At its regular meeting on June 23, 2025, the Lancaster County Council approved the fiscal year 2025–26 budget and finalized several key ordinances. The \$160.2 million budget passed unanimously and includes a 5% pay raise for all employees, 42 new positions, and a millage rollback, resulting in no increase to the general fund rate. Council also approved an amendment to the development agreement for “The Exchange,” reducing the overall number of residential units. A zoning change for a 2-acre parcel on Green Pond Road was approved to facilitate a land adjustment. Additionally, council reviewed final preparations for the July 3 “Stars and Stripes Spectacular” community event and confirmed new appointments to county advisory boards.
Key Highlights:
- Final adoption of the FY 2025-26 County Budget with no general fund millage increase, balanced at $160.2 million.
- Approval of a development agreement amendment for “The Exchange” project, lowering total residential unit count.
- Presentation of promotional efforts for the July 3 “Stars and Stripes Spectacular” event.
- Approval of rezoning for a 2-acre parcel on Green Pond Road from Medium Density Residential to Rural Neighborhood.
- Appointment of board members and brief updates on postponed ordinances.
Detailed Summary by Agenda Item:
1. Call to Order, Pledge, and Invocation
- Chair Brian Carnes opened the meeting. Council confirmed quorum and compliance with public notice laws.
- Councilman Billy Mosteller led the invocation.
2. Approval of Agenda
- The agenda was unanimously approved without amendments.
3. Citizens Comments
- Steve Willis supported the budget and recommended considering a future millage increase.
- Mark Khan praised county staff for organizing community volunteer events.
- Two written public comments addressed concerns about a residency requirement ordinance and general administrative transparency.
4. Special Presentation
- Parks & Recreation showcased promotional videos for the July 3 “Stars and Stripes Spectacular.” The event is expected to draw large crowds, with activities including contests, live music, food trucks, and fireworks at Buford Recreation Center.
5. Consent Agenda
- Approved unanimously:
- Minutes from the June 9 meeting.
- Second Reading of Ordinance 2025-1973 to rezone 2 acres on Green Pond Road from MDR to RN to facilitate a lot adjustment.
6. Non-Consent Agenda Items
A. Ordinance 2025-1969: Development Agreement Amendment – “The Exchange”
- Final reading approved unanimously following a public hearing (no speakers).
- Corrects developer name to C4 Exchange Land Co. and modifies unit composition (reduces total residential units from 720 to 685 by decreasing apartments and increasing townhomes).
B. Ordinance 2025-1971: FY 2025-26 Budget
- Final reading approved following public hearing (no speakers).
- Total budget: $160,194,556 — a 7.1% increase over the prior year.
- Key features:
- 5% across-the-board employee pay increase.
- Addition of 42 new positions.
- Balanced using rollback millage: General Fund at 76.50, Capital at 5.00, Debt at 7.20.
- Designated Olde English District to receive 30% of state accommodations tax revenue (~$57K).
7. Discussion and Action Items
- Approved appointments:
- Larry Honeycutt to Airport Advisory Board (District 3).
- Quinton Rodgers reappointed to Recreation Advisory Board (District 5).
8. Postponed Items
- Ordinance 2025-1967 on residency requirements and Ordinance 2025-1972 regarding land use map amendment were both postponed, the latter until July 21, 2025.
9. Executive Session
- Council entered executive session to receive legal advice on board re-establishments and a personnel matter. No actions were required post-session.
10. Adjournment
- Meeting adjourned following completion of the agenda.
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