Lancaster County Newsletter

June 2025

In this issue, we highlight the final reading and approval of the 2025–2026 budget, which goes into effect July 1. 💰🗓️

We’ll also share updates on commercial and upcoming residential developments across the county. 🏗️🏡

🌐 Lancaster County has a new website—check it out! mylancastersc.org​

If you missed earlier editions, click here to see all the previous months. Great way to share it with your friends and neighbors via email or social media.

👥 If you're part of a group that would be interested in having me attend a meeting to discuss county matters, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m always happy to connect.

If you have any questions or concerns about the county, feel free to reach out: 803-804-6017 or simply reply to this email. You can also follow me on Facebook for more updates.

💵 Budget Highlights – FY 2025–2026

✅ Balanced Budget – Total General Fund: $104 million​
🏡 No millage increase – No change to property tax rates for Lancaster County residents

📅 Budget Calendar

• June 23 – Third Reading + Public Hearing. Final Reading
• July 1st- New Budget Year begins

🔒 Public Safety Investment

• 🚑 6 new EMS positions – All assigned to the Indian Land area
• 👮 4 new sheriff deputies – Also focused in Indian Land

📌 Note: Increasing EMS and sheriff staffing in Indian Land is important countywide—currently, emergency calls in that area often pull resources from other parts of the county, reducing coverage elsewhere.

• 🚒 Full-time firefighter staffing approved – Southern Lancaster County, where transitioning to a full time option is important.

👷 Employee Support

• 📈 5% overall staff increase
• 💲 Minimum wage raised to $15/hour for all county employees

🛠️ Other Key Budget Topics

• ♻️ Convenience site hours: Council considering extended hours at 6 locations
• Adding the positions at two key areas: Animal Shelter, Deputy Coroner
• 💰 Van Wyck Fire District Fee: Proposed increase from $90 to $180/year

📝 Important Updates

🛣️ 521 Widening Grant Application​
Lancaster County has applied for a $43 million grant from the South Carolina Infrastructure Bank to support the widening of Highway 521 from the North Carolina state line to roughly Marvin Road.

📅 A decision is expected in August.
🔗 Note: North Carolina has already committed to widening their portion of Hwy 521—this project would be very important to match that effort on the South Carolina side.

🚶‍♀️ Bailes Trail – Reopening Soon!​
Exciting progress on the Bailes Trail, a scenic path in a prime location in Indian Land and a great asset to the community.

⚠️ The trail has been closed due to erosion issues, but good news—a contractor has been secured and is scheduled to begin work in early July.

📆 If all goes as planned, the trail should reopen by August!If you are not familiar with it, check it out.

💵 Transportation Sales Tax​
Council approved the 1st Reading to move forward with placing a Transportation Sales Tax referendum on the November 2025 ballot.

🔑 Key Differences from Last Year’s Proposal:

• 📍 Project List Transparency: Roads and intersections across the county will be specifically listed
• 💰 Lower Overall Amount: Reduced from $400 million ➡️ ~$250 million
• 📆 Shorter Term: Scaled back from 15 years ➡️ 10 years

The updated approach is aimed at providing clarity, accountability, and a manageable scope for voters to consider.

⛽ Gas Tax Questions​
A few residents asked for more info on the state gas tax. Here are some helpful resources to explore:

• ​SCDOT Gas Tax Overview​
• The focus for how the funds are used- check out this video.
  📌 Lancaster County receives 4 cents per gallon, amounting to about $4 million/year—used for all roads in the county.

🛒 Commercial Openings

• 🛍️ Costco & Target: Tentatively opening mid-to-late October 2025
• 🥫 Lowe’s Foods: Expected to open late September 2025

📌 Note: Lancaster County is working with sheriff's office, SC DOT, and businesses to lessen as much as possible the impact of these businesses opening potentially at the same time.

Development Updates

📅 Planning Commission Meeting- Next Meeting July 15th at 6pm Agenda will be provided 7 days prior to meeting.

