The York County Council met on February 16, 2026, for a session marked by the emotional farewell of Assistant County Manager Kevin Madden, a positive financial audit report, and a highly active public forum dominated by citizens concerned about industrial encroachment. The Council received an unmodified “clean” audit opinion for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, highlighting the county’s strong financial position and lack of audit findings for five consecutive years. Following an executive session, the Council voted to appoint Melissa Lineberger as the Interim Treasurer effective March 2nd, coinciding with Madden’s departure to the Rock Hill School District. Additionally, the Council granted final approval for a modification to the Allison Creek development agreement to allow for a new Duke Energy electrical substation, following assurances from staff that the facility is intended for local distribution rather than solely supporting data center operations.
Detailed Agenda Summary
Opening and Oaths of Office
The meeting began with an invocation by Council Member Watts Huckabee and the Pledge of Allegiance. A significant number of newly appointed board and commission members were sworn in, including appointees to the Catawba Regional Workforce Investment Board, Rock Hill/York County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, Airport Commission, and various other local boards.
Oath of Office for newly appointed Board and Commission Members
- Ashley Hamilton, Catawba Regional Workforce Investment Board
- Celeste Tiller, Catawba Regional Workforce Investment Board
- Rob Masone Rock Hill/York County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (At Large)
- George Tolson, Rock Hill/York County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (At Large)
- Ty Hensley, Rock Hill/York County Airport Commission
- David Wilburn, Board of Zoning Appeals (District 6)
- Charles Parmenter, Bethel Fire Tax District Board
- Gerald Rumierz, Lake Wylie Marine Commission
- John Gregory, Catawba Mental Health Board
- Janell Stevens, Catawba Mental Health Board
Annual Audit Presentation
Melissa Dixon from Elliott Davis presented the annual audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. She reported that the county received an unmodified opinion, which is the highest level of assurance available. Key highlights included an increase in the total fund balance, revenues exceeding expenditures due to conservative spending, and a reduction in long-term debt by approximately $4 million. Dixon noted that for the fifth consecutive year, there were no findings or compliance issues regarding federal expenditures or internal controls.
Recognition of Kevin Madden
County management and Council recognized outgoing Assistant County Manager and CFO Kevin Madden for his nearly ten years of service. Madden is leaving to become the CFO for the Rock Hill School District. Council members and staff praised Madden for his role in securing the county’s AAA credit rating and leaving the county in a robust financial position. Madden was presented with a plaque and a street sign reading “Madden Way.” In his farewell remarks, Madden thanked his staff, particularly former Treasurer Beth Latham, and advised the Council to separate the Treasurer duties from the Finance Department moving forward.
Public Forum
The public forum featured numerous speakers addressing three main topics:
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Silfab Solar: Residents expressed anger regarding the Silfab Solar manufacturing project. Speakers argued that the Council has ignored the Board of Zoning Appeals’ ruling that solar manufacturing is not permitted in light industrial zones. They demanded that the Council place an item on the agenda to pause permits and withhold certificates of occupancy, citing health risks and toxic chemicals associated with the facility.
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QTS Data Center: Several residents from the Allison Creek and Campbell Road areas spoke against the expansion of the QTS Data Center. Concerns included light pollution, noise, environmental degradation, and the visual impact of massive industrial buildings in residential areas. Speakers characterized the project as a “cancer” on the community and questioned the trustworthiness of the developers.
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Animal Shelter: A group of volunteers and residents spoke in favor of building a new, modern animal shelter rather than renovating the existing facility. They argued that current capacity issues force the euthanasia of adoptable animals and that a new facility is necessary to keep pace with county growth.
Consent Agenda
The Council voted to approve the consent agenda, which included:
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Minutes from the February 2 and February 6 meetings.
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Third Reading of Case 25-54, rezoning 6.89 acres in Fort Mill for a self-storage facility.
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Third Reading of Case 25-56, rezoning 1.86 acres in Lake Wylie to allow for manufactured housing.
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Third Reading of an ordinance assigning the River Hills Rescue agreement to Amisub of South Carolina (Piedmont Medical Center).
Old Business: Allison Creek Development Agreement (Duke Energy Substation)
The Council held a public hearing and considered the Third Reading of an ordinance amending the Allison Creek development agreement. The amendment permits Duke Energy to construct an electrical substation on a 10-acre parcel within the development.
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Discussion: Council members questioned if this substation was related to the QTS Data Center. County staff clarified that this is a distribution substation intended to serve future residential growth and new schools in the Clover School District, distinct from the transmission infrastructure required by QTS.
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Action: The Council voted to approve the ordinance.
Committee Reports
The Finance and Operations Committee report was deferred to the next meeting due to the absence of Chairman Tom Audette.
Executive Session and Follow-up Actions
The Council entered an executive session to discuss legal advice, litigation updates, personnel matters regarding the Treasurer and County Attorney, and contractual matters regarding the retention of outside legal counsel and condemnations.
Upon returning to open session, the Council took the following actions:
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Interim Treasurer: Voted to appoint Melissa Lineberger as Interim Treasurer effective March 2, 2026.
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Condemnations: Voted to authorize condemnations regarding Project No. 17228-009 (US 21/Springdale Road), specifically for Tracts 9 and 31.
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