The Florence County Council retreat was scheduled to cover CPST4, water and sewer authority, manned convenience centers, zoning, TIF and conservation. The schedule also included an executive session on economic development matters and an open discussion that included a consolidated fire update.
Discussion Points
•The agenda lists CPST4, water and sewer authority, manned convenience centers, zoning, TIF, conservation, economic development matters and a consolidated fire update as retreat topics.
Florence County Council met Oct. 15, 2026. Council approved minutes, heard a domestic-violence awareness presentation, honored retiring county attorney Malloy McCann Jr., approved several resolutions and zoning ordinances, awarded bids for roads and services, and approved appointments and small district expenditures.
Discussion Points
•Administrator explained statutory/ordinance authority to reallocate CPST bond proceeds to projects with cost overruns and detailed amounts for the transfers.
•Administrator provided estimated fund balance and projected receipts to 2038; committee reviewed 14 applications.
•Council members questioned awarding a janitorial contract to an out-of-area firm and asked staff to evaluate local-preference policy and change-order history for low bidders.
•Council praised McCann's long public service and counsel to the county.
•Mitchell warned of rising strangulation cases and domestic homicides in Florence County and urged community-level prevention and support.
•Planning staff explained ordinance purposes and that the Planning Commission recommended the zoning changes; town partners (Atlanta) were acknowledged for collaboration.
Decisions
•All three procurement awards approved by voice vote.
•Committee recommendations approved by council
•Council approved the transfers and project designations by voice vote.
•Ordinances adopted by voice vote
•Resolution adopted by voice vote
Directions
•Staff to gather data on contractor change orders and local-preference benchmarks and report back to council.
Florence County Council met Sept. 17, 2026, at the Bean Market in Lake City. Council approved multiple ordinances and resolutions, awarded several construction bids, advanced road projects under the CPST III program, authorized a $1.02 million land purchase for Industrial Park East, adopted an ADA self-evaluation and transition plan, and approved 58 new Fire Rescue positions.
Discussion Points
•County must maintain current self-evaluation and transition plan; HR Director designated ADA Coordinator.
•Engineer's status report that 296 of 373 CPST projects are complete; multiple district items awaiting bid acceptance or final pay applications.
•Parcel TMS 00306-01-085 (5 acres) to be acquired for Industrial Park East; funding from Economic Development Bond Funds.
•Planning Commission approvals and staff summaries accompanied several zoning changes; several ordinances were approved on third reading with motions by council members.
•Positions intended to support consolidation and meet ESCI Master Plan recommendations; funding source Fund 37.
•Project scope: approximately 4 miles of trails at Burch’s Mill; total cost $365,000; local match 10% (~$65,000).
Decisions
•Adopt multiple ordinances on third reading
•Adopt the plan to satisfy federal requirements
•Approve positions
•Approve purchase
•Authorize grant application
•Award bids as recommended
Directions
•Authorize application and, if awarded, fund match from Local Hospitality Tax funds previously appropriated.
•Authorize County Attorney to execute closing documents.
•County Attorney and staff to finalize code changes and publish updates.
•HR to coordinate compliance efforts, respond to accommodation requests, and administer grievance procedures.
•Proceed with awarded contracts; monitor outstanding district projects and report back.
•Proceed with hiring/absorption as consolidation continues.
Florence County Council met Sept. 17, 2026, approved multiple zoning ordinance amendments and resolutions (including an ADA self-evaluation and CPST3 project designations), awarded several public works contracts, authorized purchases and personnel changes, and approved small infrastructure expenditures before adjourning.
Discussion Points
•Council authorized attorney to execute documents.
•Council voiced support for consistent management practices.
•Each small expenditure was described and motions were called.
•Easement covers specific county parcels with TMS numbers read into the record.
•Funding source for match (hospitality tax) identified.
•Funding source identified as Fund 37.
•Funding sources (CPST3, CPST3A) were identified.
•Proxies and voting procedures were noted for absent members.
•Staff described federal requirements and the county's coordination with the regional council of governments.
•Staff described handbook contents and purpose.
•Staff described proposed purchase and funding source.
•Staff described purposes: consolidation absorption and master-plan alignment.
•Staff explained funding sources (grant for installation; county to pay recurring costs).
•Staff presented bid advertisement, opening date, number of bids and recommendation.
•Staff provided project cost estimate and local match details.
