York County Council Approves FY 2026 Budget, Advances Zoning Changes and Dissolves Recreation Tax District

At its June 2, 2025, regular meeting, the York County Council approved a wide-ranging consent agenda that included the third reading of two rezoning ordinances—one changing 1.81 acres on Mt. Gallant Road from Residential Mixed (RMX-20) to Residential Single-Family (RSF-40), and another rezoning 2.43 acres on Corporate Boulevard from Urban Development (UD) to Industrial Development (ID). Council also held multiple public hearings and advanced eight ordinance changes related to zoning, land use, and overlay protections. Among the key decisions was final approval of the county’s FY 2026 operating and capital budgets, which established tax levies and outlined expenditures for the coming year. The Council passed the third and final reading of an ordinance to abolish the York County Recreation Tax District effective December 31, 2025. Additionally, the Council approved incentive agreements for Project Quicksilver, authorized multiple maintenance and software contract renewals, and awarded several procurement contracts for public safety equipment and services. Public comment was dominated by opposition to the Silfab solar panel facility and concerns regarding proposed changes to the recreation tax system. The Council also recognized retiring School Resource Officer Tanya Bennett and administered an oath of office to Whitney Cobas for the Board of Disabilities and Special Needs.

Detailed Summary by Agenda Item

1. Ceremonial and Community Recognitions

Oath of Office: Whitney Cobas was sworn in to serve on the Board of Disabilities and Special Needs (District 2).
Recognition: Tanya Bennett honored for over 20 years of service as a School Resource Officer.

2. Public Forum

Silfab Facility Opposition: Multiple speakers, including retired engineers and parents, raised safety and zoning concerns over Silfab’s solar panel manufacturing facility in Fort Mill.
Recreation Tax District: Residents argued against changes to the recreation funding structure, citing data that unincorporated residents significantly use and fund county programs.
Accommodations Tax Shift: Fort Mill representative addressed the drop in city revenue due to reallocation of Carowinds-based accommodations taxes to York County.

3. Consent Agenda – Approved Unanimously

Included approval of:

Meeting minutes.
Rezoning Case #25-08 (1.81 acres on Mt Gallant Road from RMX-20 to RSF-40).
Rezoning Case #25-10 (2.43 acres on Corporate Blvd from UD to ID).
Personnel ordinance amendments including addition of bereavement leave and parental leave.
Second reading for Project Quicksilver incentive agreements.
Renewals of software, maintenance, and service contracts across departments.
Fire apparatus and equipment procurements.
Professional services and infrastructure agreements.

4. Public Hearings and Ordinances

Transportation Corridor Overlay Update – Second reading passed to update protected corridor areas based on the latest Pennies for Progress referendum.
Data Center Height Amendment – Ordinance advanced to allow increased height for data centers with additional setbacks.
Rezoning Case #25-12 – First reading approved to rezone 3.8 acres on Yorkshire Road (UD to LI).
Rezoning Case #25-13 – First reading approved to rezone 0.68 acres on York Highway (GC to RUD).
Rezoning Case #25-15 – First reading approved to rezone 10.72 acres on Ormand Road (RSF-40 to AGC) for additional home and farming.
Rezoning Case #25-16 – First reading approved to rezone 14.49 acres on Johnson Farm Road (RSF-40 to AGC).
Rezoning Case #25-18 – First reading approved to rezone 5.73 acres on Flint Hill Road (UD to LI) to allow outdoor storage and reduced design constraints.
Recreation Tax District Abolishment – Third reading approved to dissolve the special district by Dec. 31, 2025, transitioning its functions under direct county oversight.

5. Old Business

FY 2026 County Budget – Third reading passed, establishing tax levies and expenditures aligned with strategic goals.
Economic Development Board Restructuring – Second reading approved to reconstitute the board with revised structure and terms.

6. New Business

Annual Development Report – Presented for information; reflects implementation of the “Grow Responsibly” strategic plan.
Accommodations Tax Grant Recommendations – Council reviewed FY 2026 funding totaling $713,750 as proposed by the Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee.