The Fort Mill Town Council convened for its regular meeting on September 22, 2025, approving the town’s FY 2025–2026 budget, unveiling a powerful new GIS platform for residents, and addressing traffic and infrastructure concerns raised by citizens.
The meeting opened with remarks from Mayor Guynn Savage, who emphasized unity and respectful discourse in the face of national and local challenges. Council also expressed appreciation for town staff and the public, particularly after the successful Oktoberfest event.
FY 2025–2026 Budget Approved
Council unanimously approved the second reading of the town’s FY 2025–26 budget, totaling $73.5 million across all funds:
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General Fund: $47.5 million
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Utilities Fund: $20.7 million
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Stormwater and Special Revenue Funds: $5.3 million combined
The budget sets the town’s 83-mill property tax rate and includes no increases in water or sewer base rates, with the exception of a sewer base rate adjustment for Kingsley and Mason’s Bend to align with increased rates from Rock Hill.
Council members noted the budget as a forward-looking, proactive plan that reflects more than 21 hours of deliberation in work sessions. Councilman Allen Garrison described it as “the definition of being proactive,” and the mayor emphasized the town’s efforts to ensure every tax dollar brings community value.
Fort Mill GIS Hub Unveiled
GIS Analyst Gavin Witherspoon presented the newly launched Fort Mill GIS Hub, a public-facing digital tool offering residents quick access to:
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Town boundaries and zoning
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Utility and solid waste service providers
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Political and school districts
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Road ownership and maintenance responsibilities
The platform includes interactive mapping tools and downloadable PDF maps. Council praised the system’s accessibility and its ability to answer frequent questions like “Do I live within town limits?” or “Who maintains this road?” The GIS Hub will soon be promoted on the town’s website and social media.
Solicitation Ordinance Amended
Council adopted an ordinance requiring commercial solicitors to obtain permits to operate in town limits. The new rules restrict solicitation hours to 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., and allow residents to post “No Solicitation” or “No Commercial Solicitation” signs to prevent door-to-door visits.
Violators may be subject to fines, and repeat offenders can have their permits revoked. The ordinance takes effect November 1, 2025, giving staff time to implement permit procedures and communicate the changes to HOAs and residents.
Annexation for Public Road Access Denied
Council voted to deny the annexation of a 1.99-acre parcel on Williams Road that would have enabled public road access to a 50-lot section of the Williams Reserve residential development. The denial means the developer must pursue private road access or seek approval from York County for public access.
Several residents of the Old Williamsburg neighborhood voiced opposition, citing concerns over traffic congestion and neighborhood preservation. Town staff and council clarified that the development itself was already approved under a long-standing zoning designation and that the vote only pertained to public vs. private road access.
Additional Council Actions
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Traffic Grant: Council approved submitting a $100,000 grant application to the Municipal Association of South Carolina to fund a traffic data and system design study for an adaptive signal system across 29 town intersections. The town would match the grant with an additional $100,000.
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Infrastructure Contracts: Council awarded contracts totaling $3.65 million for road, water, and stormwater improvements across five town roads. A budget amendment to fund utility work will be introduced in October.
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Leaf Collection Reminder: Leaf pickup begins October 15. Residents were reminded not to pile leaves in storm drains or on roads prior to that date.
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Community Conduct: Council closed with reflections on civility, growth, and the importance of public service in shaping Fort Mill’s future.
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