Kershaw County Council advances 2025–26 budget after amendments; public urged caution on taxpayer impacts

KAMDEN, S.C. — Kershaw County Council on Tuesday approved second reading of the 2025–26 fiscal year budget after voting through two amendments that reduced a proposed millage increase and authorized a transfer from fire reserves to purchase apparatus.

The amended budget passed on second reading after debate and two successful council amendments. The body voted 5‑2 on the Cato amendment that reduced the proposed general‑fund millage increase from four mills to 3.5 mills and shifted portions of the revenue to specific fees; Councilman Ben Cato sponsored that amendment. The council also approved the “Tucker amendment,” which authorized a $547,762 transfer from the county’s fire reserve to fire operations to buy two fire trucks that staff said are available and priced below expected replacement costs.

How the council amended the budget: - Cato amendment: Councilman Ben Cato proposed and the council adopted an amendment that reduced the county’s proposed general‑fund millage increase from 4.0 mills to 3.5 mills. The motion also adjusted proposed fee changes so the net impact to taxpayers would be smaller, relying in part on the county’s expected local option sales tax reimbursement. Supporters argued the change would avoid an immediate tax burden while maintaining revenue for priorities; opponents said some fee adjustments would still be necessary. - Tucker amendment: The council approved a one‑time transfer of $547,762 from the county’s fire reserve to operations so the county could purchase two available fire apparatus that staff said would otherwise face long build times and higher costs in the future.

Vote on second reading: After the amendments, Council approved second reading of the budget. The second‑reading tally on the budget as amended was 5‑2: Councilmen Derek Shoemake, Tucker, Ben Connell, Ben Cato and Ryan Thomason in favor; Councilmen Russell Brazel and Jimmy Jones opposed.

Why the amendments: Council members and public speakers stressed sensitivity to taxpayers amid uncertain state and federal policy changes and upcoming property reappraisals. Several council members also emphasized the county’s need to invest in public safety and to keep the county’s ISO fire rating stable. Chief arguments included: - Fiscal caution: Several speakers urged staff and council to limit fee increases and find savings to avoid placing additional burdens on households facing inflation and potential reassessments. - Public safety: Council members supported purchasing ready‑to‑deliver fire apparatus now to avoid multiyear build waits and likely higher prices later.

Public comment and context: Earlier in the meeting a large group of residents urged the council to adopt a moratorium on large developments so the county could rewrite its comprehensive plan and subdivision rules; several of those speakers also urged careful attention to the budget and the impact of growth on schools, water supplies and roads. Multiple speakers raised concerns about tree loss and water quality near Lake Watery and the Upper Catawba River system; council members said those are topics they plan to discuss alongside zoning changes.

What the budget includes: Staff and the finance committee produced a package that included a 4‑mill proposal originally; after amendments the council reduced the proposed mill increase to 3.5 mills. The budget also contains increases in some user fees and a proposal to expand fire staffing over several years. In committee, council members and administration discussed a range of line‑item changes and some corrections staff agreed to make before final adoption. The budget process included a finance committee review and multiple work sessions.

Next steps and timing: Council scheduled third reading of the budget for June 17 (the council moved one meeting in June because of summer travel schedules). Council members asked staff to provide more detailed line‑item analyses on selected items before third reading and to document funding sources for any late requests.

Speakers (selected): - Ben Cato, Councilman (sponsor of millage reduction amendment) - Ben Tucker, Councilman (sponsor of fire reserve transfer) - Derek Shoemake, Councilman - Jimmy Jones, Councilman

Ending: Council members said they expect to continue negotiations with staff between second and third readings; they stressed the need to balance taxpayer protection with investments in public safety and infrastructure.