•Staff summarized ordinance authority and project categories under CPST3.
•The role of the HR director as ADA coordinator was clarified.
Decisions
•58 positions authorized.
•Adopted by voice vote.
•All items approved.
•Award approved.
•Easement authorized.
•Purchase authorized.
•Resolution adopted.
•Resolution adopted; projects designated for funding.
•Resolution adopted to submit application.
Directions
•Coordinate with Duke Energy and department funders.
•Distribute handbook to managers and incorporate into operations.
•HR will coordinate compliance and administer grievances.
•Human Resources and Fire Rescue to implement positions in accordance with county procedures.
•Proceed with acquisition using bond funds.
•Proceed with expenditures within district allocation guidelines.
•Public Works to execute and manage the contract.
•Staff to proceed with scoping and bidding of designated projects.
•Submit grant application; use hospitality tax match if awarded.
Florence County Council met Aug. 20, 2026, and adopted a county land conservation vision plan, approved multiple road abandonments and numerous zoning rezoning ordinances, advanced a hazardous-material fee update, approved CPST III project designations and infrastructure expenditures, and authorized several procurement and lease actions.
Discussion Points
•Committee recommendation from AFMAIR to adopt the plan
•County Administrator outlined fee increases and review structure
•County-requested Mill Branch Road abandonment to protect archaeological sites and property security
•District-by-district status on resurfacing, drainage, sidewalks, and town projects
•Items needing scope clarification and pending invoices were highlighted
•Lease formalizes longstanding use at Pamplico location
•LEPC recommended approval
•Lowest responsive bidder recommended for park paving
•Multiple small-to-medium projects funded from council-district allocations
•Multiple third-reading zoning items with Planning Commission recommendations
•Overview of countywide conservation priorities presented by Dr. Maria Whitehead
•Projects include sidewalks, bus-stop shelters, stone placement, drainage cleanouts
•Recusal by Councilman Moore for Ordinance No. 71-2025/26
•Request for Dogwood Street closure from resident Julius Duke II citing safety and trespass
•Selection of Collins & Almers from on-call list
•Surplus equipment is obsolete to using departments
Decisions
•Adopt the Florence County Land Conservation Vision Plan
•Adopt the two resolutions to cease maintenance on specified portions of Dogwood Street and Mill Branch Road
•Approve design contracts, declare surplus, approve lease, and award paving contract
•Approve the expenditures as proposed
•Approve the zoning ordinances on third reading
•Ordinance passed second reading; final reading to follow
•Receive status update and continue project delivery
Directions
•Departments to implement purchases and contracting under district allocations
•Emergency Management to maintain administrative fee schedule and perform annual reviews with LEPC coordination
•Planning to update official zoning maps and notify affected property owners
•Proceed with contracts pending county-attorney review; list surplus on internet auction platform
•Public Works to update maintenance records and coordinate notifications
•Staff to clarify project scopes and complete final invoices; return updates to council
•Staff to coordinate implementation and report back with priority projects
Florence County Council met Aug. 20, 2026. Council heard a presentation on a county conservation vision plan and voted to adopt it, approved a package of zoning map amendments and overlay text changes, passed multiple road-abandonment resolutions, approved updates to hazardous-substance user fees, advanced capital projects and bid awards, and voted to enter executive session to discuss contractual matters.
Discussion Points
•Committee previously reviewed the proposal and supported it.
•Contracts for architectural design were presented with specific fees and pending county-attorney review.
•Council approved both items by voice vote.
•Council approved the change on second reading.
•Council raised property-rights concerns and emphasized voluntary programs such as conservation easements.
•Council reiterated that the items were owner-initiated.
•Dr. Whitehead presented spatial models and a 25-year horizon to reach 30% protection.
•Pamplico convenience-center operations have lacked a formal lease; proposed 5-year lease sets $3,000 annual rent.
•Paving bid award for Lynch's River Park was recommended by parks director and awarded to the lowest responsible bidder.
•Planning Commission recommendations were referenced for some items.
•Proclamation acknowledged State Guard and the county's exposure to hurricanes.
•Resolution recited team achievements, player roster and coaches.
•Staff cited state and private funding partnerships, including the Darla Moore Foundation.
•Staff explained fee increases, new EHS fee category, and annual and four-year review cycles.
•Staff explained public-safety and property-security reasons for the abandonments and reported no departmental or owner objections.
•Staff noted many requests were voluntary and conform with deed restrictions.
•Staff provided CPST3 project counts and district-level updates; an engineer noted 296 of 373 CPST3/3a districts complete and 23 roads under construction.
•Staff said surplus units are obsolete and disposal by internet auction is efficient.
Decisions
•All listed zoning ordinances were approved by voice vote.
•Both ceremonial items approved by voice vote.
•Both resolutions approved.
•Council adopted the Conservation Vision Plan by voice vote.
•Ordinance amendment advanced/approved on second reading.
•Resolution designating CPST3 projects approved; design services contracts and paving award approved.
•Surplus property declaration and Pamplico lease approved by voice vote.
Directions
•Clerk to provide copies of the proclamation and resolution.
•Emergency Management to administratively manage and document the fee schedule reviews.
•Planning to update the zoning maps and file ordinances.
•Proceed with contract execution and project scheduling; staff to return with invoices and status updates.
•Procurement to list surplus units online; Administration to execute lease after attorney review.
•Public Works to update maintenance responsibilities and coordinate with Planning/Real Property for archaeological-site protections.
•Staff to return with implementation steps and funding options.
Florence County Council held its regular meeting July 16, 2026, in Florence to consider road abandonments, a large package of zoning changes for the Highway 76 corridor, CPST III road and drainage updates, award contracts and bids, approve a $20.61 million final construction cost for the Florence County Museum expansion, declare surplus equipment and firearms, and hear a public request for a feasibility study for a state park around Johnsonville.
Discussion Points
•Council members moved and seconded individual ordinances; some members recused where conflicts existed.
•County code requires Council approval for surplus property disposal.
•Detailed district-by-district CPST III project statuses were presented.
•McKnight proposed a feasibility study and described attributes that attract visitors to parks.
•Planning Commission recommendations and parcel lists were presented repeatedly for each ordinance.
Florence County Council met July 16, 2026, approving a large package of zoning changes and project funding, hearing a public appearance asking for a feasibility study for a potential Lower Florence state-park, authorizing road abandonments, confirming a $20.61 million museum expansion contract, and awarding multiple bids and leases.
Discussion Points
•McKnight outlined county assets and argued for a feasibility study; he presented economic impact estimates and historic significance claims.
•Staff congratulated HR lead Tene Reeves for producing the update; council recognized the update was overdue.
•Staff described recommended zoning maps and overlay rules; each ordinance was read separately due to unique parcels and requesters.
•Staff explained request origins and absence of departmental objections; council asked no further substantive questions.
•Staff summarized award history and recommended contract authority; schedule for construction start and office relocation described.
•Staff walked through bid advertisement dates, bid openings and compliance determinations for each procurement.
•Textual amendment to replace placeholder company name; staff emphasized local economic benefits.
Decisions
•Awards authorized and surplus declarations accepted.
•Each ordinance adopted by voice vote; recusal recorded for Ordinance 60.
•Final construction cost approved; contract execution authorized.
•Ordinance adopted on third reading.
•Ordinance amended and adopted.
•Resolutions adopted by voice vote.
Directions
•County administrator authorized to execute documents after county attorney review.
•Human Resources to implement and distribute updated handbook.
•Public Works to document closure and update maintenance records.
Florence County Council met June 18, 2026, and approved multiple zoning changes, several ordinances and resolutions (including CPST-3 project allocations), accepted a $20,000 Duke Energy hero grant for emergency-response equipment, awarded several public works contracts, approved an inmate labor agreement with the state, and recessed to an executive session with no action returned.
Discussion Points
•Agreement cites sections of state code authorizing use of inmate labor for public projects.
•Applicants mentioned included Sean Devlin Curl and Milton and Susanna Graham; planning commission recommended approvals for most items.
•Clerk read ordinance text for bond authorization and tax levy on third reading.
•Council approved both ordinances by voice vote as presented.
•Council members questioned whether local preference policy (5% preference, $15,000 cap) disadvantages local firms on large projects.
•County staff plan to use funds to expand mobile message/signboard capability with two additional trucks.
•Duke Energy Foundation awarded Florence County a $20,000 hero grant for emergency response.
•PD IceCats recognized for attendance records and advancement to a professional league.
•Procurement staff described bid process and recommendation.
