Lexington County committee approves resolution and clears first reading for Burton Road project fee‑in‑lieu

The Lexington County economic development committee approved a resolution and advanced an ordinance tied to a prospective industrial project on a voice vote after a closed executive session.

The committee voted to adopt Resolution 25‑04, which the county said identifies a project to satisfy the requirements of South Carolina Code §12‑44‑40 and would enable investment expenditures by Burton Road Part Partners LLC and Mojo Pouches North American Inc. to qualify for a fee‑in‑lieu of tax arrangement. The body also approved first reading by title of Ordinance 25‑15, authorizing execution and delivery of a fee agreement and related special source revenue credit with the same parties; staff identified the development earlier in the meeting as formerly known as Project Columbus.

The actions followed an executive session to discuss business‑attraction and a privileged legal briefing. The chair moved the resolutions and the committee recorded a motion and second; votes were taken by voice and the chair announced the motions passed. Staff did not provide a roll‑call tally in the committee meeting transcript.

Why it matters: fee‑in‑lieu agreements shift potential property tax treatment for large industrial projects and are commonly used by counties to secure job‑creation or investment commitments; first reading advances the transaction to further legal review and subsequent council consideration.

What happens next: Ordinance 25‑15 proceeds to the next steps required by county procedure for ordinances (additional readings and final council action). The transcript shows no finalized fee agreement language in committee; staff and the county attorney will prepare documents for upcoming consideration.