[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-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",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":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,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6555088,"mediaKeyId","3847838-1fd921d0245f01d7b0e9cda2c109c406","parentId",3847838,"title","Dorchester County proclaims Parks & Recreation Month and moves to expand Ashley River Park with donated land","audioSeconds",6729,"startMs",125000,"endMs",6854000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3847838-1fd921d0245f01d7b0e9cda2c109c406&start=125&end=6854","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3847838-1fd921d0245f01d7b0e9cda2c109c406/thumbnail_125000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6555088/Dorchester-County/South-Carolina/Dorchester-County-proclaims-Parks-Recreation-Month-and-moves-to-expand-Ashley-River-Park-with-donated-land","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6555088-e86fa57e161bb6da9eb0ff0d3117af78/orig.mp4?Expires=1776183167&Signature=MfVz7FGJlsJkddMVu4D4rcG7FNjdLBi~lfYN8WdN-1-W4Wy4pbITrPQE~XjNu9WBz2Kkw2zmRFvBN6Ns1YGL3d8fTL-XQei-5YbVzv0iv38WfA4RV6YRZxbaZ4sWQa~YCqJCQpvUtD7fGS5o2Liinjx6Ppkd4tpazz5OeB0v6VGH6CsYBgXmuB0zcmDWONALRpF3IXQfxuw8DU27Y0773qIRtx7X-0PYLUBVLSyc7Me3WxUq5vgO23Ot11RCpit-y6MEyz2WrF2xk95ebBIPbJTsyKhzz8TaCY23c3XJTSbeI92JKx1PF~zsBEMl4tLyB4mWZqsKuGT06CgJztl6~A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Dorchester County Public Meetings","date","2025-06-17T12:09:29Z","article","Dorchester County Council on June 16 adopted Proclamation 25-11 declaring July 2025 National Parks and Recreation Month and discussed several park projects and a proposed expansion of Ashley River Park.

At the start of the meeting, Parks presenter Mr. Byers read the proclamation recognizing the role parks play in health, recreation and local tourism. Council voted to adopt the proclamation (6 in favor, 1 absent).

Council heard updates on multiple park and recreation projects: Pine Trace Park is under construction with play components about 50% complete and site power live; fixtures, furnishings and equipment are expected in the coming weeks. Oakbrook Sports Complex held a pre-construction meeting and is coordinating scope and schedule with the YMCA. Staff noted the county will soon announce a groundbreaking or ribbon-cutting for a large property described in the meeting as more than 1,600 acres off Old Beach Hill Road; the county indicated the site is in active coordination with the South Carolina Forestry Commission and the Open Land Trust.

During discussion of the capital improvement plan, council and staff also raised the prospect of including a public shooting range and law-enforcement training range on the large property; staff said the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and other partners previously showed interest and that some federal programs offered a 90/10 grant match for range construction. The sheriff
nd other county partners would be involved if the project proceeds.

Late in the meeting, after executive session, the council authorized the county administrator to execute documents to accept two parcels of land from Lennar/Coastal Carolina totaling approximately 135 acres along the Ashley River (motion recorded as 6 in favor, 1 absent). Council members described the donation as a potential major expansion of Ashley River Park and a community asset. Councilmember Myers called the potential addition \"a huge win for this community.\" The transfer authorization directs staff to complete required documentation and conveyances.

Why it matters: the county is progressing multiple recreation projects and is preparing to add a large tract to the county park system, which could expand public access along the Ashley River and provide room for new amenities.