•Resolution cites ordinance authority for designation of projects from CPST‑3 excess.
•Resolutions recited team achievements and individual honors for Carolina Academy tennis and softball.
•Staff clarified eligible inmates come from the Palmer Prerelease Center and county will provide supervision.
•Staff listed project counts and dollar totals.
•Staff presented recommended zoning changes for many parcels in the Highway 76 corridor and other properties.
Decisions
•Bid awarded to the lowest responsive bidder; policy review directed.
•Council accepted the grant.
•Council adopted the recognition resolutions by voice vote.
•Council approved the agreement and authorized execution pending attorney review.
•Council approved the presented zoning amendments, with recusal noted where applicable.
•Ordinances approved on third reading.
•Resolution adopted; staff to proceed with implementation and reporting.
Directions
•Publish adopted ordinance numbers and updated zoning maps.
•Staff to coordinate with the sheriff on operational details and return any clarifications to council.
•Staff to publicize procurement/deployment details later.
•Staff to publish final ordinance texts and confirm numeric details for bond authorization.
•Staff to review local preference policy and consider raising/removing the $15,000 cap for larger procurements and report back to council.
Florence County Council held a regular meeting June 18, 2026; council approved multiple ordinances and resolutions including the FY27 tax levy, several bond and budget measures, CPST project designations, awarded construction contracts, authorized a loan to the Town of Pamplico, and accepted a Duke Energy grant for county fire rescue.
Discussion Points
•Administrator summarized ordinance purpose and readings; no substantive amendments were proposed on the floor.
•Advisory committee vetted applications and recommended allocations.
•Bid compliant; county consultant recommended award; spreadsheet scrivener errors noted but not outcome-affecting.
•District-by-district project status detailed; permitting and scope clarifications needed on several projects.
•Staff explained Recreation Commission authority and high school usage status for the stadium.
•Statutory authority and supervision requirements described; county will supervise inmates used for public projects.
Florence County Council met May 21, 2026, at the County Complex. Council approved multiple zoning amendments and budget items, reviewed a proposed Project Bubble FILOT agreement that would bring a $38.9 million investment and 108 jobs, heard public concerns about a proposed 104-unit Palmetto Pines development on Arthur Road, and received updates on CPST III road projects and the museum expansion timeline.
Discussion Points
•$250,000 county infrastructure grant with 50/50 clawback on jobs/investment
•90% of construction drawings received and under review
•Approval of RSMF funds for road maintenance
•Bid and RFQ evaluations and single-compliant-bid situations
•Concerns about emergency access, utility capacity, and need for variance were raised
•Construction start and completion dates
•Detailed district-by-district CPST project status and outstanding items
•District-level requests to help fund nonprofit thrift-shop repairs and park restroom match
•FILOT assessment ratio and SSRC structure
•Funding sources and on-call engineering list
•Multiple property-specific zoning changes and corridor overlay applications were considered
•Need for scope clarifications and SCDOT coordination on certain projects
•One property purchase ordinance was denied
•Project Bubble investment amount and job creation commitment
•Residents questioned whether the March/April 2026 plans are being reviewed under updated February 2026 development standards
•Residents requested a full traffic and infrastructure impact study for the Palmetto Pines project
•Unexpended purchase orders and grant appropriations needing ratification
•Use of one-year GO bonds to finance installment payments on county facilities
Decisions
•Allocations approved
•Multiple zoning ordinances approved on third reading; a separate purchase ordinance denied
•No formal decision or vote to require a study was made at the meeting
•Ordinance No. 52-2025/26 approved on second reading; Ordinance No. 53-2025/26 approved to expand multi-county park boundaries
•Ordinances 54 and 55 approved on second reading
•Procurements awarded; Textron contract denied
Directions
•County Administrator to execute agreements after attorney review
•Finance staff to finalize bond issuance and ledger adjustments
•Staff to continue project scheduling and return with updates and final pay apps
•Staff to finalize documents and coordinate inclusion in joint Florence–Marion industrial park
Florence County Council met May 21, 2026 to hear public comment on a proposed 104‑unit Palmetto Pines development, consider multiple zoning ordinances, approve a fee‑in‑lieu agreement tied to “Project Bubble,” adopt budget amendments and capital project designations, award several contracts, and make appointments and proclamations.
Discussion Points
•Agreement fixes assessment ratio (6%) and includes special source revenue credits and a $250,000 county grant; clawbacks tied to jobs and investment included.
