Two community presentations took center stage at the Hampton County Council meeting on Dec. 15.

Ashley Biester, representing Palmetto Electric Cooperative, presented the county with a $600,000 utility tax-credit check intended to support property acquisition for phase 2 of the Southern Carolina Industrial Campus. Biester said Palmetto Electric will add another $42,800 in cooperative pool funds later this month and that, combined with prior contributions, the cooperative’s support for phase 2 has exceeded $2,250,000 over the last four years. She framed the investment as preparing the county for future growth and attracting economic development projects.

Separately, Tashara Morgan, director for the Hampton County Board of Voter Registration and Elections, described an educational visit to Barnville Elementary. Morgan brought voting machines to three second-grade classes on Nov. 19 so students could hold a mock election for symbolic seats including president, governor, mayor and county council; nine students were recognized as honorary "junior council members." The council and staff participated in a ceremonial photo and swearing-in of present students and certificates were to be sent to students who were not in the chambers.

The presentations offered both an economic-development update and a civic-engagement moment for local students. The council thanked the presenters and staff and noted continued partnership with Palmetto Electric and the school district.

What's next: Palmetto Electric said it will deliver additional cooperative pool funds later this month; county and regional economic-development staff said they will continue outreach around phase 2 of the Southern Carolina Industrial Campus.