Lancaster County Council Approves Library Funding, Road Projects, Development Changes, and Impact Fee Study at August 25 Meeting

The Lancaster County Council tackled a full agenda at its August 25 meeting, approving new funding for libraries, directing millions toward local road improvements, and voting on changes to development and community boards that will affect residents across the county.

Council recognized Deputy Coroner John Collins for receiving a statewide professional award, approved amendments to support a new coroner’s office alongside the detention center project, and streamlined the Health and Wellness Commission by reducing its size. They also rebranded the Community Relations Commission into the Community Outreach and Engagement Advisory Committee to align with state-level efforts.

Budget adjustments were approved to account for increased state aid to libraries and to direct excess capital project sales tax funds toward Cleveland Street and Rise Lane improvements.

A key development agreement with Redwood Indian Land Barberville was amended, reducing housing density and extending timelines. Council also approved a signage ordinance affecting MUSC’s new hospital project and the Lowe’s Foods store, balancing visibility with community standards.

Additional resolutions addressed special assessment districts, authorized a study on expanding impact fees countywide, supported truck restrictions on Carolina Acres Road, and backed a grant match for library vending machines in underserved areas.

Honoring a Local Leader

The evening began with a special recognition for Deputy Coroner John Collins, who received the Sue Townsend Award from the South Carolina Coroners Association. Collins was praised for his dedication, innovative problem-solving, and commitment to serving the community.

Supporting Libraries

Council approved $264,689 in state aid for the county library system, with about $16,800 earmarked for staff support. In addition, council backed a resolution to help the library system secure a $50,000 federal grant to install book vending machines in underserved areas of northern Lancaster County. These machines will allow residents to check out and return books without traveling to a branch.

Road Projects Move Forward

An unexpected $1.89 million surplus in Capital Project Sales Tax 2 funds will be applied to long-needed improvements on Cleveland Street and Rise Lane. Council members noted bids for the projects came in higher than anticipated, but assured residents that backup funding from CPST3 is available to cover any shortfall.

Adjusting Local Boards

Council made changes to two advisory groups:

• The Health and Wellness Commission will shrink from 17 members to 11, making it easier to maintain a quorum. Four at-large seats will replace designated slots for institutions such as the school district and USC-Lancaster.
• The Community Relations Commission will now be known as the Community Outreach and Engagement Advisory Committee, shifting its focus toward public engagement, communication, and partnerships, while state agencies continue to handle discrimination investigations.

Development and Zoning Updates

Council approved amendments to the Redwood Indian Land Barberville development agreement, reducing the project’s density from 155 to 97 homes and extending the timeline to 2031. The changes also added a neighborhood amenity building and corrected clerical errors in the original plan.

Another vote updated the county’s signage rules:

• MUSC’s new regional hospital on Charlotte Highway will be allowed up to 800 square feet of wall signage.
• Lowe’s Foods in Indian Land will be permitted 500 square feet of signage across two walls—a move meant to improve visibility for large-scale facilities.

Impact Fee Study

Council unanimously passed a resolution directing the Planning Commission to study the possibility of expanding impact fees countywide. These fees, currently applied only in the Panhandle, help fund new facilities like fire stations, EMS, law enforcement, and parks in fast-growing areas.

Other Actions

• Council supported residents on Carolina Acres Road, passing a resolution asking the South Carolina Department of Transportation to ban through truck traffic along the stretch between Barberville and Harrisburg roads.
• Assessment rolls were updated for several special tax districts, including Edgewater, Sun City, Walnut Creek, Reed Point, and Roselyn, ensuring sufficient revenue for bond payments.
• Cory Barnes, a county planning staff member, was appointed to serve as a citizen-at-large on the Catawba Regional Council of Governments.

Council ended the night with an executive session to discuss a potential economic development project. No votes were taken