•Council amended FY27 appropriations and passed the ordinance as amended.
•Council members discussed the multi‑year Gateway study and consistency concerns raised by constituents.
•Council presented a resolution recognizing the Johnsonville boys golf team’s accomplishments.
•FY26 amendments include adding unexpended purchase orders and grant appropriations totaling several million dollars.
•FY27 preliminary drivers: 17.5% health insurance increase (~$1.2M), 1.5% COLA (~$840K), 2% average merit (~$560K), ~$2.7M for compensation/classification plan, plus new sheriff and EMS positions.
•Neighbors raised concerns about utility connections, emergency access and deed restrictions related to adjacent Carriage Place and Carriage Place covenants.
•Proclamations for Fathers and Families Month and Men’s Health Week were read and approved.
•Procurements: Davidson Floyd ($264,100) for sidewalk engineering; Kimley‑Horn awarded transportation study (only responsive bidder); Evans Pavement awarded Buddy's Lane paving ($29,670).
•Project Bubble reported $38,925,000 investment with ~108 jobs and significant real property investment.
•Residents asked for a full traffic impact study and clarity on the applicable county development standards.
Florence County Council met April 16, 2026, approving multiple infrastructure and economic development measures, including an inducement for "Project Bubble," several CPST project designations, bid awards for resurfacing and signage, personnel additions for Fire Rescue and EMS recruitment incentives, and authorizing condemnation for three easements to complete a wastewater force main. Public comment included opposition to a proposed 102-unit mobile-home development.
Discussion Points
•25 of 28 easements secured; three outstanding owners did not respond to certified mail
•$350 referral bonus for current employees
•$5,000 sign‑on bonus for Nationally Registered Paramedics with 1 year experience
•Chipley Company was lowest responsible bidder for resurfacing; three compliant bids received
•Council discussed limits of zoning in unzoned areas
•County obtained appraisals before deciding to initiate condemnation
•County will provide $250,000 cash grant for eligible infrastructure costs
•Districts provided status updates on contracts and construction schedules
•Integration of nonprofit departments into county fire services requires authorization of positions
•Multiple approvals across economic development, capital projects, procurement, personnel, and infrastructure funding
•Ordinance creates commission organization and funding provisions for the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau
•Passed on third reading by members present
•Payments at benchmarks with clawback if employee leaves within 24 months
•Positions funded from Fund 37 and expected to be budget‑neutral
•Project Bubble anticipates $38,925,000 investment and ~108 full‑time jobs
•Project funded with SC Department of Commerce grants and City bond funds
•Request included fee‑in‑lieu and special source revenue credits
•Residents raised density, traffic, child safety, and potential impacts on property values
•Rite Lite Signs was sole compliant bidder for monument signs; lighting specs missing from bid and will be added via change order
•Speakers asked about water/sewer provision and environmental reviews
•Three CPSTIII‑A and two CPSTIII‑B projects approved with specified dollar amounts
Decisions
•Bid awards approved
•Condemnation authorization adopted
•EMS recruitment program adopted
•Inducement resolution adopted; Council approved cash grant
•Ordinance No. 41 adopted
•Positions authorized for recruitment and hiring
•Resolution No. 31 adopted to designate projects
•See itemized list in the article body for specific outcomes
Directions
•Economic Development to proceed with negotiations and draft agreements for Council approval
•Proceed with condemnation filings to maintain project schedule
The Florence County Council met April 16, 2026. The meeting included public comment opposing a proposed 102-site mobile home park, a PDRTA presentation on a recent transit study and ridership growth, council approval of economic development incentives and multiple zoning amendments, acceptance of the FY2025 audit, and several infrastructure and personnel actions.
