The Lancaster County Council convened on February 24, 2025, to discuss various community concerns, budget amendments, and project updates. Key topics included public feedback on development projects, EMS recognitions, a detention center construction update, and budget allocations for critical county services. The meeting also covered appointments to boards and commissions and provided an update on the new Coroner’s Office project.
Citizen Comments Several citizens addressed the council regarding the Crosswinds development application, which had been rejected by the Planning Commission. Concerns were raised about rapid development, infrastructure strain, and emergency service limitations in the Indian Land area. Residents urged the council to deny the application if presented.
Special Presentations
- EMS Recognitions: Lancaster County EMS received the Pediatric Ready Certification, making them the 10th service in South Carolina to achieve this recognition. EMS staff were also honored for delivering four babies in the past month, including one case where the umbilical cord was wrapped around the baby’s neck.
- Detention Center Update: The council received a progress report on the $75 million detention center project. Site grading, erosion control measures, and stormwater management improvements were underway, with an expected completion date in October 2026. Budget and construction milestones were on track.
Budget Amendment (Second Reading) The council reviewed amendments to the 2024-2025 fiscal year budget, including:
- $25,000 from the inmate commissary fund for a property packaging system to improve hygiene at the detention center.
- $110,000 from general fund balance for juvenile detention costs due to increased arrests and rising housing expenses.
- $21,500 from EMS impact fees for ambulance cost overruns.
- $209,000 from general fund balance for solid waste disposal, specifically for removing a backlog of tires from a county facility.
- $200,000 from general fund balance for repairs to the Old Bailes Trail, which has suffered significant erosion.
- Discussion ensued about whether to approve full funding or delay until more details on long-term solutions were available. The item remained in the budget amendment but may be revisited in the third reading.
Board Appointments and Removals
- The council approved the removal of three board members due to attendance issues.
- Aaron Fender was appointed to the Board of Zoning Appeals for the Panhandle area.
- Markey Trinkle was appointed to the Van Wyck Fire District Protection Fee Board.
- Councilmember McGriff was reappointed to the I-77 Board.
Coroner’s Office Update The new Coroner’s Office project at 1514 Pageland Highway is progressing. Design and site work are near completion, with final cost estimates pending due to sewer connection requirements. Initial estimates suggest a cost exceeding the previously allocated $2.6 million.
Executive Session The council entered an executive session to discuss:
- Legal advice regarding a potential contractual matter with Klear America Corporation.
- Legal advice concerning the reestablishment of certain boards and commissions. No votes or motions were taken during the session.
Adjournment The meeting was adjourned following the return from the executive session.
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