McCormick County Council took several formal actions during its Oct. 21 meeting. The items below summarize motions and outcomes recorded on the meeting transcript. Where the transcript recorded a formal vote count, that count is shown; where a tally was not specified the outcome is reported as recorded.

Votes and formal actions (summary)

1) Ordinance 25‑07 — Establishing an accommodations tax advisory committee (state accommodations tax) — second reading approved

- Motion: second reading of ordinance 25‑07 to create the advisory committee that will review state accommodations tax proposals and allocations.
- Outcome: Council approved the ordinance on second reading. The transcript records the action as “all in favor… It carries.” (no numeric roll-call provided in transcript).
- Notes: Council members discussed coordinating the committee’s work with a potential local accommodations tax; some members asked to consider both ordinances together at a future meeting.

2) Ordinance 25‑08 — Local accommodations tax (title-only) — passed title-only; one council member opposed

- Motion: title-only reading of ordinance 25‑08, authorizing a local accommodations tax (up to 3% in unincorporated areas).
- Outcome: Council approved title-only reading; the transcript records “All in favor of title only, right hand, please. 1 opposed.”
- Notes: Members discussed administration, affected businesses (state-park cabins and campsites noted as principal revenue sources) and potential governance issues; a fuller discussion was deferred to the ordinance’s later readings.

3) Ordinance 25‑09 — Purchasing limits for department heads (title-only)

- Motion: title-only reading for an amendment to the county purchasing thresholds and delegated authority for department heads and the administrator.
- Outcome: Approved on title-only reading; further debate expected on second reading.

4) Ordinance 25‑10 — Amended and restated solid waste service agreement and authorization to issue bonds (title-only)

- Motion: title-only reading to authorize execution of an amended solid-waste service agreement with 3 Rivers Solid Waste Authority and to allow the authority to issue revenue bonds up to $30 million for construction of a new landfill cell.
- Outcome: Approved on title-only reading. Council discussed legal and fiscal implications and asked staff and counsel to review contract language before final approval.

5) Resolution O‑25‑25 — Bonding of county employees (annual bonding)

- Motion: annual approval of employee bonding coverage (blanket fidelity bond option discussed). The administrator was authorized to make determinations about bonding approaches; a proposed amendment to have the administrator bring a recommendation to council failed for lack of a second.
- Outcome: Resolution passed. The transcript records two council members opposed to the resolution.
- Notes: Council discussed whether the administrator should have discretion to select blanket fidelity coverage versus statutorily required individual bonds and whether council should make that choice.

6) Plum Branch water/sewer project — county share up to $25,000 (water and sewer department)

- Motion: Council to consider funding half the cost of a water/sewer project in Plum Branch, not to exceed $25,000 from the water and sewer fund, to relocate a water line and provide hydrant access for historic buildings and businesses.
- Outcome: Approved by council. Transcript records “All in favor, right hand. 3. All opposed? 1 opposed.”
- Notes: Some council members asked to see a written request and engineering documentation before voting; council approved despite those requests after receiving verbal assurances and cost quotes.

7) Appointments and proclamations

- William Kilty was appointed to the Savannah Lakes Special Tax Commission to replace a departing member (motion approved).
- Standing committee appointments for council were presented and approved; council members noted the county ordinance governing committee terms and said the committee structure should be reviewed in the coming months.
- Proclamation recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month was approved.

Ending: Several items passed on title-only readings and will return for subsequent readings and/or council review. Council requested additional legal and fiscal review for the 3 Rivers service agreement and asked staff to provide documentation requested by council members on the Plum Branch project.