Discussion Points
•25 of 28 easements already secured; 3 remaining owners did not respond to certified mail and appraisals sent
•$5,000 sign‑on for NR paramedics with benchmarks and 24‑month clawback
•Audit timing affected by ERP implementation
•Bid process and number of compliant bids
•Clean audit opinion and single audit with no material internal control deficiencies
•Deferred amendment addressing chronic nuisance properties under sheriff's review
•Fire Rescue staffing additions to absorb nonprofit departments
•Funding sources for monument signs (funds 11, 123, 124)
•General fund balance increased by about $2.6 million; fund balance ~5 months at 06/30/2025
•Lighting to be negotiated after contract execution
•Proposed $250,000 cash grant from economic development funds for infrastructure reimbursement
•Referral $350 to encourage internal recruitment
•Ridership projection to 525,000; fleet 75% past useful life; local subsidy at 11% vs peer median ~50%
•Unclear status of traffic/engineering/environmental studies; land‑development permits not established
Decisions
•Both programs/positions approved by voice vote
•City‑County CVB ordinance approved on third reading; multiple zoning ordinances advanced/approved on second reading
•Contract awards approved by voice vote
•Council accepted the FY2025 audit and comprehensive financial report
•Council approved condemnation authorization
•Council approved inducement resolution and authorized negotiation to proceed
•No formal council decision taken during the meeting
Directions
•Authorize condemnation and proceed to maintain project schedule
•Authorize staff to negotiate incentive agreement and return with final contract terms
•Council to consider PDRTA budget request in upcoming budget process; staff to coordinate on grant/partnership opportunities
•Execute contracts and negotiate lighting change orders where necessary
•Implement EMS recruitment program and post Fire Rescue positions; HR to manage pay/benchmarks and clawback agreements
•Publish ACFR and management letter; staff to plan to improve audit timing post‑ERP implementation
•Staff to confirm permitting and utility plans; residents directed to submit documentation and follow permitting process
•Staff to meet with the sheriff and planning department to finalize potential chronic nuisance ordinance changes and to publish adopted zoning ordinances
Florence County Council on March 19, 2026 approved multiple land-lease resolutions, awarded road-construction and service contracts, advanced a proposal to create a city-county Convention & Visitors Commission, approved a one-time longevity bonus for long-serving employees, and authorized negotiations for a Bell 505 helicopter; Council also received status updates on CPST III infrastructure projects.
Discussion Points
•Bid opening held March 11; two compliant bids; C.R. Jackson recommended as lowest responsible bidder.
•Commission structure preserves state-employee classification for CVB staff and shifts governance to a commission.
•Compensation study revealed pay compression and differences between long-tenured employees and recent hires.
•Council entered executive session under state law to discuss contractual matters and later authorized administration to negotiate with Bell Helicopters.
•CPST III engineer reported 267 of 346 road district projects complete and 26 roads under construction.
•District funding allocations for equipment and facility improvements were proposed and funded from council district budgets.
•Each lease specifies per-acre rent, acreage, and lessee responsibilities to repair field roads during the lease term.
•Pee Dee Tourism no longer wishes to maintain CVB as a division; county and city fund CVB via state accommodations tax.
•Per-person pricing tiers were specified by role (e.g., firefighters, driver operators, support staff).
•Recusal form for Councilman Stoney C. Moore was included in the minutes for Resolution No. 26.
•RFP advertised in SCBO; two proposals received; selection committee included district fire leadership.
•Staff reported the original fee agreement anticipated $59.5M investment and 320 jobs; company reports now exceed $108M and 350 jobs.
•The fee agreement included language allowing schedule adjustments for infrastructure credits when commencement was delayed.
•Working group recommended a one-time payment scale starting at $1,000 for 10-year employees, increasing in five-year increments.
Decisions
•Advanced ordinance on second reading; requires final reading for adoption.
•Approved $150,000 grant and amendment to fee agreement.
•Approved district allocations, surplus declaration, and authorization to negotiate for Bell 505.
•Approved one-time longevity incentive for eligible employees.
•Approved three agricultural leases; recorded one recusal.
•Award bid to C.R. Jackson; adopt CPST III designations and reductions.
•Fitness Forum selected as highest-ranking proposer; three-year contract authorized.
Directions
•Administration to prepare lease documents for execution with each lessee.
•Administration to proceed with procurement, auction listings for surplus items, and begin helicopter negotiations.
•County Administrator authorized to negotiate final costs and execute contract following County Attorney review.
•County to execute amendment and grant documents and align infrastructure credit schedule with revised commencement date.
•Form commission with four city-appointed and three county-appointed members; coordinate appointment process with City of Florence.
•Human Resources and Finance to calculate individual payments and process April payroll adjustments.
•Proceed with contract award and incorporate savings/reallocations into CPST III project lists.
