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Council amends, approves ordinance to distribute fee-in-lieu revenues to school districts
Summary
Council amended Ordinance 55-2024-25 (adding the word 'district' and updating references) and approved it to provide for distribution of fees-in-lieu of taxes to Florence County school districts, a measure supporters said will help underfunded rural districts.
The council amended and approved Ordinance 55-2024-25 on Nov. 21, authorizing how fee-in-lieu revenues from certain multi-county business or industrial parks will be distributed to school operating purposes in Florence County School District 1 and across other districts as specified. A council member moved specific textual amendments (inserting 'district' in the title, updating a cross-reference from Ordinance 52-2022 to 53-2022, and replacing phrasing to 'to allow'), and the motion as amended passed by voice vote.
Mark Campbell, chair of the Florence School District 2 board, spoke during appearances to support the ordinance, citing enrollment and achievement gains in District 2 and arguing equitable distribution would help smaller and rural districts attract industry and improve outcomes: "We can do better... I hope the council will do what they think is in the best interest for the entire county." Council members on both sides discussed concerns that the change would reallocate funds between districts; supporters said the ordinance enables countywide investment and helps districts with weaker ability to raise operational funds.