📍 Cresswind by Kolter (521 - across from Walnut Creek)

• ​January Newsletter- Review January Newsletter to catch up on all the details.
• Planning Commission recommended denial in February. The developer has delayed sending this request to Council, so a final decision may not come until July. Stay tuned.

📍 Old Hickory- Old Hickory Rd (across from back entrance of Roselyn)

• Project Size: 159 acres from RN on MDR (roughly 300 houses)
• ​Project details
• Postponed for decision until July upon request from developer

📍Riverside Manor

• Project Size: 251 acres with proposed 133 homes. No rezoning required. Plats must be approved by Planning Commission. Owner can develop with this density under the current zoning. No approval from County Council is needed by owner to proceed.
• ​Project details

📍Harrisburg Global Academy

• Project size: 26 acres off Harrisburg Road for Charter School (K-8)
• Approved by Council
• ​Project details

📌 Note: As expected, seeing significant development interest/pressure on Riverside Rd, Old Hickory Rd and 521 from City of Lancaster to Hwy 5. Stayed tuned.

How to Share Your Input

Thanks to quite a few people over the last 6 months that have either contacted me directly about issues that were important to them. Several have spoken at a public meeting or submitted citizen comments. It is really important and I appreciate it.

Want to voice your opinion on county issues? Here’s how:

1️⃣ Speak at a County Meeting

• Arrive early and sign up to speak at the door.
• You’ll have 3 minutes to address a topic on the agenda.
• Note: Council members can listen but cannot engage in discussion during public comments.

2️⃣ Submit a Public Comment Electronically

• Comments are recorded as public record and distributed to council members.
• ​Submit your comment here.

3️⃣ Email County Council Members Directly

• These emails are not part of public records but allow direct communication with council members.
• ​View all council members here and see district maps.

📩 Contact Council Members:​
📍 District 1 – Stuart Graham:smgraham@lancastercountysc.gov
📍 District 2 – Charlene McGriff:cmcgriff@comporium.net
📍 District 3 – Billy Mosteller:bmosteller@lancastercountysc.gov
📍 District 4 – Jose Luis:jluis@lancastercountysc.gov
📍 District 5 – Steve Harper:steveharper@lancastercountysc.gov
📍 District 6 – Bryant Neal:bneal@lancastercountysc.gov
📍 District 7 – Bryan Carnes:briancarnes@lancastercountysc.gov

📌 Tips for Effective Public Commenting:​
✔️ Be respectful and concise. Avoid personal attacks.
✔️ State your position clearly (support/oppose) and provide facts.
✔️ Keep it under 3 minutes. You don’t need to be a great speaker—just be direct.

Stay Informed on County Meetings

📬 Want meeting updates in your inbox? Sign up here to receive agendas and documents before each meeting.

📺 Missed a meeting? Watch past sessions here.
​
Looking for a cool nature spot in Lancaster County- Check out 40 Acre Rock.

Thank you for staying engaged in our community!

Best,​
​Stuart

Lancaster County Meeting Notes
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Here is a resource of Lancaster County Government news including the City of Lancaster

​
Lancaster County Council - June 9th, 2025 Meeting Recap
Recorded meeting - Click here​

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📸 These notes and photos may NOT be shared without my permission …please respect the time and effort it takes to report for you. They are as always for my personal Facebook followers, for the benefit of Indian Land Action Council, and Councilman Graham’s constituents.