Florence County Council’s March meeting included routine approvals, several one-year agricultural leases, proclamations (Disabilities Awareness and Fair Housing months), project funding approvals under the county capital sales tax program, a $150,000 economic-development grant tied to Cheney Brothers’ expanded Project Long Shot 2, contract and surplus-property actions, and authorization to negotiate for a Bell 505 helicopter.
Discussion Points
•Committee evaluation and bid process described for both procurements.
•Council asked whether leases are renewable and was told the county typically issues one-year leases for economic-development parcels.
•Members noted the 112-acre parcel requires reclamation and that the lessee would perform work that benefits the county.
•Members noted the firm’s added investment and the county’s intent to remain competitive for jobs.
•Members voiced support for recognizing long-serving staff without increasing recurring payroll obligations.
•Motion made to authorize negotiations for Bell 505; no substantive public discussion recorded.
•One member highlighted that more than half of CPST collections come from nonresident visitors, easing the property-tax burden on locals.
•Presenters described community need for teen/young-adult recreation and asked for council support.
•Staff briefed council on the company’s increased investment and job expectations.
•Staff described the compensation and classification plan and the rationale for a one-time recognition payment.
•Staff emphasized compliance procedures and competitive selection.
•Staff reviewed the types of projects and progress across districts; members praised the penny sales tax for enabling infrastructure work.
Decisions
•All three lease resolutions approved on voice votes.
•Approved $150,000 reimbursement grant and fee-agreement amendment.
•Approved funding designations and recorded bid-driven reductions.
•Approved one-time longevity incentive and recognized employees.
•Authorized negotiations only; no contract executed.
•Awards approved and staff authorized to finalize contracts.
•No formal action taken at meeting.
Directions
•County administrator and economic development to finalize agreement and reimbursement documentation.
•County administrator to pursue negotiations and report potential contract terms to council.
•County staff to prepare final lease documents consistent with terms read at the meeting.
•HR and finance to calculate and process payments for eligible employees.
•Proceed with contract negotiation and execution pending county attorney review.
•Public Works to proceed with project scheduling and contracting; update council on cost savings and change orders.
•Staff to note the proposal for future consideration.
Florence County Council met to recognize county safety achievements, approve capital projects and multiple zoning ordinances, authorize public-facilities bond paperwork, approve staffing and recruitment incentives for public safety, award construction contracts, and hold an executive session (no action).
Discussion Points
•Benfield highlighted a 1.63 experience modifier and estimated taxpayer savings of over $500,000.
•Change Order No. 9 addressed unsuitable materials and added rolled curb and extended completion time.
•Chief described tablet accountability system connecting to radios for firefighter location tracking.
•Chipley Company was the lowest responsive bidder for resurfacing (4 bids received).
•Council approved by voice vote with no further detail provided in the meeting.
Florence County Council met Feb. 19, 2026, approving multiple zoning changes and infrastructure contracts, design and construction agreements, new fire-rescue leadership positions, and funding designations for CPST III road projects while introducing a city‑county tourism commission ordinance; several recognitions and appointments were also made.
Discussion Points
•Aim to remain competitive with other agencies offering larger bonuses.
•Appointment to fill Developing Communities Commission vacancy was approved.
•Benchmark payment schedule explained ($1,500/$1,500/$2,000) and recovery clause for early departure.
•Bid openings and compliance counts were recorded for awarded bids.
•Bond proceeds to fund acquisition/renovation/expansion and reimburse prior capital expenditures.
•Ceremonial recognitions of athletic achievements and a proclamation for Montessori week were read and approved.
•Council consented to related leases and trust agreements.
•Municipal reimbursement processes require invoice submissions for reimbursement.
•Museum Phase II fee increase due to higher construction cost estimates.
•Need for expanded leadership as nonprofit departments integrate into county Fire Rescue.
•Need to complete pending bids and procurements for district projects.
•Planning Commission recommended approvals on several items (5‑0) prior to Council action.
•Rationale for change order included delayed asphalt surface course and unsuitable soils encountered.
•Third reading votes were recorded as approvals by all members present.
Decisions
•Approved resolution designating CPST III projects totaling $1,884,118.
•Authorized nine leadership positions and approved EMS and museum design agreements.
•Bid awards and change order approved as described.
•Multiple zoning and text amendments approved on third reading.
•Ordinance No. 40 approved authorizing up to $12 million in bonds.
•Proclamations and appointment approved unanimously.
•Program approved and funded from salary savings.
