At its March 16, 2026, regular meeting, the York County Council authorized a significant expansion of its internal legal resources and a compensation increase for Sheriff’s Office personnel. Following a series of executive sessions focused on pending litigation and departmental needs, the Council voted to create and fund two assistant county attorney positions and a new Special Advisory Counsel/Government Liaison role. The Council also advanced the second reading of a new ordinance regulating data centers, which introduces stricter standards for noise, water usage, and setbacks. Additionally, the Council approved a series of infrastructure actions, including a road name dedication in honor of Archbishop B.R. Wilson and the authorization of a design contract for a new Animal Services facility.
York County Transportation Committee
The session began with the Transportation Committee meeting to address a road name dedication.
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Archbishop B.R. Wilson Memorial Road: The committee approved the allocation of C-Funds to install signs and markers in honor of Archbishop B.R. Wilson on a portion of Squire Road in Rock Hill, spanning from Ogden Road to Falls Road. The motion passed unanimously.
Appearances and Public Forum
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York Technical College Update: Dr. Stacey Moore, President of York Technical College, provided an update on current college initiatives, workforce development programs, and recent campus growth.
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Public Forum Session: Citizens addressed several recurring topics, including concerns regarding the Silfab Solar facility and the QTS Data Center. Residents urged the Council to prioritize health and safety over industrial growth, while others spoke in favor of the ongoing efforts to modernize the Animal Services facility.
Consent Agenda
The Council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which finalized several recurring items:
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Case 25-48: Second reading for a rezoning of 0.611 acres at 2389 Highway 160 W from RUD to General Commercial (GC).
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Animal Services Facility: Authorization of contract negotiations for architectural and engineering design services for the expansion/construction of the county animal shelter.
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Board Appointments: Final approval for various members to serve on the Museum of York County and Catawba Mental Health Boards.
Old Business
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Data Center Use Regulations (Case 26-02): The Council approved the second reading of an ordinance to amend the zoning code regarding data centers. The new regulations require a special exception for data centers in light industrial zones and set specific conditions for noise mitigation, vibration control, and cooling systems to minimize water impact. The ordinance passed unanimously.
New Business
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Sheriff’s Office Salary Increase: Council considered a request from Sheriff Breeden to increase the pay bands for sworn personnel, including deputies and detention officers. The request was aimed at ensuring the Sheriff’s Office remains competitive with surrounding law enforcement agencies. Council approved the increase, which will be funded by current budget availability for the remainder of the fiscal year and incorporated into the FY 2026-2027 budget.
Executive Session and Follow-up Actions
Council entered a lengthy executive session to receive specific legal advice regarding the Silfab site litigation and to discuss personnel and contractual matters for the County Attorney’s Office. Upon returning to open session, the Council took the following votes:
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County Attorney Retainer: Approved an amendment to the existing county attorney retainer agreement.
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Assistant County Attorneys: Voted to create and fund two new assistant county attorney positions to manage the county’s increasing legal workload.
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Special Advisory Counsel: Approved the creation and funding of a York County Attorney Special Advisory Counsel/Government Liaison position.
Committee Reports
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Economic Development: Chairman Watts Huckabee reported on the March 12 meeting, noting progress on potential industrial prospects.
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Finance & Operations: Chairman Tom Audette summarized the evening’s committee meeting, which included routine financial oversight and budget preparation for the upcoming fiscal year.
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