preceding votes, the budget in the amount of $313,171,909 with a property tax rate of 94.7 mils was recommended. The first reading was approved.
r. Consider first reading of an Ordinance to change the Millage Tax for the City of Rock Hill, S.C. during the Fiscal Year 2025/2026. This ordinance was recommended as a fail-safe to allow for further adjustments to the millage rate if needed after the county’s reassessment and the city’s resulting equalization. The first reading was approved.