Directions
•HR and Sheriff's Office to implement program and execute agreements.
•Staff to execute contracts after attorney review and report progress.
•Staff to present construction contracts and procurement actions at upcoming meetings.
•Staff to provide bond sale and project allocation documents for subsequent Council action.
•Staff to reconcile quantities and proceed under updated substantial completion schedule.
•Staff to update zoning maps and post confirmations; affected property owners to be notified.
Florence County Council re-elected officers after an initial failed vote, approved multiple zoning and budget-related ordinances and resolutions, heard presentations on a re-entry program and a transit study, authorized bond issuance up to $12 million, and approved transfers and project allocations including road maintenance fee findings and CPST III project reallocations.
Discussion Points
•After recess, Council reconsidered and passed motions electing new officers.
•Council amended ordinance title before voting on second reading.
•Council approved on second reading to allow the Corporation to proceed.
•Council approved transfers to cover cost overruns and to reallocate project funds.
•Crossroads Florence introduced SRP services; a recent releasee testified about the program.
•Final transit study presented to Council; no action taken during meeting.
•Initial nominations for chairman failed to achieve a majority; Council entered executive session to discuss the position.
•Lease assignment included note that Phlex Tek may seek to purchase the building—future Council action required.
•No funding request or formal council action recorded for this appearance.
•Public hearing was held on the ordinance prior to third reading approval.
•Public Works recommended the trades and procurement awards based on lowest responsive bids.
•Staff cited TRIP report VOC estimates as core justification for continuation of the fee.
•Staff described bond purpose and previous issuances.
•Staff reported detailed district project lists and upcoming bid dates.
Decisions
•Ordinance No. 22-2025/26 approved on third reading.
•Ordinance No. 39 approved on second reading as amended.
•Ordinance No. 40 approved on second reading.
•Resolution No. 20-2025/26 approved.
•Surplus sale and awards approved by members present.
•Yarborough elected chairman; Schofield elected vice-chairman; Mumford elected secretary/chaplain.
Florence County Council reorganized its leadership, heard presentations on reentry services and a major regional transit study, approved multiple zoning map amendments and funding reallocations, and authorized bonding and procurement actions during its Jan. 15, 2026 regular meeting.
Discussion Points
•A council member called the question; the amendment and final motion passed by voice vote.
•Council debated technical and procedural elements and then approved the ordinance by voice vote.
•Council discussed parcels and accepted staff recommendations.
•Council recessed and met with counsel then reconsidered the vote.
•Crossroads requested a formal referral process for released inmates to receive medication and transport.
•Fleet aging: over 75% beyond federal useful life benchmarks.
•Funding model relies on federal and private contributions; SCDOT apportionments behind schedule.
•Initial nomination of William Scofield for chair failed to reach required supermajority.
•Presenters reported unsuccessful outreach to the Florence County Detention Center since Nov. 10 and cited HIPAA constraints.
•Ridership growth (400k to >500k expected) linked to fare-free service.
•Staff confirmed bid processes and recommended awards.
•Staff recommended zoning classifications and confirmed public notice procedures.
•Staff reviewed Burns v. Greenville and presented a trip-cost analysis of the fee's effect on vehicle operating costs.
•Staff reviewed prior bond series (2023 and 2025) and explained additional project needs.
•Surplus vehicle VIN and sale price recited into record.
Decisions
•Jerry Yarborough elected chair; William Scofield elected vice chair; Raymond Moffitt elected secretary/chaplain.
•Multiple ordinance zoning amendments approved by voice vote.
•No formal funding commitments were made at the Jan. 15 meeting.
•No immediate policy change or formal agreement recorded during meeting.
•Ordinance 39, as amended, was adopted.
•Ordinance 40 approved, authorizing up to $12 million for 2026 bond series.
•Surplus sale approved; bid awards and procurements authorized.
Directions
•County staff to coordinate with the Florence County Public Facilities Corporation and trustee to document issuance and amendments.
•Elections closed and council proceeded with regular agenda.
•Planning staff to administer rezoning implementation and notify affected property owners.
•Staff to consider scheduling and right-sizing recommendations; county and PDRTA to continue coordination.
•Staff to execute sale and contracts and return funds to appropriate accounts.
•Staff to follow up with the organization and detention center on coordination options.
•Staff to incorporate amended language and publish corrected ordinance text.
