Greenwood looks to future CPST, Uptown investments

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Greenwood city officials appointed their two Capital Project Sales Tax commissioners at Monday’s meeting.

With Greenwood County set to put forward another Capital Project Sales Tax as a 2024 ballot referendum, officials are forming a tax commission that will review and approve a list of projects to be funded by the new CPST. Greenwood County appoints three members, the City of Greenwood appoints another two and because of the size of the other municipalities in the county, the city’s two appointees appoint a final member of the commission.

On Monday, council unanimously voted to appoint Anne Gunby and Steve Riley as their members of the commission. Gunby is a Realtor who served on the 2016 tax commission and Riley is the owner of Emerald Ink & Stitches, who recently moved his operation into a renovated Maxwell Avenue property. The two of them offered Margie Blalock, former tourism director of Ninety Six and resource development director at United Way of the Lakelands, as their appointment to the commission.

Council also approved changes to the city’s business license ordinance — changes required by state law. The tweaks to the ordinance were revenue-neutral, said City Manager Julie Wilkie, and council unanimously voted for them.

In a work session after its regular meeting, council heard a presentation by Lesley Lane, chairwoman of the Uptown Greenwood Development Corp. Lane said $100,000 of federal American Rescue Plan Act funds allocated by the city to UGDC and intended to start a small business grant program weren’t spent.

Instead, she asked council that it reallocate those funds to go toward creating an endowed fund through the Greenwood County Community Foundation. About 4% of this fund could be allocated each year in grants to small businesses, and because it’s in care of GCCF the fund would be able to receive charitable donations and continue to grow.

Lane explained that UGDC has an Uptown loan pool, but it’s geared toward loaning money to property owners. A grant fund would be more flexible for business owners who are leasing property, and would be in line with council’s desire to start a grants program.

Councilman Johnathan Bass asked Lane if UGDC would agree to a match grant that required them to raise $100,000 as well. This, he said, would put the fund at a better starting position, doubling its initial total and allowing more money to be loaned sooner.

Lane said she thinks that would be agreeable. Council made no decision on the matter in this work session.

Council also heard from Kim Bowman, with the S.C. Rural Innovation Network. Bowman said she’s working with Kay Self of VisionGreenwood to create a framework for Greenwood’s developing digital economy. As part of this, she said a long-term goal is to build the SpinLab — a facility that would house workspace solutions for remote employees, an entrepreneurship center, digital literacy and skills trainings and other elements essential to a developing digital economy.

Originally Published by Index-Journal on:Dec 5, 2023

 By DAMIAN DOMINGUEZ ddominguez@indexjournal.com

Article Link: https://www.indexjournal.com/news/greenwood-looks-to-future-cpst-uptown-investments/article_93cd9b90-93a8-11ee-b347-e356a3d2a4ee.html

Public meetings

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TUESDAY

GREENWOOD COUNTY COUNCIL ADMINISTRATION AND COMMITTEE

TIME: 4 p.m.

LOCATION: Greenwood County Library

AGENDA: Presentation: Attorney Billy Garrett, judicial selection process for Greenwood County. New business: A. Update of Greenwood County operating and electric capital accounts — John Wiseman, Greenwood Capital B. Consideration to accept ownership of 1.04 acres of land (Parcel ID# 7813-469-370) on Carter Road for a volunteer fire station — Josh Skinner, CPST coordinator C. Consideration of an intergovernmental agreement pertaining to a joint medical examiner service for respective coroner’s offices — Sonny Cox, county coroner D. Consideration of revision to county policy 5.3 (g) compensation plan — Elizabeth Taylor, county attorney. E. Consideration of boundary line agreements as follows — Robert Russian, county engineer 307 Nautical Way Michael & Deborah Spicer 6897-092-880 Harborside 334 Compass Point John & Barbara Beauford 7806-846-649 Grand Harbor 114 Dunn Lane John & Nira Daleda 7815-775-600 Greenwood Shores 121 Belle Rive David & Kathleen Fitts 7807-076-523 Belle Rive 119 Belle Rive Dorothea & David Dancesia 7807-063-516 Belle Rive 117 Belle Rive Gerald & Donna Brooks 7807-049-510 Belle Rive 134 Natchez Trace Harvie & Patty Nunn 7815-898-646 Greenwood Shores 215 Agnew Road Cecil Skidgel 6869-011-889 Ligon Estates 292 Lakefield Road Terry & Kathy Hodge 371-00-00-014 N/A F. Resolution 2019-26 to transfer funds from the FY19 special appropriation fund’s fund balance to the FY20 operating fund -Derek Oliver, interim EMS director. Pending Items: Executive session: 1. Discussion of employment, appointment, compensation, promotion, demotion, discipline, or release of an employee, a student, or a person regulated by a public body or the appointment of a person to a public body; however, if an adversary hearing involving the employee or client is held, the employee or client has the right to demand that the hearing be conducted publicly. Nothing contained in this item shall prevent the public body, in its discretion, from deleting the names of the other employees or clients whose records are submitted for use at the hearing. 2. Discussion of negotiations incident to proposed contractual arrangements and proposed sale or purchase of property, the receipt of legal advice where the legal advice relates to a pending, threatened, or potential claim or other matters covered by the attorney-client privilege, settlement of legal claims, or the position of the public agency in other adversary situations involving the assertion against the agency of a claim. 3. Discussion of matters relating to the proposed location, expansion, or the provision of services encouraging location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the area served by the public body.

