Clover Town Council Approves 2025 Tax Millage, Appoints ARB Member, and Reviews Major Projects

At the September 8, 2025 regular meeting of the Clover Town Council, key actions included final approval of the 2025 property tax levy through a second reading of Ordinance 25-05, the appointment of a new member to the Architectural Review Board (ARB), and comprehensive updates on capital projects, recreation, and town operations. Council also discussed upcoming events, election planning, and recognized outstanding efforts by town staff. The meeting concluded with an executive session related to potential property acquisition.

Detailed Summary by Agenda Item

I. Call to Order

Mayor Bo Legg opened the meeting with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Clerk Phillips Dunbar confirmed compliance with the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act.

II. Amendments to the Agenda

There were no amendments to the agenda.

III. Public Address, Awards and Presentations

There were no public comments, awards, or presentations.

IV. Approval of Minutes

Council unanimously approved the minutes from the August 11, 2025 meeting.

V. Unfinished Business

A. Second Reading of Ordinance 25-05: Fixing the 2025 Tax Levy

Council approved the second reading of Ordinance 25-05, setting the 2025 property tax millage at 134.5 mills:

• 132.2 mills for General Fund operations

• 2.3 mills for Debt Service

This comes during a countywide reassessment year, requiring rollback millage to maintain revenue neutrality. The rates align with the FY25–26 adopted budget and were revised based on updated data from York County. An example calculation presented showed that a homeowner with a property appraised at $208,400 would pay approximately $1,121.19 in town property taxes. The ordinance also outlines payment timelines, penalties, and enforcement in coordination with York County.

VI. New Business

A. Appointment to Architectural Review Board (ARB)

Council voted unanimously to appoint Edward Stewart to the ARB for a term expiring December 31, 2027. Stewart was selected from two qualified applicants. His deep knowledge of Clover and experience in construction and design were cited as deciding factors.

VII. Staff Reports

Town Administrator Zack Lester and staff provided detailed updates on projects, operations, and upcoming events:

• Town Workshop: Scheduled for September 11, involving council, committee members, and York County Economic Development Director Mitch Miller. Focus will be on refining development processes and coordination across entities.

• Events:

  • All Nashville Roadshow – September 19 at New Centre Park

  • Clover Fire Dept. 100-Year Celebration & Station 2 Grand Opening – September 27

  • Fall Fest & Classic Car Show – October 11

  • Candidate Forums – Tentatively October 14 and 21

  • Halloween Trunk or Treat – October 31

• Elections: General Election for three council seats and a Special Election for one seat (term ending Dec. 31, 2027). Eleven candidates are running in the general race, and one for the special seat.

• Personnel and Projects:

  • Public Works saved significant costs on the Gwen Street parking lot by self-performing infrastructure work.

  • Sewer rehabilitation work is 50-60% complete in Division I.

  • Planning continues for Division II (Griggs Road lift station).

  • Fieldhouse and drainage projects underway at Clover Community Park and New Centre Park.

  • Capital project punch list reviews are ongoing for Fire Station 2.

  • IT infrastructure upgrades are being handled by WISE Consulting.

  • Permit services have relocated to the Development Services building.

• Recreation: The County has approved temporary use of hospitality tax funds to support recreation for unincorporated participants, with ongoing IGA discussions planned.

• Parks: All lights at New Centre Park are now operational, and facilities are being prepped for fall events.

• Police & Fire Reports:

  • Police responded to 2,286 calls for service in August, with 139 citations and 332 traffic stops.

  • The fire department responded to 65 calls, including 25 within town limits.

VIII. Council Comments

Council members expressed appreciation for staff and the high level of community participation in the upcoming election. Praise was given for the rapid waterline repair performed by public works and the success of recent events like the farmer’s market.

Mayor Legg shared that the Veterans Committee received its largest-ever anonymous donation and thanked the donor. He also highlighted several long-awaited infrastructure accomplishments and commended town staff for their consistent efforts.

IX. Executive Session

Council entered an executive session under SC Code §30-4-70(a)(2) to discuss negotiations related to a potential property acquisition. No actions were reported following the session.