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Kingstree council adopts 2025-26 budget, approves Depot lease; water-rate increase gets first reading
Summary
The Kingstree Town Council adopted the 2025-26 budget, approved a lease for the Depot to a Manning restaurateur, and gave unanimous first reading to a proposed water-rate increase. The council also authorized staff to pursue a property appraisal with the Williamsburg Historical Society (one member recused).
Kingstree’s Town Council on June 16 adopted the town's 2025-26 budget and approved a lease for the Depot to a local restaurateur, while giving first reading to a proposed water-rate increase.
The council gave final approval to Ordinance 2025-02, the town's 2025-26 budget. Councilman C.M. (Bubba) Hammet moved the ordinance; Councilman Chris Williams seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
Why it matters: adopting the budget sets spending priorities for the fiscal year and funds ongoing operations and projects the council discussed earlier in the meeting.
The council also approved the first reading of Ordinance 2025-03, a proposed increase to water rates. Councilman Williams moved the first reading and Councilman Frankie D. White seconded; the reading passed unanimously and will return for a future second reading and final vote.
New restaurant lease: Town Manager Kippton W. Coker introduced Henry Campos, a Manning resident and food-truck owner who told the council he plans a Latin/Southern restaurant at the Depot, tentatively called "The King's Bistro," with daily service and Sunday brunch. The town attorney prepared the lease included in the meeting packet; Coker said the lease would take effect July 1, 2025, with Campos aiming to open in August. Coker said the lease is $850 per month and that Campos will pay one year's rent up front. Councilwoman Michelle Butterworth moved to approve the lease; Councilman Williams seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Votes at a glance: - Ordinance 2025-02 (2025-26 Budget): Motion by C.M. (Bubba) Hammet; seconded by Chris Williams; outcome: approved (motion carried unanimously). - Ordinance 2025-03 (Water rate increase, first reading): Motion by Chris Williams; seconded by Frankie D. White; outcome: first reading carried unanimously (final adoption pending second reading). - Depot lease to Henry Campos: Motion by Michelle Butterworth; seconded by Chris Williams; outcome: approved (motion carried unanimously).
What to watch next: the water-rate ordinance will return for a second reading before any rate change takes effect. Mr. Campos' planned opening timeline (August 2025) and finalized menu were the next operational steps discussed by staff.
Sources and attribution: statements and motions recorded in the council meeting minutes and meeting packet as presented by Town Manager Kippton W. Coker and attendees, including remarks from Henry Campos. No dissenting votes were recorded in the minutes for these items; Councilman Stan Williamson was listed as absent for the meeting.
The council adjourned after routine closing remarks from Mayor Darren Tisdale.
