Lancaster County Council Addresses Growth Amidst Bond Implementation and Key Policy Debates

On June 9, 2025, the Lancaster County Council convened for a meeting that included citizen comments, special presentations, and several ordinance readings and votes, highlighting key issues impacting the county’s growth, public services, and future development.

Overview of Key Events:

The meeting began with the usual call to order, quorum verification, and public notice confirmation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation. The agenda was approved unanimously. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to citizen comments, where residents voiced concerns about new housing developments, public service funding (coroner, EMS, fire, sheriff, animal shelter), and a controversial rezoning request for mobile homes on Potter Road. Special presentations included an update on the Roslyn bond implementation for a large residential development and discussions with organizations interested in providing county-wide tourism promotion services. The council also held executive sessions to receive legal advice on various matters, including legal services and impact fees. Several ordinances were introduced and voted on, covering topics from budget amendments to zoning changes and leadership residency requirements.

Details of Each Agenda Item and Council Action:

1. Preliminary Matters:

Call to Order, Welcome, Pledge of Allegiance, and Invocation: The meeting was called to order, attendees were welcomed, and the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation were recited.
Approval of the Agenda: The agenda for the meeting was approved unanimously.

2. Citizens Comments:

Purpose: This segment allowed citizens to address the council with their concerns, with each speaker allotted up to three minutes.
Key Issues Raised:
- New Housing Developments & Population Growth: Barbara Scanell of Indian Land presented data on 10,230 new housing units approved by Lancaster County and the City of Lancaster, projecting an additional population of approximately 24,551. She emphasized the impact on first responder services, roadways, and schools, urging the council to consider these numbers during rezoning and budget deliberations.
- Coroner’s Office Funding: Linda Coberg from Indian Land requested reconsideration of funding for a part-time (preferably full-time) case and records administrative assistant position for the county coroner’s office, highlighting the heavy administrative burden on existing staff.
- EMS Department Budget & CIP: Barbara Matuga raised questions about the assignment of new EMT and paramedic positions and the outdated project estimates in the 2026-2031 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for EMS stations, suggesting prioritization of funding by call volume and new development.
- Fire Department Operations & CIP: Paul Coberg advocated for funding a third fire station and a new fire engine for the Indian Land panhandle in 2026, citing high call volumes. He also supported upgrading firefighter positions at McDonald Green fire station to transition to career staff.
- Sheriff’s Department Budget: Joe Kohler thanked the council for funding new patrol deputies and vehicles, inquiring if the new deputies would be assigned to the Indian Land panhandle.
- Animal Shelter Staffing: Patty Bans, representing Lancaster Animal Shelter Supporters of South Carolina (LASS), expressed concern about the need for more staff at the animal shelter due to increasing animal intake and questioned proposed duties and the non-recommendation of a lead kennel tech position.
- Zoning & Mobile Homes (Potter Road): Charles Moore, Kent Kilo, Scott KS, Evan Helms, Gregory Willis, Barry M. Fay, and Donald Smith voiced strong opposition to a rezoning request on Potter Road from Low Density Residential (LDR) to Rural Residential (RR) to allow for the placement of mobile homes, citing concerns about property values, infrastructure strain, and community character.
- Fire Commission Budget: Eric Flynn asked the council to make hose testing a specific line item in the fire commission budget for firefighter safety and ISO ratings.

