Lancaster County Council Authorizes Negotiation of New Administrator Contract, Advances Financial Transparency Initiative, and Honors Public Safety Achievements

The Lancaster County Council meeting on November 24, 2025, was marked by significant decisions regarding county leadership and transparency. Following an executive session, the Council voted unanimously to terminate the existing contract of the County Administrator to facilitate the negotiation of a new contract. In a move toward greater open governance, the Council received a presentation on a new “Financial Transparency Initiative,” which plans to publish detailed financial documents, such as check registers and P-card transactions, on the county website starting in early 2026. The meeting also celebrated local excellence, with the Sheriff’s Office receiving its sixth state accreditation and multiple EMS teams recognized for winning regional competitions. Additionally, the Council finalized ordinances regarding park rules and animal control enforcement, while approving a resolution to relocate an abandoned cemetery to accommodate the Haile Gold Mine expansion.

Detailed Agenda Summary

1-5. Call to Order, Invocation, and Opening

The meeting was called to order with a quorum present. Following the invocation by Council Member Stuart Graham and the Pledge of Allegiance, the agenda was unanimously approved.

6. Citizens Comments

• Libby Lambert: Reported issues with county mailings not reaching residents due to a GIS/tax record glitch and requested monthly meetings between the City, County, and School District. She also requested a written explanation regarding the boundaries of the recent development moratorium.

• Joey Bird: Spoke on behalf of the Haile Gold Mine regarding the cemetery relocation item.

• Janine Clifton: Expressed frustration regarding a lack of response to complaints about a private drive (McClelland Lane) and alleged violations by a developer at a subdivision near Barberville and Fort Mill Highway.

• Shane Alford: Provided updates on the Lancaster County Arts Council, highlighting the upcoming Nutcracker Ballet and holiday events.

6. Special Presentations

• Sheriff’s Office Accreditation: Chief Watts of the SC Law Enforcement Accreditation Council presented the certificate of accreditation to the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office. He noted that the agency is “dual accredited” (state and national), a distinction held by only nine agencies in the state.

• EMS Competition Teams: Director Clay Catoe recognized three teams for their performance in recent competitions:

  • A team of recent high school graduates finished 4th in the Paramedic Savers competition.

  • Billy Gillan won 1st place at the Carolina Competition.

  • Jeremy Munn and Isaiah Camp won 1st place at the Pee Dee Regional EMS Symposium.

• Employee of the Quarter: The Council recognized nominees for the 3rd Quarter of 2025.

  • General Government Winner: Jennifer Ritz (Payroll).

  • Public Safety Winner: Brittany Morgan (EMS).

7. Consent Agenda

The Council unanimously approved the Consent Agenda, which included the minutes from the November 10 meeting and second readings of zoning ordinances 2025-1999 and 2025-2003 (regarding a roundabout agreement).

8. Non-Consent Agenda

• 8a. Resolution 1312-R2025 (Cemetery Relocation): Approved a resolution allowing the Haile Gold Mine to relocate the abandoned Hilton family cemetery, which is within the mine’s expansion project boundaries, to a new location. Vote: Unanimous.

• 8b. Ordinance 2025-1993 (Budget Amendment – EMS): Third reading to appropriate funds for the purchase of 11 cardiac monitors. The contract was reviewed by the county attorney and includes necessary “out clauses”. Vote: Unanimous.

• 8c. Ordinance 2025-1995 (Rezoning – Pageland Hwy): Third reading to rezone approximately 59.14 acres from Rural Neighborhood to Agricultural Residential. No public comments were made during the hearing. Vote: Unanimous.

• 8d. Ordinance 2025-1996 (Parks and Rec Rules): Third reading of an ordinance clarifying rules for county parks, specifically regarding watercraft operation, fishing, and overnight vehicle parking (incorporating requests from Duke Energy regarding boat landings). Vote: Unanimous.

• 8e. Ordinance 2025-1997 (Animal Enforcement): Third reading to amend the code moving animal control from the Sheriff’s Office to the Animal Shelter.

  • Amendment: Council Member Graham moved to amend the ordinance by striking Sections 68 and 69, which contained provisions regarding spay/neuter and microchipping requirements, stating more work was needed on those sections.

  • Vote on Amendment and Final Ordinance: Both passed unanimously.

• 8f. Ordinance 2025-1998 (Van Wyck Fire District): Third reading to allow the Van Wyck Fire Protection District to use district fees for operating expenses (personnel) rather than just capital expenditures. Vote: Unanimous.

• 8g. Ordinance 2025-2000 (Rezoning – Red Hill Farm Rd): Second reading to rezone approximately 24.1 acres from Low Density Residential (LDR) to Rural Residential (RR).

  • Planning staff apologized for a clerical error in the previous draft where the zoning was mislabeled.

  • Council Member Mosteller opposed the motion, citing concerns about “spot zoning” an RR district in the middle of an LDR area.

  • Vote: Passed 5-1 (Mosteller opposed).

• 8h. Ordinance 2025-2005 (Remote Work Policy): First reading of an ordinance to rescind specific policies related to telecommuting and remote work. The Administrator noted current remote work is limited (approx. 13 positions) and used for recruitment/retention. Vote: Passed 6-0.

9. Discussion and Action Items

• 9a. Commissioning of Code Enforcement Officers: Approved the commissioning of seven specific employees as code enforcement officers to enforce county laws, following the restructuring of animal control and zoning enforcement. Vote: Unanimous.

• 9b. Financial Transparency Initiative: CFO Sabrena Harris presented a plan to add a “Transparency” section to the county website.

  • The plan includes publishing check registers and P-card (procurement card) transactions.

  • Council Discussion: Council members agreed that P-card data should be identified by department rather than individual employee names to protect staff from undue scrutiny while maintaining financial transparency.

  • The rollout is expected to begin in February 2026 with January data.

• 9c. 2026 Calendars: Adopted the 2026 schedule for Council, Board, and Commission meetings, as well as the county holiday schedule. Vote: Unanimous.

• 9d. Board and Commission Appointments:

  • Airport Commission: Gerald Danko appointed to represent District 7. Vote: Unanimous.

  • Van Wyck Fire Protection District Commission: David (Tony) Carnes appointed to fill an unexpired term. Vote: Passed 5-0 (Chairman Carnes recused).

11-12. Executive Session & Final Votes

The Council entered Executive Session to discuss four items: Project Alpine 2, the EMS Headquarters bay, DSS funding, and the County Administrator’s evaluation and contract.

Upon returning to open session, Council Member Jose Luis made a motion regarding the Administrator’s contract.

• Action: The Council voted to terminate the existing contract with the County Administrator and authorize the Chair to negotiate a new contract with the Administrator.

• Vote: Unanimous.