Highlights:

• Near record-long meeting
• Packed audience for budget and rezoning items
• New K–8 charter school in Indian Land on Harrisburg Rd/Almond Glen passes 1st Reading
• 1st Reading for penny sales tax for roads to go back on the ballot this year
• Rezoning on Potter Road property defeated
• A tense exchange over a residency requirements ordinance

Citizen’s Comments:

1. Barbara Scanell, Indian Land – gave council an overview of housing impacts with over 10,000 homes coming to areas near/annexed to the City of Lancaster now, which will add over 40k new residents. This will affect the need for additional first responders and services.
2. Linda Kohlberg, Indian Land – supported additions and salary increases to the Coroner’s office as they had 969 cases last year and are on duty 24/7 all 365 days a year.
3. Barbara Matuga, Indian Land – questioned where the EMT and paramedics projects cost in the budget were going.
4. Paul Kohlberg, Indian Land – spoke of the urgency for the promised third fire station and engine in the panhandle. With the standard of 1 station for every 10k citizens, our 40k population is underserved with only 2 stations and 6000 calls last year.
5. Joe Koehler, Indian Land – stated that Indian Land got 1 new deputy when the sheriff had asked for 4 in the new budget.
6. Patti Benz, Indian Land – a member of LASS (Lancaster Animal Shelter Supporters) stated they had donated $25,651 in 2024 with an additional $9,000 in supplies. She appreciates the increase in staff but kennel techs and a lead tech are needed.
7. Cheryl Hanhart-Beck, Indian Land – gave council a spreadsheet of all the previous speakers points.
8. Charles Moore, Potter Road, Lancaster – against rezoning which would allow trailers on neighboring property.
9. Eric Flynn, Fire Department – stated the necessary annual fire hose inspection was left out of the budget and must be added back in.
10. Charles Jerrigan, Indian Land – supported Barbara Scanell’s previous comments on growth impacts.

Special Presentations:

A. Roselyn Bond implementation presented by Michael Seezen of Burr Forman. Bonds are going to market in blocks of $100k now that houses are being built. Jon Hardy of Lennar Homes said the Grand Opening was held May 17, with 40 homes sold, with over half being bought by current Sun City and TreeTops residents, many who want something LARGER (2500 sf) and newer. (Note: hard to believe Sun City is 20 years old already)

B. Presentations by organizations interested in providing $56k countywide tourism promotions dollars in the budget.

1. Olde English District – who received the monies last year, publish a visitors guide and info at all the rest stops in the state. The newest guide has several pages highlighting Lancaster County.
2. SC 250 – celebrating our 250th year as our nation next year, with Revolutionary War celebrations in our county already started at the Buford Battleground and Hanging Rock. They are promoting Lancaster County as a “destination, not a detour.”

Executive Session:

Council stopped for 20 minutes to go behind closed doors to receive legal advice regarding legal services. They returned with no item requiring a vote and went back to the agenda. (Note: Unusual as this is normally done at the end of the agenda …no explanation given)

Non-Consent Agenda:

A. Resolution to transfer fee agreement between Unique USA and 793 Fort Mill Owner, LLC. This agreement has been transferred twice but this remains their corporate headquarters. Passed 7-0

B. Resolution to permit construction of a K–8 Charter School at 11774 Harrisburg Road. This parcel next to Almond Glen has a 1985 capped brownfield of coal ash on a portion which will be monitored in several ways by the school. Justin Matthews, CFO, explained that the Harrisburg Global Academy will open in August 2026 for 500 seats of an eventual 850. Over 1600 applicants (95% Lancaster County residents) have already signed up (only South Carolina residents allowed) without advertising. Councilman Luis stated we desperately need schools in our area (his district) and got details on the monitoring, grading, connection to neighborhoods, and traffic stack onto school property. Passed 7-0

C. 1st Reading to rezone approx. 2 acres along Green Pond Road (off Henry Harris Road / Jim Wilson Rd) from Medium Density to Rural Neighborhood to join another 34-acre parcel to be marketed. Passed 7-0

D. Public Hearing and 1st Reading to rezone approx. 7 acres at 813 Potter Road from Low Density Residential to Rural Residential to allow future subdivision to place up to 4 mobile homes. Public Hearing had 5 neighbors speak in opposition with over 20 more in the audience identified by the first speaker Keith Kilough. Next neighbor Scott Carnes noted that the newly purchased property can be subdivided to stick built houses for the new owners' wish to build a family compound, but he was opposed to having it become a small mobile home park as property values would decrease 5–10% immediately. Speaker 3 was Evan Helms who bought his dream home property and said that trailers aren’t a good fit in this neighborhood. Greg Willis showed photos of the existing homes on Potter Road, with house set back from the road on their large lots. Barry McFay has lived there for 20 years and iterated this rezoning does not fit in the Comprehensive Plan as it would be conditional use bordering on development as a subdivision. Thomas Moore moved to his home from Waxhaw to escape the encroaching high-density development. He stated that the new owners are wanting to build a family compound just months after purchasing the property. Councilman Mosteller said this is in his district and he received more calls and visits from his constituents against this rezoning than he has ever had on an agenda item. Councilman Luis applauded the 20+ neighbors in the audience for being present and staying through this lengthy meeting to express their opinions. Vote: Defeated 0-7

E. 3rd Reading to amend the current 2024–25 budget. Question asked why insurance was not used to cover roof damaged from hurricane (roof 20 years old). Passed 7-0

F. 2nd Reading for the 2025–2026 budget. An amendment was made to add $57,000 to cover required fire hose testing. A long discussion between Council members was held in how the 5% across-the-board raises would be applied for those advancing to new pay grades, and the coroner’s pay ladder. Further details are to be worked on before the final reading. Passed 7-0

G. 2nd Reading to amend the 2021–2031 Capital Improvement Plan. This is a $22 million addition for 81 projects. Passed 7-0

H. 1st Reading to add a Transportation Sales Tax on the Nov. 4 ballot, with Jeff Catoe, Public Works, stating 500 miles of county roads are needing a future funding source, asking for 1 cent sales tax for 10 years, $216 million, with a list of projects totaling $85 million going to municipalities, other monies to widen Henry Harris Road as a connector road, seed money for Hwy 521 widening to 4 lanes, several roundabouts, and a Six Mile Creek greenway from Shelley Mullis to Marvin Road. Councilmen Harper and Mosteller opposed as too soon to bring back this vote, but Councilman Graham said again it is his constituent’s number one concern. Passed 5-2, with Harper and Mosteller opposed.

I. 1st Reading to amend county code related to the appointment of the county attorney. Passed 6-1, with Councilwoman McGriff opposed. (No reason given)

J. 1st Reading to amend county code related to residency requirements for certain leadership positions. (Note: background, presently there are certain positions that require the person hired to establish residency in the county within 12 months, previously 6 months). Heated exchanges between Council members McGriff and Luis with McGriff accusing targeting and Luis insisting that there may be noncompliance of primary residence where the employee had voted in another county. No names were mentioned but it seemed to be 2–4 employees in question. Chairman Carnes said he had asked for this item on the agenda to get clarity. It is the job of Admin. Marstall to monitor compliance and he said they had verbally shared they were in compliance at this time. Can you rent an apartment in the county but have a residence in another county? Yes, but you would not be in compliance if you didn’t change your voter registration. After several attempts by Councilman Graham to call for a vote, the matter was postponed to get clarifying language. 7-0

Discussion and Action Items:

A. Appointments to boards and commissions:

1. Library Board District 3 – Kayla Vaughn Passed 7-0
2. Fire Commission –
   • Tracy Caldwell (Kershaw Fire Dept. Rep)
   • Fred Plyler (Shiloh Rep)
   • William Morris (Buford Rep)
   • Christopher Gardner (Riverside Rep)
   • Jason Laney (Tradesville Rep)
   • Chief Greg Nicholson (Greater Indian Land Rep)
   • Justin McLellen (City of Lancaster Rep)
   • Josh Alford (Rich Hill Rep) Passed as a group 7-0
3. Reappointment to Planning Commission –
   • Lynette Hinson (District 3)
   • Shelley Richards (District 5) Passed 7-0

🕘 Meeting adjourned at 10:30 PM

📌 Notes to the best of my ability.

​

Clare McConaughay

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