GREENWOOD COUNTY COUNCIL

TIME: 5:30 p.m.

LOCATION: Greenwood County Library

AGENDA: Old business: A. Third reading: 1. Ordinance 2019-18 authorizing the execution and delivery of one or more Fee-in-Lieu of ad valorem taxes and Special Source Revenue Credit Agreements by and between Greenwood County, South Carolina and Pine Gate Renewables, LLC and other affiliated entities, to provide for payment of a Fee-in-Lieu of taxes with respect to certain projects; authorizing the inclusion of certain project sites in a multi-county business park; authorizing Special Source Revenue Credits; and other related matters. – Elizabeth Taylor, County Attorney B. Consideration of boundary line agreements as follows — Robert Russian, county engineer 307 Nautical Way Michael & Deborah Spicer 6897-092-880 Harborside 334 Compass Point John & Barbara Beauford 7806-846-649 Grand Harbor 114 Dunn Lane John & Nira Daleda 7815-775-600 Greenwood Shores 121 Belle Rive David & Kathleen Fitts 7807-076-523 Belle Rive 119 Belle Rive Dorothea & David Dancesia 7807-063-516 Belle Rive 117 Belle Rive Gerald & Donna Brooks 7807-049-510 Belle Rive 134 Natchez Trace Harvie & Patty Nunn 7815-898-646 Greenwood Shores 215 Agnew Road Cecil Skidgel 6869-011-889 Ligon Estates 292 Lakefield Road Terry & Kathy Hodge 371-00-00-014 N/A C. Consideration to accept ownership of 1.04 acres of land (parcel ID# 7813-469-370) on Carter Road for a volunteer fire station -Josh Skinner, CPST coordinator. D. Consideration of an intergovernmental agreement pertaining to a joint medical examiner service for respective coroner’s offices — Sonny Cox, county coroner E. Consideration of revision to county policy 5.3 (g) compensation plan — Elizabeth Taylor, county attorney F. Resolution 2019-26 to transfer funds from the FY19 special appropriations fund’s fund balance to the FY20 EMS operating fund -Derek Oliver, interim EMS director. Executive session: 1. Discussion of employment, appointment, compensation, promotion, demotion, discipline, or release of an employee, a student, or a person regulated by a public body or the appointment of a person to a public body; however, if an adversary hearing involving the employee or client is held, the employee or client has the right to demand that the hearing be conducted publicly. Nothing contained in this item shall prevent the public body, in its discretion, from deleting the names of the other employees or clients whose records are submitted for use at the hearing. 2. Discussion of negotiations incident to proposed contractual arrangements and proposed sale or purchase of property, the receipt of legal advice where the legal advice relates to a pending, threatened, or potential claim or other matters covered by the attorney-client privilege, settlement of legal claims, or the position of the public agency in other adversary situations involving the assertion against the agency of a claim. 3. Discussion of matters relating to the proposed location, expansion, or the provision of services encouraging location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the area served by the public body.

SALUDA TOWN COUNCIL

TIME: 6 p.m.

LOCATION: 100 S. Jefferson St., Saluda

AGENDA: Appearance by citizens or others. Reports from municipal officers.

FRIDAY

GREENWOOD COUNTY LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION

TIME: 12 p.m.

LOCATION: 600 Monument St., room 104

AGENDA: Veterans Affairs office. PARD Grant applications: Greenwood County Parks and Recreation and Town of Ware Shoals. Other business as needed.

Originally Published by Index-Journal on:Nov 3, 2019

Article Link: https://www.indexjournal.com/public-meetings/article_a64c90ef-0798-58bc-a56d-845283126943.html

Preserving Cokesbury’s history is a generational job

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Preserving history is a job that’s passed down through generations, and that’s no exception at Cokesbury College.

Built by the Bascombe Lodge of the Freemasons, Cokesbury College was opened June 27, 1854 as a women’s college. The community that grew around this bastion of learning included the Payne Institute, where Black students had the opportunity to enrich themselves, and the Cokesbury Conference School for boys.

The college building has seen multiple renovations since then, and today the dedicated Cokesbury Historical and Recreational Commission work to preserve and integrate the historic site into the broader community of Greenwood County.

Among those keeping the torch aflame these days are multi-generational families of history buffs. On Oct. 19, George McKinney helped hoist wooden beams for a new gazebo going in on the college grounds, but in 1967 his grandfather was one of the key voices calling to keep the college standing.

As a child, McKinney didn’t understand the depth of the work his grandparents were doing at Cokesbury, but that didn’t keep him from getting involved.

“I was taught that you preserve history because it’s important for us to know how things were done in the past,” he said.

Working alongside author Nell Graydon, Henry McKinney campaigned in the 1960s for the South Carolina Conference of the Methodist Church to help preserve the then-dilapidated college building. It had fallen into disrepair, and was destined for demolition if not for the work of advocates on the building’s behalf.

