Sumter County Council gives second reading to tax-incentive ordinance for anonymous $65.9M 'Project Ignis'
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Summary
County Council granted second reading to an ordinance authorizing tax incentives and a special source revenue credit for an anonymized industrial project called Project Ignis, described by the county attorney as a $65.9 million investment expected to create about 300 jobs; a public hearing is scheduled before final approval.
County Attorney Johnathan Bryan told Sumter County Council on April 11 that Ordinance 23-986 would authorize a Fee‑In‑Lieu of Ad Valorem Taxes (FILOT) agreement and a Special Source Revenue Credit for an industrial project the county is calling Project Ignis. "This ordinance pertains to an industrial project known as Project Ignis," Bryan said, describing a total project investment of $65,900,000, including $36,500,000 in new equipment and machinery and $25,300,000 in building renovations.
Bryan said the renovations would not qualify for the FILOT but the new equipment would. He described proposed terms discussed in the ordinance text — a 30‑year agreement, a 6% assessment ratio and fixed millage — and said the agreement includes clawback provisions. The project would participate in a multi‑county industrial park with Clarendon and Sumter counties, and the company is expected to hire roughly 300 employees at an approximate hourly rate of $20.
Council members moved the ordinance forward on second reading without recorded opposition. Vice Chairman James R. Byrd, Jr. made the motion to grant second reading; Councilman Artie Baker seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
A public hearing on the ordinance is scheduled for April 25, 2023; Bryan told the council the company will remain anonymous until it makes an official announcement prior to third reading.
Why it matters: FILOT and special source revenue credits directly affect the tax treatment of new investments and can reduce upfront costs for companies while shifting some long‑term tax revenue dynamics for local governments. Council will consider public input at the April 25 hearing before any final approval.
What’s next: The ordinance proceeds to a public hearing on April 25, after which Council may consider third reading and final approval.