3. Special Presentations:

Item 6A: Roslyn Bond Implementation – Update Provided by Michael Seezen, Burr Forman:
- Discussion: Michael Seezen, bond counsel for Lancaster County, provided an update on the issuance of up to $15 million in Roslyn residential improvement district assessment revenue bonds. The bonds, authorized in November 2022, will fund road, water, and sewer infrastructure for the development. Due to market conditions and the developer’s preference, the bonds will be sold to sophisticated investors or financial institutions in large block sizes ($100,000 or more) rather than publicly distributed. The timeline anticipates updating documents, marketing, and pricing the bonds in July 2025.
- Development Status: John Hardy from Lennar, the developer, reported over $100 million invested in the property, with $76 million in land and $24 million in housing. Since the grand opening on May 17th, over 40 homes have been sold, with an average square footage of 2500. Notably, 20 of those 40 buyers are from Sun City and Treetops (upsizing), and the other 50% are “halfbacks” from Florida. The project is entirely age-restricted (55+).
Item 6B: Presentation(s) by Organizations interested in providing County-wide Tourism Promotion Services:
- Discussion: Two organizations presented their services for county-wide tourism promotion, as per accommodation tax legislation requiring the county to designate a tourism marketing agency.
  - Old English District: A representative from the Old English District presented their mission to market and promote the seven counties in their district, including Lancaster, to drive visitation and spending. They highlighted their multi-tiered marketing strategy, website analytics showing increased engagement (61% engagement rate, 105% increase in website sessions in FY23-24), and consumer e-newsletter growth. They requested $56,000 from Lancaster County for marketing and communications, which would be used for regional promotion rather than county-specific marketing, based on their theory that packaging by interest across counties leads to longer stays.
  - SC 250 Anniversary Committee: The co-chair of the Lancaster County 250 committee presented their goal to position the county as a destination on the Liberty Trail for the 250th anniversary of the U.S. (through 2033), celebrating its role in the American Revolution. They highlighted local historical sites like Buford’s Defeat and Hanging Rock, which are part of the statewide Liberty Trail. They emphasized the need for targeted local marketing to attract heritage tourists and requested council’s support for an advertising campaign.
- Council Action: No immediate action was taken. The council can designate one or more agencies or create their own. The decision on allocating funds for tourism promotion was deferred until the third reading of the budget ordinance.

4. Executive Session:

Item 7A: Receipt of legal advice subject to the attorney-client privilege regarding legal services:
- Council Action: A motion was approved to go into executive session. Upon returning, it was noted no direct votes were taken.

5. Consent Agenda:

Items 9A-D: These items included approval of minutes from previous meetings and third and second readings of ordinances that had previously passed unanimously.
Council Action: A motion was approved to collectively approve consent agenda items 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D.

