Marlboro County Council approves first reading of fee‑in‑lieu tax agreement for Project Cranberry Cousins

Marlboro County Council approved the first reading (title only) of Ordinance #879 on Feb. 10, a measure authorizing a fee‑in‑lieu of ad valorem tax (FILOT) agreement under Title 12, Chapter 44 of the South Carolina Code with a company identified in the minutes as “Project Cranberry Cousins.” The ordinance was described as applying to private property in the Wallace area.

The motion to approve first reading was made by Councilmember Anthony Woods and seconded by Councilmember Steve Blackmon. The measure passed 4–3; votes in favor were Woods, Blackmon, Lafayette Jackson and Dr. Damien Johnson. Opposing votes were cast by Jason Steen, Pearly Lawson and Verd Odom. Charles P. Midgley Jr. was not present for the vote.

Tonny McNeil, the county’s Economic Development Director, discussed the ordinance briefly for council. The minutes record that the ordinance would provide for a FILOT incentive and certain special‑source revenue credits for the benefit of the project; no additional substantive terms or dollar amounts were included in the meeting minutes. The ordinance was taken on first reading (title only), meaning more detailed consideration and any subsequent readings or public hearings will come later in the process.

Council had entered executive session earlier in the meeting to discuss contractual matters related to an economic development issue; the chairman said the body took no votes or decisions in executive session and returned to open session before the ordinance reading.

The first reading advances the county’s ability to negotiate and execute a FILOT agreement under state law, but it does not finalize the agreement or the special‑source credits described by the ordinance. The minutes do not specify a timeline for further readings, public hearings or final approval.