Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Charleston County Council approves amendment to Metal Trades LLC fee-in-lieu after public debate
Summary
On Oct. 28, 2025, Charleston County Council approved an amendment to a fee-in-lieu of tax agreement with Metal Trades LLC (formerly Project Flare), extending the investment period and changing assessment ratios; the measure passed third reading 7-2 after public comment and a council debate over tax giveaways, transparency and community values.
CHARLESTON, S.C. — Charleston County Council approved on Oct. 28 an ordinance amending a fee-in-lieu of tax agreement with Metal Trades LLC, formally identified in county materials as Project Flare, advancing an amended deal the county says expands the original $14 million package to a larger investment figure and adjusts the assessment ratio for the property.
Councilmember Boykin and other members said the change reduces the assessment ratio from 10.5% to 6% and, according to staff remarks on the record, ties to a revised total investment figure now characterized as $66 million. The amendment passed third reading by roll call, recorded as seven ayes and two nays.
The vote followed extended public comment in which several speakers urged the council to revoke or reconsider incentives tied to defense contractors. Miranda, a…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