Ending: With the proclamation, project updates and authorization to accept donated land, Dorchester County signaled a renewed emphasis on parks, open space and recreation infrastructure. Staff said more details on groundbreaking dates and project timelines will be announced as agreements and permits are finalized.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Dorchester County Council Meeting 06.16.2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council proclaimed July 2025 as Parks and Recreation Month, heard project updates for Pine Trace Park and Oakbrook Sports Complex, and approved the transfer of roughly 135 acres along the Ashley River from Lennar to the county for park expansion.","taxTitle","Dorchester County, South Carolina","taxId",4553,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6555091,"Votes at a glance: council approves zoning, hospitality-tax changes, CIP, appointments and grants",2553,553000,3106000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3847838-1fd921d0245f01d7b0e9cda2c109c406&start=553&end=3106","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3847838-1fd921d0245f01d7b0e9cda2c109c406/thumbnail_553000.jpg","/articles/6555091/Dorchester-County/South-Carolina/Votes-at-a-glance-council-approves-zoning-hospitality-tax-changes-CIP-appointments-and-grants","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6555091-ea14c50c96b461574f3214e26f7153ac/orig.mp4?Expires=1776183167&Signature=Ra-jKJlqfr7T705y0chwj7Ymc1-qDzLOJhardUCvlDM4nGa5QUBwxdWaXrdwlak5fiJA~ocjR1XJIMSLE4ngkRcqBa92cS-8w2bmRhkkWs8Km2mDgB1nbrwe24CJwMahx1mlOxlK1ujksmA2OXFJuldSZZzBDaw3z9kldILUenB-91cPPR5JC0zrv4mW9tctdKM02aKJG71eYzQ-xgL-6jHIKLqI4JMezdTn5D1AEwzOrE973sYigJkmvy0yLjg50UDGPBtGoAVC2LyoSqdVQX97ARi3EoXn3tNr11eaqKtHQhebnn5vx8JZn-GJVMBgDG8eApHLM7SzShznQqh4nQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dorchester County Council approved a series of ordinances, resolutions, and administrative actions on June 16, including zoning amendments, hospitality-tax distribution changes, the county capital improvement plan and several appointments and grant-related items. Most recorded votes were 6 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent.

Key outcomes (motions, ordinance/resolution numbers and outcomes):

- Proclamation 25-11: Proclaimed July 2025 as National Parks and Recreation Month in Dorchester County. Adopted (6 in favor, 1 absent).

- Ordinance 25-09: Third reading and adoption to amend Dorchester County zoning and land development standards (Article 21, required improvement construction standards; streets). Adopted (unanimous; 6 in favor, 1 absent).

- Ordinance 25-10: Third reading to amend distribution of hospitality-tax funds (Chapter 20, Article 5). Adopted (6 in favor, 1 absent).

- Resolution 25-09: Fiscal year capital improvement plan for 2026 through 2030. Adopted (6 in favor, 1 absent).

- Resolutions/ordinances related to industrial park and fee-in-lieu arrangements for Ashley Phosphate Owner LLC: second readings approved; council recorded votes in favor (6 in favor, 1 absent).

- Ordinance 25-01: Official map/rezoning cleanup for multiple parcels to industrial and commercial-light districts (third reading). Adopted (6 in favor, 1 absent).

- Rezoning request #931 (Wanda Lenore): Rezone 1.7 acres at 1636 Central Avenue from Office & Institutional (OI) to General Commercial (CG) — third reading and adopted (6 in favor, 1 absent).

- Appointment: Commission and appointment of a code-enforcement officer (Mr. Cabrera) to issue summons under county animal ordinances. Approved (6 in favor, 1 absent).

- Disaster fund reimbursement: Approved reimbursement to the county disaster fund (formerly Rainy Day Fund) of $1,212,481.50 for Tropical Storm Debbie-related emergency overtime. Approved (6 in favor, 1 absent).

- Community Needs Assessment amendment (sidewalks): Council approved amending the community needs assessment to list sidewalks as a priority to pursue Community Development Block Grant funding in phased projects; the county estimates approximately $4 million for multi-phase work and may apply for up to $750,000 per year in CDBG funding. Approved (6 in favor, 1 absent).

- Animal-shelter funding: Council approved a second amendment to the contract between Dorchester County and the Dorchester Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Dorchester P.A.S.) to increase funding by $111,000 effective July 1, bringing the total county allocation to $527,160 for FY2025-26. Approved (6 in favor, 1 absent).

Several items were handled by second reading or referral to committee (for example, an ordinance to create a separate use group for childcare centers was given first reading and referred to the Planning, Development and Building Committee).

