Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Wildlife Management topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Tega Cay council authorizes city to ask SCDNR for additional deer cull; vote 6–1
Summary
Council authorized staff to appeal to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources for an additional 80 deer-cull permits (contingent on completion of the first permit); council discussed funding (reserves) and timing and recorded one nay vote.
The Tega Cay City Council voted Dec. 16 to authorize city staff to submit an appeal to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) requesting an additional 80 deer to be culled as part of the city’s wildlife-management program, contingent on completion of the initial permit.
Staff explained SCDNR typically permits culling of up to 80 deer; entities may appeal to SCDNR to request another 80. Council members discussed funding the additional operation (estimated at about $30,000) from operational contingency or reserves and noted that any funding authorization would return to council at a later meeting if needed. Council asked who would attend the SCDNR meeting (Jan. 16) and confirmed staff will follow normal notification deadlines (staff must notify SCDNR by Jan. 6 to be considered for the Jan. 16 board meeting).
Why it matters: The additional cull is aimed at controlling local deer populations linked to vehicle collisions and ecological concerns; it requires coordination with state wildlife authorities and local budget planning.
Vote and dissent: Council authorized the staff appeal, and the motion carried with one recorded nay (Brian), who stated reservations about both funding and the broader approach. Staff said the city has money available but that a subsequent council vote may be required to appropriate funds for the actual cull if the permit is granted.
Outcome: Motion to authorize staff to submit an appeal to SCDNR for an additional 80 deer culls, contingent on completion of the first permit — approved (6–1).
