York County Council held its first meeting of 2026 on January 5, moving forward on several major infrastructure and capital projects while drawing a hard line on specific zoning and ordinance requests. The Council unanimously approved an intergovernmental agreement to advance improvements at I-77 Exits 82 and 90, a project years in the making. They also authorized contract negotiations for the design of a new Animal Services facility, though Council members firmly emphasized keeping construction costs near $16 million rather than the higher $20 million budget placeholder. In zoning matters, Council denied a contested rezoning request on Mobley Store Road due to neighbor opposition regarding soil conditions and density, and also voted down an ordinance that would have allowed golf carts on roadways specifically within Baxter Village. The meeting also featured significant public comment regarding the Silfab Solar facility, prompting Council members to request a legal review of their authority to revoke permits based on new health studies.
Detailed Agenda Summary
Opening and Recognition
The meeting began with a tribute to Tamyra Hogg, who is retiring after nearly 28 years of service with the York County Sheriff’s Department Detention Center. Sheriff Breeden and staff honored Hogg as the “heart and soul” of the detention center, noting her impact on both colleagues and inmates.
Public Forum
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Silfab Solar Concerns: Multiple residents spoke regarding the Silfab Solar facility. They presented a health assessment from the University of South Carolina Arnold School of Public Health, which modeled the risks of chemical releases (such as ammonia and hydrofluoric acid). Speakers argued that the potential for immediate, irreversible harm to nearby schools and homes requires Council to act. They cited a letter from the South Carolina Attorney General suggesting Council retains police power to revoke permits when health and safety are threatened.
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Other Items: Residents raised concerns about a data center in District 2 and requested expanded hours for golf cart usage.
Consent Agenda
Council approved the Consent Agenda, which included minutes from previous meetings and various routine authorizations. Item 8, regarding golf cart regulations in Baxter Village, was removed for separate discussion under New Business.
Public Hearings and Zoning Actions
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Case 25-49 (Rock Hill Area): Council approved a request to rezone roughly 0.34 acres from Urban Development (UD) to Multi-Family Residential (RMX-6) to allow for the construction of single-family homes on existing lots.
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Case 25-51 (York Area): Council approved rezoning 2.55 acres from residential/neighborhood commercial to General Commercial (GC). This will allow an existing automobile dealership to expand its parking area.
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Case 25-52 (Fort Mill Area): Council approved rezoning 20.18 acres from RMX-10 to Rural Development (RUD) to create a subdivision of single-family residences on 1-2 acre lots.
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Case 25-53 (Ogden Road/Mobley Store Road): This request to rezone 5.89 acres from Agricultural Conservation (AGC) to Rural Development (RUD) was denied by a vote of 5-2.
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Context: The applicant sought to subdivide the land to build two to three homes.
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Opposition: Neighbors argued against the change, citing “blackjack” soil conditions that handle septic systems poorly, drainage issues, and the desire to preserve the agricultural character of the area.
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Decision: Despite arguments that the rezoning would be consistent with adjacent properties, the majority of Council voted to deny, citing concerns over spot zoning and soil suitability.
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New Business
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I-77 Exits 82 and 90: Council suspended the rules to adopt a resolution approving an intergovernmental agreement between the State Transportation Infrastructure Bank (SIB), SCDOT, and York County. This agreement finalizes the terms for funding and constructing improvements at Exits 82 and 90, a critical infrastructure goal for the county.
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Animal Services Facility: Council authorized contract negotiations for architectural and engineering design services for a new or expanded Animal Services facility.
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Discussion: Project Manager Jim Britain presented a timeline and budget analysis. While the fiscal year budget lists $20 million, Council members, specifically the Public Works Committee, reiterated a target construction budget closer to $12.5–$16 million. They emphasized a utilitarian approach to meet county needs without overspending.
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Baxter Village Golf Carts (Item 8): Council considered an ordinance to regulate golf carts on public roadways specifically within the Baxter Village Traditional Neighborhood District.
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Discussion: Councilman Roddey argued against creating specific ordinances for individual neighborhoods (“special rules”), preferring county-wide consistency. Safety concerns regarding golf carts on busy connector roads and teenagers driving without licenses were also raised.
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Vote: The motion to approve the ordinance failed.
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Committee Reports
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Finance & Operations: Council approved appointments to the Rock Hill/York County CVB, Planning Commission, and Catawba Regional Workforce Investment Board.
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Economic Development: The committee discussed the “Bailey Bill” to support the renovation of the historic American Thread Building in Clover. They also reviewed the scope for the Newport Small Area Corridor Plan to address congestion and land use along Highway 161 and 274.
Council Comments & Closing
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Silfab Legal Review: Following the public forum, Council members requested that county staff and legal teams review the findings of the USC health study and the Attorney General’s letter to determine if the County has the authority to stay or revoke Silfab’s permits based on health and safety risks.
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Incentives Review: Councilman Huckabee suggested creating a spreadsheet to track economic incentives and expiration dates to better forecast revenue as the county enters budget season.
Executive Session
Council entered executive session to receive legal advice regarding litigation and a settlement agreement for a road project. No action was taken upon returning to open session.
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