College seeks transfer of Union campus property as part of $5 million expansion proposal

Dr. Michael Mikota, president of Spartanburg Community College, told Union County Council that SCC has expanded workforce programming at the Union campus and wants to add specialized labs and training for construction trades and linemen to meet anticipated employer needs in the area. He said SCC would like the county to transfer the campus property into the college's name so SCC could invest $5 million toward a new addition.

Chairman Phillip G. Russell II explained that the building is currently owned by the county because it was grant-funded and that, under state practice, universities and state agencies often cannot invest in buildings they do not own. Russell recommended referring the request to the Public Works/Roads/Bridges Committee for further review; Councilman Danny Bright made the motion and Councilperson Annie Smith seconded. The referral carried unanimously.

Amanda Painter and Nikki Burgess, members of SCC's workforce team, said SCC is coordinating with the district superintendent and school staff to ensure the new programs complement local K–12 offerings and do not duplicate services. Painter noted SCC has dedicated support staff for the Union campus and intends to tailor programs to incoming employers, citing linemen training as an example that would align with prospective companies such as Eaton.

The committee referral assigns staff and council committee members to review property-transfer mechanics, potential county maintenance liabilities, and how an ownership transfer would affect future county obligations. Vice Chair David Sinclair will set the committee meeting date. The Council did not make any authorization to transfer property or to commit county funds at the meeting; further committee work was requested before any final action.