Sumter County council unanimously adopts resolution to pursue incentives for "Project Ignis"

Sumter County Council on Feb. 14 unanimously adopted Resolution R-23-01 to identify a prospective economic development investment called 'Project Ignis' and authorize county staff to negotiate tax-incentive agreements.

County Attorney Johnathan Bryan presented the resolution and the related Ordinance #23-985, describing the incentives the county would consider if the company commits to the project. Bryan said the resolution "is to show good faith efforts on behalf of the County as it relates to the Company which is called Project Ignis." The resolution identifies proposed incentives including a 30-year fee-in-lieu-of-ad valorem taxes (FILOT) arrangement with a fixed assessment ratio of 6 percent, a millage rate set to the lowest rate permitted under state law, and Special Source Revenue Credits: an annual 40% credit for five years, followed by an annual 30% credit for the next five years, contingent on the company's meeting commitments set in a later fee agreement.

Bryan told council the county determined under Title 12, Chapter 44 of the South Carolina Code that, based on information provided by the company, the project "will benefit the general public welfare of the County" and that the benefits outweigh public costs, subject to verification in future agreements. Councilman Edens moved adoption of the resolution; Councilman Baker seconded the motion and the full council voted unanimously to adopt R-23-01 and authorize the chair and clerk to execute the resolution.

Ordinance #23-985, which would authorize execution of a FILOT agreement and related Special Source Revenue Credit agreement, was presented for first reading by title only and approved on first reading by unanimous vote. County materials in the meeting packet show the ordinance and resolution are intended to allow negotiation of a fee agreement and other documents if and when the company — identified in the record only as Project Ignis — satisfies conditions required by law and county policy.

Fiscal Committee records in the meeting packet show the Economic Development staff briefed the Fiscal, Tax & Property Committee in executive session about Project Ignis prior to the full meeting; no executive session of the full council was held that night. The resolution and the ordinance approval do not finalize any incentives; they authorize identification of the project and negotiation of agreements that will return for later approval with required specifics.