York County Council Approves Rezoning Actions, Hears Public Concerns on Impact Fees, Silfab Wastewater, and Honors Retiring Staff Member

The York County Council met on October 6, 2025, at the York County Government Center. The meeting opened with a recognition of retiring County Executive Assistant Linda Norris for her 23 years of service. Council proceeded to approve several rezoning cases, contract actions, and financial agreements as part of the consent agenda. A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to public comment, where citizens voiced concerns about proposed increases to Clover School District impact fees and the environmental safety of wastewater discharge from Silfab Solar. Council also held public hearings on Project Quicksilver’s fee-in-lieu-of-tax agreement and a new residential rezoning case.

Detailed Summary by Agenda Item

Appearances

Retirement Recognition: Linda Norris, a long-serving executive assistant, was honored for her decades of dedication. Council and staff shared personal reflections, emphasizing her impact on county operations and staff morale.

Public Forum Highlights

Speakers raised concerns on several issues:

Impact Fees in Clover School District: Multiple speakers, including builders and residents, opposed the proposed increase from $4,000 to $15,035 per single-family home. They cited outdated data and questioned legality under state law.
Silfab Solar Wastewater Discharge: Several residents expressed serious environmental and health concerns over a permit allowing Silfab to discharge pre-treated industrial wastewater into the Rock Hill system. They requested a pause on the permit pending health and pollution verification.
Rezoning on Hwy 274 and 49: A Clover resident asked council to reconsider a rezoning approved on second reading without a unanimous vote and highlighted safety concerns related to emergency evacuations from the nearby Catawba Nuclear Station.

Consent Agenda Actions (All Approved)

Minutes: Approved from the September 15, 2025 meeting.
Rezoning Case 25-30: First Reading
- Rezone 28 acres on Schlumberger Road from AGC and OI to Light Industrial (LI) for York County Natural Gas Authority’s support operations center.
Rezoning Case 25-33: Third Reading
- Rezone 5.88 acres on Benson Road from UD to RSF-30 for residential subdivision into three lots.
Rezoning Case 25-34: Third Reading
- Rezone 0.07 acres on Foothills Way from UD to LI to integrate into a warehouse development.
Rezoning Case 25-35: Third Reading
- Rezone 5.4 acres at Hands Mill Hwy and Concord Road from RMX-10 to General Commercial (GC) for a mixed-use retail development.
Board Appointments: Approved nominees for various economic and appeals boards.
Contract Renewal: Integratis Inc. eProcurement software support renewed at $15,195.
Juvenile Drug Court Consulting Contract: Approved with Three Trees Center for Change for $65,000 annually.
McCelvey Center Repairs: Approved $9,172 change order for structural repair.
Solid Waste Disposal Contract: Renewed Waste Management contract with price adjustments, not exceeding $4.53 million annually.
Landfill Compactor Purchase: Approved purchase of Bomag BC873RB-5 for $1.22 million.
Baxter Recycling Center Improvements: Ratified change order for stormwater protections and pedestrian gate ($19,029.80).
Utility Relocation Agreement: Approved $305,168 agreement with Spectrum for US21/SC51 widening.
Waterline Project Close-Out: Approved $50,000 amendment for Harper Road project.
Contract Amendment for Road Widening: Approved $384,228 amendment for Sutton/Spratt/FM Parkway project.
Pump Replacement: Approved $203,188 for replacement of wastewater pumps at Springfield II Lift Station.

Public Hearings

Project Quicksilver (Pratt Corrugating Facility)
- Council held a third-reading public hearing and approved a fee-in-lieu-of-tax agreement for a $92.5 million investment creating 116 jobs. Includes special source credits and expansion of multi-county industrial park designations.
Rezoning Case 25-37: First Reading
- Rezone 0.61 acres on Porter Road from UD to RSF-30 to combine with adjacent lot. Approved condition requires parcels to be recombined within 90 days.

New Business

Clover School District Impact Fee Update: First Reading

York County Council held the first reading of an ordinance proposing to significantly increase public education impact fees for new residential development in Clover School District No. 2:
- Single-family detached: from $4,000 to $15,035
- Multi-family units: from $1,976 to $7,430
- Manufactured homes: from $2,618 to $9,842
The proposal is based on an updated School Development Impact Fee Study and Capital Improvement Plan.

Council Considerations
- Public Opposition: Residents, homebuilders, and realtors raised concerns about affordability, legality under state law, and the lack of notice about available fee credits. Several urged the Council to reject or delay the increase.
- Legal Review Likely: Council acknowledged the need to review compliance with state statutes, particularly regarding fee increases without updated service units or development scope.
- Balancing Growth and Affordability: Council members showed interest in ensuring school infrastructure keeps pace with growth, but recognized concerns about the financial burden on homeowners and landowners.
- Manufactured Home Fee Questioned: The increase for manufactured homes drew attention. Staff clarified it is considered a discounted fee based on methodology, though some Council members may seek further review.
Next Steps

The ordinance passed first reading, but further discussion is expected before second reading, including legal analysis, potential adjustments to fee amounts, and review of the underlying Capital Improvement Plan.
Government Relations Services Contract: Approved to enter negotiations with selected firms.
Capital Improvement Plan & Impact Fee Study: Authorized contract negotiations for a new impact fee study, consistent with the county’s “Grow Responsibly” strategic plan.

Committee and Other Reports

1. Economic Development Committee

Meeting Date: Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Chairman: Councilmember Watts Huckabee

Discussion Summary:

The committee reviewed ongoing recruitment efforts and expansion projects for existing industries in the county.
Updates were provided on incentives associated with economic development projects, including those tied to industrial park expansions and fee-in-lieu-of-tax agreements.
Project Quicksilver (later approved in full council) was a major focus, with committee members discussing job creation estimates, wage benchmarks, and infrastructure commitments.
Staff presented briefings on the county’s competitive position for future industrial development, particularly along the I-77 corridor.
The committee discussed the potential for enhancing regional marketing strategies and partnerships with the SC Department of Commerce.

2. Health and Environmental Protection Committee

Meeting Date: Thursday, September 18, 2025
Chairman: Councilmember Andy Litten

Discussion Summary:

The committee received updates on solid waste operations, including the municipal solid waste contract renewal and the status of the construction and demolition landfill compactor (both later approved by council).
Public health concerns related to Silfab Solar’s wastewater discharge permit were raised, with members requesting additional briefings from environmental compliance staff and DHEC representatives.
The county’s stormwater management program was reviewed, particularly in light of increased rainfall events and recent emergency mitigation actions (referenced in the Baxter Recycling Center traffic improvements).
The committee also discussed upcoming capital needs and long-term plans for water quality monitoring and rural water access improvements.

3. Justice & Public Safety Committee

Meeting Date: Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Chairman: Councilmember Tommy Adkins

Discussion Summary:

The committee reviewed the performance and funding needs of the Juvenile Drug Court Program, leading to the council’s later approval of a three-year consulting contract with Three Trees Center for Change.
Sheriff’s Office staffing levels and recruitment challenges were discussed, with an emphasis on regional competition for law enforcement personnel.
Updates were provided on the county’s 911 communications system upgrades and emergency response coordination, especially concerning chemical and environmental safety risks (referencing Silfab and the recent water main break).
Committee members emphasized the need for stronger public communication protocols in emergency situations, a concern echoed by citizens during public comment.