York County Council Approves Costco Incentive with Funding Amendment, Passes Hotel Occupancy Regulations, and Receives Budget Award

The December 1, 2025, York County Council meeting was dominated by a complex debate regarding an infrastructure credit agreement for a proposed Costco distribution facility (Project Sample). While the Council ultimately voted to approve a $25 million incentive package for the $240 million project, they passed a significant amendment proposed by Councilman William “Bump” Roddey to reallocate the tax revenue distribution, effectively requiring the City of Rock Hill to contribute a larger percentage of the tax abatement to lessen the financial burden on the school district. This decision came despite warnings from County management that altering the terms at the eleventh hour could jeopardize the project. In other business, the Council unanimously passed a new ordinance regulating extended-stay occupancy in hotels and motels to prevent them from being used as permanent residences. The meeting opened with the presentation of the GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award to the County’s Finance and Budget departments.

Detailed Agenda Item Summaries

Appearances and Awards

• GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award: County Manager Joshua Edwards and Budget Director Trish Startup presented the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) award to the budget team. This was the first time York County submitted a budget book for this award, making the win particularly notable. The award recognizes the County’s commitment to transparency and high-quality financial reporting.

Public Forum

Citizens addressed the Council on several topics:

• Silfab Solar: Residents continued to voice opposition to the Silfab Solar project, citing safety concerns regarding chemical storage, vapor clouds, and proximity to schools.

• Project Sample (Costco): Several residents spoke against the proposed incentives for Costco, citing concerns about heavy truck traffic on Porter Road, the low wage comparison to manufacturing jobs, and fears that the area is becoming an “inland port.” One resident spoke in favor of Costco as a reputable American company.

• Community Events: A citizen highlighted upcoming holiday events in Fort Mill and recognized the Catawba Ridge High School band.

Consent Agenda

The Council voted unanimously to approve the Consent Agenda items, which included meeting minutes, various rezoning second readings, and standard administrative approvals.

Public Hearings and Ordinances

Hotel and Motel Extended Stay Regulations (Item 9 – Moved to Item 1)

• Action: Approved Unanimously.

• Summary: The Council passed the third reading of an ordinance to amend the zoning code regarding hotels and motels. The ordinance changes the designation of hotels from a “permitted use” to a “conditional use” in several zoning districts.

• Key Provisions: The new regulations aim to prevent hotels from being used as permanent residences. It establishes length-of-stay restrictions (generally prohibiting stays longer than 30 consecutive days or 90 cumulative days in a year), creates registration and record-keeping requirements, and mandates property maintenance standards. Exceptions are available for displacements due to natural disasters, employment relocation, or medical care.

Costco Wholesale Corp / Project Sample Infrastructure Credit (Item 1)

• Action: Approved with Amendment.

• Summary: This item involved an ordinance authorizing an Infrastructure Credit Agreement for Costco Wholesale Corporation to build a distribution facility in Rock Hill.

• Project Details: Costco plans to invest approximately $240.3 million and create 165 jobs with an average hourly wage of $26.66.

• Costco Concession: During the public hearing, Costco representative Seth Katz voluntarily reduced the requested credit cap from $30 million to $25 million, stating this would cover only the off-site public infrastructure improvements (roads and substation work).

• Council Debate: Councilman Roddey proposed an amendment to change how the remaining tax revenue is distributed. He argued that because the City of Rock Hill benefits from utility sales (water, sewer, electric), the City should bear a heavier burden of the tax abatement rather than the school district. He proposed a structure where Rock Hill contributes 75% of its millage to the credit, rather than the standard split, to ensure the school district receives more revenue.

• Management Warning: The County Manager warned that changing the financial structure at this late stage could kill the project.

• Vote: A motion to defer the vote to a special meeting failed. The Council then voted to approve the incentive agreement with Roddey’s amendment regarding the financial reallocation.

Rezoning Cases

The Council held public hearings and first readings for several rezoning requests:

• Case 25-40 (Pole Branch Rd): Request to rezone 2.81 acres from RMX-10 to RUD to allow for a seasonal agricultural produce stand. Approved.

• Case 25-41 (Highway 55 E): Request to rezone 0.14 acres from PD to GC to incorporate a small parcel into the Westlake Village Shopping Center. Approved.

• Case 25-42 (Whitewolf Rd): Request to rezone 4.43 acres from AGC to RUD to subdivide the property for a family member. Approved.

• Case 25-45 (New Gray Rock Rd): Request to rezone 1.9 acres from RSF-40 to RSF-30 to allow for subdivision and an additional dwelling. Approved.

• Case 25-47 (Ridge Reserve Dr): Request to rezone 0.32 acres from UD to RMX-10 to build a single-family home in the Heron Cove subdivision. Approved.

• Note: Cases 25-43 and 25-44 were withdrawn by the applicants.

Committee Reports

Planning & Zoning Committee (Chairwoman Debi Cloninger)

The committee reported votes to request staff to draft ordinances regarding:

• Adding “Trade Services” as a permitted use in General Commercial districts.

• Clarifying industrial definitions using NAICS codes.

• Golf Carts in Baxter Village: Drafting an ordinance to allow golf cart operation day or night and limiting road crossings at high-speed intersections.

• Split Zoning: Implementing a “majority rules” approach where the zoning of the largest portion of a parcel governs the whole parcel.

• Non-Conformities: Allowing larger replacements for non-conforming manufactured homes.

Justice & Public Safety Committee (Chairman Tommy Adkins)

The committee provided updates on:

• One York Fire: Reassignment of personnel and receipt of new fire engines.

• Tier 2 Reporting Fees: Staff directed to draft an ordinance for a fee structure and cost recovery process.

• EMS Plan: Staff will draft an EMS franchise ordinance and present it to hospital partners for input.

Citizen Concerns

• FoodShare South Carolina: Omme-Salma Rahemtullah presented on the “Veggie Rx” program, which provides fresh produce prescriptions to low-income residents with diabetes. She highlighted a partnership with Affinity Health in York County and reported significant health improvements among participants, including lower blood pressure and A1C levels.

Executive Session

The Council entered an executive session to receive legal advice regarding litigation updates, contractual matters (interstate exchanges), and personnel updates. No action was taken upon returning to the open session.