Meeting on a snowy February 2, 2026, the York County Council moved forward with significant public safety changes by unanimously approving the acquisition of River Hills Rescue by Piedmont Medical Center, ensuring the sustainability of emergency medical services in the Lake Wylie area. The meeting was heavily attended by residents demanding action on the controversial Silfab Solar project, with numerous speakers urging the Council to pause permits and withhold certificates of occupancy pending ongoing litigation. In zoning matters, Council approved a self-storage facility near Fort Mill and a residential rezoning in District 6. Following an executive session, Council took decisive action regarding the Pennies for Progress program, voting to hire an engineer to review the program’s design and bidding efficiencies, and authorized the Chair to retain special advice counsel regarding ongoing litigation.
York County Transportation Committee
Prior to the regular meeting, the Transportation Committee convened to approve three financial items related to infrastructure projects. The committee unanimously approved a payment of approximately $5.33 million towards the State Infrastructure Bank (SIB) commitment for Exit 85, noting this was the second of three required payments. Additionally, the committee approved $1.34 million for the SIB commitment on Exit 82 and authorized a transfer of approximately $1.32 million from the Exit 90 project fund to Exit 82.
Regular Meeting: Opening and Public Forum
The meeting opened with an invocation thanking first responders and road crews for their work during the winter weather. Several new board members were sworn in, including appointees to the Rock Hill/York County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Planning Commission, and the Catawba Regional Workforce Investment Board.
Public Forum
The public forum was dominated by citizens voicing frustration over the Silfab Solar project. Multiple speakers argued that under County Code, the County Manager is obligated to place an item on the agenda if requested by two council members, citing previous requests to vote on pausing Silfab’s permits. Residents contended that the Council retains police power to revoke or stay permits based on health and safety concerns, referencing a letter from the South Carolina Attorney General. Speakers expressed confusion over the County’s stance, noting that court filings claim zoning was approved via the fee-in-lieu-of-tax vote, while Council members have previously stated that vote was not regarding zoning. They demanded a vote to pause permits and withhold certificates of occupancy until zoning litigation is resolved.
Other speakers addressed the QTS Data Center project, raising concerns about lack of notification for adjacent residents on Campbell Road, the removal of trees without local replacement, and light pollution that disrupts the rural character of the area. One resident also requested that the Grand Tree Ordinance be amended to include County projects, arguing that the government should be held to the same standards as private citizens and businesses.
Consent Agenda and Public Hearings
Council approved the consent agenda, with the exception of Item 5 regarding the tree ordinance, which was removed for separate discussion.
Case 25-54: Self-Storage Facility (Fort Mill Area)
Council held a public hearing for a request to rezone approximately 6.89 acres from Urban Development and Residential Mixed use to General Commercial. The applicant proposed aggregating three parcels off RPC Road near I-77 and Highway 160 to build a self-storage facility. Planning staff noted that while self-storage does not offer high employment numbers consistent with the “Corridor Employment” land use designation, the site is offset from the major roadway and surrounded by commercial zoning. One resident spoke against the project, citing aesthetic concerns and a desire for more attractive business opportunities. A representative for the developer highlighted the company’s history of high-quality design. Council voted unanimously to approve the rezoning.
Case 25-56: Residential Rezoning (Lake Wylie Area)
A request to rezone 1.86 acres off Spring Point Road from RSF-40 to RSF-30 was presented to allow for a manufactured home as a primary dwelling. Staff recommended approval, noting the area is deeply suburban with mixed housing types. Council voted unanimously to approve the request.
River Hills Rescue Acquisition
Council held a public hearing regarding an ordinance authorizing the assignment of the existing agreement between York County and River Hills Rescue to Amisub of South Carolina (Piedmont Medical Center). Assistant County Manager David Gardner explained that River Hills Rescue, a legacy rescue squad, had approached Piedmont Medical Center about acquiring their assets and operations due to financial sustainability issues.
Michael Neil, President of River Hills EMS, spoke in favor, explaining that the volunteer-based model funded by donations was no longer sustainable due to rising costs and low insurance reimbursement rates. Representatives from the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce and Piedmont Medical Center also spoke in support, emphasizing that the acquisition would ensure paid staff, benefits, and continued high-quality service for the community. Council unanimously approved the third reading of the ordinance with a minor text amendment to update agency references from DHEC to the Department of Public Health.
Old Business
Allison Creek Development Agreement
Council unanimously approved the second reading of an ordinance modifying a development agreement to allow for the placement and development of an electrical substation on a parcel owned by Duke Energy within the Allison Creek development.
Grand Tree Ordinance Amendment
Council considered the second reading of an amendment to the land development code regarding tree conservation, specifically increasing the radius of protective fencing around grand trees during construction. Councilman Audette initiated a discussion about potential amendments to assist small businesses with the costs associated with the ordinance. However, the County Manager advised that the current text change originated from the Planning Commission and suggested that any broader changes be vetted through a committee first. Council voted unanimously to approve the amendment as presented, with the understanding that future adjustments for small businesses could be reviewed in committee.
Committee Reports and Council Comments
Justice and Public Safety Committee
Chairman Tommy Adkins reported that the committee is reviewing the Emergency Management ordinance and receiving updates on the fire strategic plan. The committee also requested a review of the conduct ordinance for board and commission members.
Council Comments
Council members thanked county staff and first responders for their work during the snowstorm. Councilwoman Cox requested that legal counsel provide a report on the total attorney fees spent on various lawsuits. Councilman Roddey requested that the Justice and Public Safety Committee review the noise ordinance specifically regarding barking dogs to improve coordination between the Sheriff’s Office and Animal Control. Finally, there was a request to review public notification procedures for zoning and economic development matters to ensure residents are adequately informed.
Executive Session and Post-Session Actions
Council entered executive session to discuss legal advice, potential contractual matters regarding a “Pennies program audit,” personnel matters regarding the Treasurer and County Attorney, and the retention of special legal counsel.
Upon returning to open session, Council took two significant actions:
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Pennies Program Review: Council voted to direct the County Manager to identify an engineer to review the design, bidding, and construction efficiencies and related practices of the Pennies for Progress program to advise the County Transportation Committee.
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Special Counsel: Council voted to authorize the County Council Chair to identify specific advice counsel regarding ongoing litigation and return a recommendation for special advice counsel to be approved by the County Council.
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