6. Non-Consent Agenda:

Item 10A: Resolution 1297-R2025 – Transfer of Fee Agreement (Unique USA, Inc.):
- Discussion: This resolution formally approved the transfer of a fee agreement between Unique USA, Inc. and related LLCs due to property sales. Unique USA, Inc. continues to use the property as its corporate headquarters.
- Council Action: The motion to approve the resolution passed unanimously.
Item 10B: Public Hearing and Resolution 1296-R2025 – Conditional Use Application for Harrisburg Global Academy (K-8 Charter School):
- Discussion: The resolution sought to approve a conditional use permit for a K-8 charter school at 11774 Harrisburg Road. The property is currently undeveloped and zoned MDR, requiring a conditional use permit for a school. The planning commission and staff recommended approval. The applicant confirmed that only South Carolina residents are eligible to attend, and over 95% of pre-applicants are from Lancaster County. Extensive due diligence on the former brownfield site has been conducted, with measures to prevent gas transfer to the school building. The school will also implement bussing and staggered start/end times to mitigate traffic impact.
- Council Action: A motion to approve the resolution passed unanimously.
Item 10C: Public Hearing and 1st Reading of Ordinance 2025-1973 – Rezoning on Green Pond Road (MDR to RN):
- Discussion: This ordinance proposed rezoning approximately 2 acres on Green Pond Road from Medium Density Residential (MDR) to Rural Neighborhood (RN) to allow a portion of the property to be subdivided and joined with an adjacent property. This is a reduction in density, and the planning commission and staff recommended approval.
- Council Action: A motion to approve the ordinance passed unanimously.
Item 10D: Public Hearing and 1st Reading of Ordinance 2025-1974 – Rezoning on Potter Road (LDR to RR) for Mobile Home Placement:
- Discussion: This controversial ordinance proposed rezoning 7 acres on Potter Road from Low Density Residential (LDR) to Rural Residential (RR) to allow for future subdivision and placement of a mobile home (potentially up to four). The planning commission recommended approval (5-1), but planning staff made no recommendation. Citizens strongly opposed this, citing concerns about property values, infrastructure (septic systems, water resources), and preserving the low-density character of the community. Council members echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need to protect property investments and the community’s character.
- Council Action: A motion to approve the ordinance was made, but ultimately denied with a 7-0 vote.
Item 10E: Public Hearing and 3rd Reading of Ordinance 2025-1968 – Amendment to FY 2024-2025 Budget:
- Discussion: This ordinance amended the FY 2024-2025 budget to provide for revenues and expenditures. The public hearing was held, and the affidavit for advertisement was confirmed. A question was raised regarding storm damage to the Springdale roof (from hurricanes Debbie and Helen in Fall 2024) and insurance coverage. The risk manager had contacted the insurance company, but the claim was not formally filed as the settlement offer for limited coverage was deemed insufficient for a complete roof replacement.
- Council Action: A motion was made to approve the ordinance. The motion passed unanimously.
Item 10F: 2nd Reading of Ordinance 2025-1971 – FY 2025-2026 Budget, Millage Rates, and Fee Schedule:
- Discussion: This ordinance presented the second reading of the budget for FY 2025-2026, including millage rates for ad valorem taxes and a schedule of taxes, fees, and charges. The budget aligns with strategic goals, focusing on fiscal health, competitive compensation (5% across-the-board increase for staff), addressing operational needs, new positions, and facility needs. Key adjustments included additional career ladder funding for coroner’s positions ($45,000 for 6 positions). A discussion ensued regarding how the 5% across-the-board raise interacts with position-specific salary adjustments and promotions. The county debt reduction from almost $11 million to $4.7 million was highlighted. Updates to state aid for libraries (increased by 25 cents per capita) and potential increases in tipping fees from the city were also noted.
- A motion was made and approved to amend the budget to include $57,000 for fire hose testing as a special line item in the fire commission account.
- Council Action: A motion to approve the amended budget passed unanimously.
Item 10G: 2nd Reading of Ordinance 2025-1970 – Amendment to Capital Improvement Plan:
- Discussion: This ordinance concerned the second reading of an amendment to the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for FY 2021-2022 through 2030-2031. The CIP is a financial planning tool, and its adoption does not commit funding. New projects and revisions to existing projects were outlined, totaling $22.5 million.
- Council Action: A motion to approve the revisions to the original ordinance passed unanimously.
Item 10H: 1st Reading of Ordinance 2025-1966 – Transportation Sales and Use Tax Referendum:
- Discussion: This ordinance provided for a transportation sales and use tax, subject to a November 4, 2025, referendum. The tax, if approved, would fund improvements to 1,400 miles of public roads (over 500 county/municipal miles), including 521, Henry Harris Road widening, intersection improvements, roundabouts, and resurfacing. The proposal includes a 10-year timeframe and proposes approximately $216 million in projects. Concerns were raised about rushing the referendum given a previous denial in November 2024 and the need for clarifying language regarding a potential $100 million general obligation bond.
- Council Action: A motion to approve the ordinance passed 5-2.
Item 10I: 1st Reading of Ordinance 2025-1975 – Amendment to County Code (Appointment of County Attorney):
- Discussion: This ordinance proposed an amendment to the county code related to the appointment of the county attorney.
- Council Action: A motion to approve the ordinance passed 6-1.
Item 10J: 1st Reading of Ordinance 2025-1967 – Amendment to County Code (Residency Requirement for Leadership Positions):
- Discussion: This ordinance proposed amending the county code regarding residency requirements for certain leadership positions. A previous ordinance from 12 months prior stipulated permanent residency in the county for these roles. Debate centered on the definition of “permanent residency,” what factors constitute evidence of residency (e.g., voter registration, property ownership, leases), and whether current employees should be grandfathered in. Concerns were raised about potential violations of the existing ordinance and the implications of voter registration in another county.
- Council Action: A motion was made to postpone this ordinance to allow for further discussion and clarification, particularly on grandfathering provisions and the definition of residency factors. The motion to postpone passed unanimously.

7. Discussion and Action Items:

Item 11A: Appointments to Various Boards and Commissions:
- Discussion: Applicants were presented for positions on the library board, fire commission, and planning commission.
- Council Action:
  - Caleb Bone was appointed to the District 3 library board.
  - All recommended applicants for the fire commission were approved as a whole.
  - Lynette Henson (District 3) and Shelley Richards (District 5) were re-appointed to the planning commission.

8. Executive Session:

Item 13A: Receipt of legal advice subject to the attorney-client privilege regarding Impact Fees:
- Council Action: A motion to enter executive session was approved, with the development services director invited to discuss the item. Upon returning, no motions were made, and no votes were taken.

9. Adjournment: