[{"_1":2,"_121":-5,"_122":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,73,85,97,109],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":55,"_72":55},"mediaId",6352781,"mediaKeyId","2222909-cb5783078a01cf05b6c481180ca69304","parentId",2222909,"title","Councilman urges county to seek seat at table as municipalities pursue annexation; council asks administrator to initiate talks","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",5168000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2222909-cb5783078a01cf05b6c481180ca69304&start=5168&end=5168","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2222909-cb5783078a01cf05b6c481180ca69304/thumbnail_5168000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6352781/Chester-County/South-Carolina/Councilman-urges-county-to-seek-seat-at-table-as-municipalities-pursue-annexation-council-asks-administrator-to-initiate-talks","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6352781-2d20b283817540802670f5b2235210ad/orig.mp4?Expires=1771130998&Signature=KS4ngTuuALO7oEt0J2P-oeYvSJbQn2VMoBXg4qvW5~9j3DNBOJXGu2fV8nfchE10KRP6BC9frJNey4HsAnQpjBel0bz810~I7Wi43YmWju8uR6qdDY-GSptbXEL46fDZVil5O2cBQNm2b1l7IJG~lBVW09L-pbX0zFu2QzoV5RasgTRg2pvjuRonrQMocEhER4ECwVGd15IR4JMoMNtf9yqXDNNBa3wGObhW~8V3Ub5ZN-oTDtba-tC72EeWgsVV9Db9uFg1FMTYoZEppc8uJwJVbQOHYeJy8bxp5vC-t1XtXqF-NzD2s1vY2E5rJ6aDDnOILUaRg1HWFb4ufr~T9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-02-04T12:51:50Z","article","Councilman Corey Guy told Chester County Council that recent growth and multiple municipal annexations warrant county-level coordination. He asked County Administrator Kenneth Hester to begin conversations with municipal officials and asked that county staff attend city council meetings to discuss impacts on county services.

Guy said annexation can shift development into municipalities where county standards, fees and planning oversight differ from county processes, potentially creating new service demands for the county's sheriff, EMS, fire and public works departments. \"When these municipalities annex, it affects the county. It affects our services,\" Guy said. He suggested the county explore service fees to cover county costs that result from annexations.

Chairman Pete Wilson and other council members expressed support for renewed intergovernmental meetings; Wilson referenced a prior practice of meeting with municipal officials periodically to coordinate planning. \"I think that's a good idea and that's something I'd like to see us work towards,\" Wilson said. County Administrator Kenneth Hester was asked to pursue the outreach, and several council members volunteered to attend initial discussions.

No ordinance or binding action was taken; the request was for staff to engage municipal leaders and report back to council with options for coordination and possible service-fee mechanisms.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Chester County Live Stream 2-3-2025","oneSentenceSummary","Councilman Corey Guy asked Chester County to engage municipal leaders about annexations after noting development and annexation activity; council asked the county administrator to pursue conversations and consider service‑fee options so county taxpayers are not left covering unplanned service costs.","taxTitle","Chester County, South Carolina","taxId",57666,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":74,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":75,"_41":76,"_43":77,"_45":78,"_46":79,"_48":80,"_50":81,"_52":82,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":83,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":84,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":55,"_72":55},6352787,"Organizers ask Chester County for $15,000 to revive \"Christmas in Chester\" event for children",301,637000,938000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2222909-cb5783078a01cf05b6c481180ca69304&start=637&end=938","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2222909-cb5783078a01cf05b6c481180ca69304/thumbnail_637000.jpg","/articles/6352787/Chester-County/South-Carolina/Organizers-ask-Chester-County-for-15000-to-revive-Christmas-in-Chester-event-for-children","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6352787-19e82a0c47117afb2af58206abaadedd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771130998&Signature=WPu-5GfGffsJima~YLoeQyvGKKakvc-IkgrH~rwhN608xbpDNxNgo~vrXC301O-Gx3cp4KkLxU1EXq9g1VQwBcDC0~hSSHIfeLAZvRnQygh9rNktz4C-RLnES1DBV9BLIL7Tz3ORRsblBsDdQn0Vh4IgT-FaMzIgg7iJwRQ7w13L7rzNgv1gKvJV2E6LMdGYzZ88B~qKUUacydo1xR81BPfWiPTUs-CCz2lZhom0c9FdrLYxfVpqy-cyHodW6Zum3U30l-OGB-biA7hJQZS1DO9ZtnK5iZ5aLuffXlPy~2GUoIOBY1SLOX18N8BEx34uJ2HIGjkZrc1~ZZijvE~q7A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Brenda McBrayer asked Chester County Council during the public comment period to provide $15,000 to help revive Christmas in Chester, a community event for children ages 12 and under that was paused during the COVID-19 pandemic.

\"I'm here begging for money. My budget is about $36,000 to put this on,\" McBrayer said. She described planned activities including a Friday tree lighting, an ice-skating rink, a Saturday breakfast with Santa, a snow hill behind the library, a tea party with china cups, face painting, arts activities and licensed character performances. McBrayer said some individual line items include an ice rink at $3,600 and a Snow Hill estimated at about $8,200.

McBrayer told council she planned to fund the remainder through business donations and county support, and asked the county for a $15,000 contribution because she said deposits are needed soon. \"As soon as possible because I have to make deposits on all this stuff,\" she said when asked about timing.

Chairman Pete Wilson and Council members thanked McBrayer for the work and said County Administrator Kenneth Hester would follow up. No formal action or vote on funding occurred at the meeting; Hester was identified as the staff member who would work on the request.","Event organizer Brenda McBrayer asked council to provide $15,000 toward a planned \"Christmas in Chester\" children's event that includes ice skating, snow hill, breakfast with Santa and free activities for children 12 and under; she said the total budget is about $36,000 and she will raise remaining funds from businesses.",{"_33":86,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":87,"_41":88,"_43":89,"_45":90,"_46":91,"_48":92,"_50":93,"_52":94,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":95,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":96,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":55,"_72":55},6352792,"Council approves reallocation to create landfill supervisor position after staff says it will limit budget impact",662,4168000,4830000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2222909-cb5783078a01cf05b6c481180ca69304&start=4168&end=4830","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2222909-cb5783078a01cf05b6c481180ca69304/thumbnail_4168000.jpg","/articles/6352792/Chester-County/South-Carolina/Council-approves-reallocation-to-create-landfill-supervisor-position-after-staff-says-it-will-limit-budget-impact","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6352792-acf8bea63c39d1d7de8fd377608169a5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771130998&Signature=OVRZn4ua5orA0kbVZHFY6ei6LQUqAno0PzuYIZWIPmTHdK8txzBAcChpKsAOmLgRKltiV2ffeCmdCNmi1ZhV-L9MWNrpv1WByBakKqBdFVl7Ome-ddl67jXY7qukgtL4nCp-yKEAWgD0hLY1fVR7UKNWAOojB6clkjM6glhDLMywGBlmTd7kZ2G2f9L7NtTeSn2ZBgh4srxa741yW8N22sGHwKsHOPOxyDg1DjwHTFrjV6Xi~50JWpkFSW9pZuKNFt4A9OndT7IEIM6d22BIy4ziogC4SId0J-O5f4R9PLZidE16NXBloJjPxLVZ1DmYKrbg4eozeKyBZ8xUFqLZHw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Chester County Council approved Resolution 2025-4 to amend the county organizational chart and reallocate an existing, budgeted driver position to create a landfill supervisor position in Public Works.

Public Works staff said a planned roll-off truck purchase and driver were budgeted last year to support recycling convenience centers, but delayed equipment delivery and ongoing outsourcing made the driver position less urgent. \"We would like to take that allocation for the driver position and allocate it to a landfill supervisor position, which should have no impact on this year's budget and a minimal impact of $8,000 to $10,000 on next year's budget,\" Recycling and Public Works staff member Bagley said.

Staff described a need for consistent heavy-equipment operation and oversight at the county landfill. \"There are compliance issues... someone needs to be accountable for\" equipment operation and deferred maintenance, Bagley said, adding that the recycling coordinator role is unfilled and the landfill needs dedicated oversight. County Administrator Kenneth Hester said the reallocation could also allow staff to pursue negotiated hauling and compactor purchases that may save money in the long run.

Council approved the resolution by voice vote. Staff said the county has recently hired a part-time administrative assistant and will follow normal hiring procedures for the new position.","The council approved a resolution to amend the county organizational chart and convert a budgeted roll-off truck driver position into a landfill supervisor role; staff said the change has minimal immediate budget impact and improves oversight of landfill operations and deferred maintenance.",{"_33":98,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":99,"_41":100,"_43":101,"_45":102,"_46":103,"_48":104,"_50":105,"_52":106,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":107,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":108,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":55,"_72":55},6352797,"County approves first readings for Vista Resources plan development for up to 114 homes; council, planners and neighbors discuss access and standards",554,4291000,4845000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2222909-cb5783078a01cf05b6c481180ca69304&start=4291&end=4845","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2222909-cb5783078a01cf05b6c481180ca69304/thumbnail_4291000.jpg","/articles/6352797/Chester-County/South-Carolina/County-approves-first-readings-for-Vista-Resources-plan-development-for-up-to-114-homes-council-planners-and-neighbors-discuss-access-and-standards","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6352797-ea7170c8baa57dd39ae325d4a0492f04/orig.mp4?Expires=1771130998&Signature=WgD2xAXGfE8B5XSpzwW9Lm0AdZa1b8PIEoTKNG5iF-uQwsOXvn9kcAkPTZv~oi1eAlK27Fa7brJ10l~JfN1ltkC-GVS~lqab16mN9KO4HqqqIf~lx2PfhS-nTVrJOrtd7Tp5ULezcgVHOfto-KPkzpnhpfS4gV65vKQ4tsbtK4n0JTW4nek6b1JXOtNa~0F2I1alTHTpVoq0ewsCN2d9dNfrAnVUUg5cxfEZQG1LHBoY1uopKz5MNpJD2H5mj0-gwVVs5Q8dcwy~Cz~SHOeWEbqowoJVjGfBgxix62APCEZVI8FWXvaWYWsnqv108zvaYKoz11rG7mDy1FXBYLbtTQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Chester County Council gave first-reading approval to three related rezoning requests from Vista Resources LLC that together would enable a planned development of roughly 45 acres and about 114 homes behind the JA Cochran Bypass. The planning commission recommended approval by 4–1 for the parcels before council.

Planning Director Jeremy Ward said the parcel is roughly 45 acres split across three parcels and that the developer's proposal calls for 114 lots averaging about 6,500 square feet with roughly 35% of the land reserved as open space. \"They are off of Old York Road beside the railroad behind the Dollar General,\" Ward said, summarizing location and design considerations.

Neighbors and council members raised concerns about a proposed secondary access that would connect the new development to an existing residential neighborhood. \"There was concern by some of the neighbors... regarding their second access point,\" Ward said. Staff and the developer agreed on a compromise: a gated emergency access with a Knox Box that would be usable only by emergency personnel. Developer Brady Sanford said the community would likely be built out with streets and infrastructure at once and the model/home site would be near the JA Cochran entrance.

Council members pressed for follow-up technical review. \"If you would like to, I can consult with [Chief Jackson] prior to the second reading,\" Ward said when asked to involve the Chester Fire District. Councilman John Agee asked staff to ensure the fire district and district chief review access for large apparatus and narrow points.

County Administrator Kenneth Hester and Ward said a development agreement is already in progress and would be attached to the rezoning ordinance by third reading if council requires it. Hester said incentives and performance provisions have been discussed informally with the developer and that staff would return with a proposed development agreement and any requested changes before the final vote.

All three first readings (identified in the meeting as CCMA 24-17, CCMA 24-18 and CCMA 24-19) passed on first reading. Council members said the subdivision review, preliminary plat, performance bond and final plat processes remain and that the planning commission and county staff will continue to review stormwater, setbacks, park layout and other technical items before final approval.","Council approved first readings for three related rezoning items filed by Vista Resources LLC to create a planned development of roughly 45 acres and 114 lots; staff and developers agreed to a Knox-box emergency access gate and to work on a development agreement tied to standards and incentives.",{"_33":110,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":111,"_41":112,"_43":113,"_45":114,"_46":115,"_48":116,"_50":117,"_52":118,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":119,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":120,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":55,"_72":55},6352802,"Chester County council approves first reading to replace rural fire commission with county fire board after extended debate",593,1211000,1804000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2222909-cb5783078a01cf05b6c481180ca69304&start=1211&end=1804","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2222909-cb5783078a01cf05b6c481180ca69304/thumbnail_1211000.jpg","/articles/6352802/Chester-County/South-Carolina/Chester-County-council-approves-first-reading-to-replace-rural-fire-commission-with-county-fire-board-after-extended-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6352802-0391567ed76bbdface6e02ee1a84b9a7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771130998&Signature=D-mYMTqDMxP~B-FhSegdDgdiWlq7CjksWpJH-owbVmZHIK9JKCKhWxVLrtDmgVQkjfsxjvBPO2hHNnIGHuBgXfLXYsXNT0p7DHPgXKuj9wIwY~UQr3eDOsCUs6D7siTmsEPXa3FEO2GKCJ7MEYOJxeVos5jGUV-bgKjx8Cz9NOwqPUUVHLazuf~hDa3Q0Mjz2WdgN06sq9LiFT-IuGab84wf5w0RI-OeZD18A-Tz3G~naqXbDfsJdQJIYkQCltAyCiucXNWO~LdQA~bEaX30T6tUkTx4XvN8bzjaRWHJ0sJcMtgDillasUPJtqWxpk9rE0q-cl-LAkN5Ri7sXokcRg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Chester County Council voted 6–1 on first reading of an ordinance to dissolve the county's Rural Fire Board and establish a new Chester County Fire Service Board, following more than an hour of public remarks and council discussion about oversight, operational authority and accountability.

Supporters said the new board is intended to improve communication among the county's 12 volunteer fire departments and provide a single pipeline for financial and strategic planning. \"The plan has been discussed with council. The plan has been discussed with fire chiefs,\" County Administrator Kenneth Hester said, adding the change is intended to \"allow for communication, for oversight of finances that we are all... responsible for.\"

The ordinance began as language creating an \"advisory\" board but county staff said the word \"advisory\" would be removed; council members and fire personnel clarified that the board would be chaired by the county's fire director and would include representation from each department. \"The board will play a pivotal role in advising on a strategic use of resources to best serve our community,\" Director Kale Benson said, describing a board composed of chiefs or their designees and chaired by the county fire director.

Opponents and some council members urged caution. Councilman John Agee and others expressed concern about taking authority from boards that were created by special-purpose tax districts and stressed that some chiefs answer to locally appointed boards. \"If it's broke... then we're broke,\" Agee said, urging that a plan and clearer communication precede structural change. Several chiefs and volunteer firefighters spoke during the discussion calling for clarity on whether chiefs would serve on the new board and how decisions would be made and recorded.

County staff and the fire director said the board would not direct day-to-day operations of individual departments and that statutory protections for fire chiefs' operational authority remain. Benson said the board would handle county-level planning, capital priorities and coordination, including a countywide fire plan, equipment maintenance planning and collective budgeting for more than $2 million in annual capital spending. Hester said the board is meant to improve \"transparency of finance decisions regarding the allocations of county fire funds, enhancing services to our taxpayers, and eliminating duplication of services.\"

After discussion the chair called the vote on first reading; the motion passed 6–1.

Council members and staff said the ordinance will return for two additional readings, giving time for further input from chiefs and departments. Councilman Doug Raines, who chairs related committees, said the three-reading process provides opportunity for refinement and additional briefing to chiefs and district boards.

The county did not take final action on the ordinance during this meeting; the item remains pending second and third readings.","The council approved first reading of an ordinance to dissolve the Chester County Rural Fire Board and establish a county fire board (formerly described as an advisory board) after lengthy discussion about accountability, chief representation and oversight of county fire funding; vote was 6–1 on first reading.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Councilman urges county to seek seat at table as municipalities pursue annexation; council asks administrator to initiate talks

Organizers ask Chester County for $15,000 to revive "Christmas in Chester" event for children

Council approves reallocation to create landfill supervisor position after staff says it will limit budget impact

County approves first readings for Vista Resources plan development for up to 114 homes; council, planners and neighbors discuss access and standards

Chester County council approves first reading to replace rural fire commission with county fire board after extended debate