Ending: Most action items were routine or noncontroversial and passed by unanimous recorded voice or roll-call tally (6\u000for, 1 absent). The council recorded no votes against these measures during the June 16 session.","Dorchester County Council on June 16 approved multiple ordinances, resolutions and administrative motions in quick succession; most measures passed unanimously (6–0, 1 absent).",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6555096,"Dorchester County adopts $2025–26 budget after school millage amendments; council debates state funding formula",384,2185000,2569000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3847838-1fd921d0245f01d7b0e9cda2c109c406&start=2185&end=2569","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3847838-1fd921d0245f01d7b0e9cda2c109c406/thumbnail_2185000.jpg","/articles/6555096/Dorchester-County/South-Carolina/Dorchester-County-adopts-202526-budget-after-school-millage-amendments-council-debates-state-funding-formula","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6555096-c669890da1b3d2696d3c1712d4099aa7/orig.mp4?Expires=1776183167&Signature=bRAu9Fe6NiJYvvnZC-~5AD2Zn19KR0WPOFPeEWonWJnHCGlXYj8cZUQLVD7JMHzTZVFdKnZkhWAajN6cVxaJzg-xJdlqA9lwFDg8ZNd3qA4VOQR-KE-LdkCfEROk8FURMsD4tEDZjZ20ZBfxVmf3o~ZmVtkE9eeld~h1jVaH472gNb10-NUzphK47j-i0sTpBTfZ7DxDwssG4n8qZQJ~nkmA3UjHMSeOZ96ujUHajCGJtaUaej9OmFlUWnEDJln5W8k5i8nwSyp0lmBKNnqivu4xhQaagyfupwPiVHtkt01UDagIbJqTWWYfuxp0pDi4FYcUwODBCyRyCx3Lu1Fz-A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dorchester County Council on June 16 adopted the county\u000budget ordinance for fiscal year 2025
nd 2026 (Ordinance 25-11) after approving two amendments that adjust school millage allocations for School Districts 2 and 4.

The vote to adopt the budget as amended was 6 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent.

The council first voted to add 7.6 mills to School District 2, a change totaling $4,382,502. Council members then approved an adjustment that reduced another previously proposed allocation for District 2; the final county contribution shown in the meeting packet for District 2 was $130,221,328. The packet showed a final County appropriation for School District 4 of $23,599,341.

Why it matters: the school-millage adjustments were the most contested part of the budget discussion. Council members characterized the changes as necessary to address what they described as an inequitable effect of the state\u000funding formula on Dorchester County school districts. One councilmember said the county has been \"decimated\" by the formula and urged coordinated legal or legislative action with similarly affected counties.

Denise Christmas, deputy county administrator and chief financial officer, presented the May monthly budget report before the vote. She told council that general-fund revenues were roughly 92.6% collected and expenditures about 83.7% of budget, and that property tax collections were being posted into June and July. She also reported that the county\u000budget was updated to reflect $88.3 million in 2024 revenue bond proceeds for the water and sewer fund and that the county had $3,299,862 in remaining ARPA funds available to spend through the statutory deadline.

Council discussion touched on several budget-related lines: business license fees and building permits were reported to be at or slightly above budget; the capital fund is showing lower revenue because the use of fund balance was budgeted rather than collected; and the water and sewer fund reflected the revenue-bond amendment.

The council and staff also discussed the county\rebt capacity. County staff reported available constitutional debt capacity under an 8% cap of about $45.5 million.

After council approved the school millage amendments and adopted the budget with no county-wide tax increase outside the school-district adjustments, Denise Christmas thanked council and staff for their work on the budget.

Ending: Council adopted the budget and several related amendments during the June 16 meeting; the adopted ordinance completes the county
ppropriations for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026.","Dorchester County Council adopted its fiscal year 2025–26 budget on June 16, approving amendments raising millage for School Districts 2 and 4. Councilmembers pressed the limits of state funding rules during debate and recorded a 6–0 vote with one member absent.","actionData","errors"]

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Dorchester County proclaims Parks & Recreation Month and moves to expand Ashley River Park with donated land

Votes at a glance: council approves zoning, hospitality-tax changes, CIP, appointments and grants

Dorchester County adopts $2025–26 budget after school millage amendments; council debates state funding formula