Graydon wrote a cookbook that George McKinney remembered helping sell copies of as a child, but she also rallied donors from the Presbyterian church and from Methodist conferences in other states. Henry McKinney gave a speech in 1967 to the state convention on the history of the building and the spirit of scholarship and faith it engendered in the community.

Thousands of dollars were raised in that campaign, which funded the necessary repairs with money coming from as far away as Texas, McKinney said.

“The Trustees hope and expect this project to continue until the building and grounds are restored to the original splendor of yesteryear,” Henry McKinney wrote, “then make arrangements for it to be maintained as a shrine which everyone concerned will be proud to point to as a most important heritage.”

That “most important heritage” was passed down to George McKinney, a few years after he returned to Greenwood from his time serving in the military. He had been a history major like his father, who wrote papers about the Cokesbury College site.

A friend of McKinney’s asked him to film their wedding at Cokesbury College, and McKinney being a member of the Bascombe Masonic lodge, his interest in the historic community was sparked again.

It wasn’t until he retired at the end of 2021, however, that he was really free to throw himself into the work. He went to enjoy the annual Cokesbury College Christmas event there and learned about an opening on the commission’s board.

“It was amazing to understand, later on in life, how much of an impact across the U.S. and world it had made,” he said. “It touches you, and I like that. To say — I am here, who else was here? What did they do?”

The man who convinced McKinney to join the commission was Don Goforth. Goforth joined the commission in 1981, after finishing his history degree at then-Lander College. Throughout the ‘80s, Goforth said the commission worked to honor the work Graydon, McKinney and others had done over the years to protect and promote the college’s history.

After a few years away while working and living in Columbia, Goforth returned to serve as the commission’s chairman, where he pushed for events that brought Civil War re-enactors on the campus and hosted representatives of Alan University, which grew from its roots at The Payne Institute.

Graydon had a vision for restoring not just the college, but the village store and nearby homes, highlighting the history of the entire planned community. Goforth said that was a vision that still motivates the commission.

“By the time I was in college … there was a big push in preservation to restore and protect old houses and buildings,” he said. “Promoting history, I think in this area, is very important, and I hope younger generations continue to be fascinated by the history here.”

His 20-year-old son Andrew certainly is. Andrew Goforth is the commission’s youngest member, and his father said he’s developed a passion for researching the history of the school and its grounds.

“A lot of people, when I go out there, they’re excited that somebody young is excited about history,” Goforth said. “That a younger person is interested in the preservation of history and the protection of it.”

Preserving history is key, but the commission wants to integrate this history into the social scene of Greenwood as a whole. That’s how, McKinney said, they can hope to get people invested in preserving the site.

Regular annual events are a great way to bring out crowds. The college hosts weddings, wedding photos and even prom photo shoots. A new gazebo is going up near the school building that can host events, and the Greenwood County Capital Projects Sales Tax from 2016 set aside more than $33,000 to build restroom facilities at Cokesbury College.

The 170th anniversary of the school’s opening is in 2024, and McKinney said the commission members hope to make a celebration of it.

“What we want to do is become part of the community again,” he said.

Originally Published by Index-Journal on:Oct 28, 2023

 By DAMIAN DOMINGUEZ ddominguez@indexjournal.com

Article Link: https://www.indexjournal.com/news/preserving-cokesburys-history-is-a-generational-job/article_16e99856-7411-11ee-a341-2beb52ee6ece.html

Greenwood City Council hears CPST update

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Madeline Adams’ dedication to duty stole the show at Monday’s Greenwood City Council meeting.

With 48-and-a-half years under her belt, the seasoned school crossing guard received a standing ovation as she received special recognition from council on her retirement. Adams was flanked by Mayor Brandon Smith and Police Chief T.J. Chaudoin as she received an engraved memento from the city, alongside a bouquet of flowers and an envelope of money collected for her from her supporters in the city.

“I think it’s a testament to the work ethic of a different generation,” Smith said. “I’m not going to name names, but I think there’s at least three of us here she helped cross the road back in school.”

The meat of the meeting was spent getting an update from Greenwood County Capital Project Sales Tax Coordinator Josh Skinner. Approved in a referendum during the 2016 election, the CPST is a 1% sales tax increase that intends to fund 27 projects that were listed on the referendum. The tax expires after eight years, or after collecting $87.9 million, whichever comes first.

Many of the city-specific projects aren’t scheduled to be funded until late 2024 and into 2025. They include the creation of the Carolina Avenue Connector, which will connect South Main Street and the Greenwood Genetic Center campus with Liner Drive. Other projects include renovations of the Arts Center, Railroad Historical Center and purchasing a tractor-drawn aerial fire truck for the city Fire Department.

Councilman Johnathan Bass asked if there’s likely to be another CPST proposed to voters on the 2024 ballot, but Skinner said Greenwood County Council hasn’t made a decision on that matter. Bass was concerned about how much time the city might have to prepare and submit project applications if the county chose to move forward with another CPST.

Councilwoman Niki Hutto recalled the advertising campaign to inform the public and drum up support for the CPST in 2016, and wondered when that would have to begin if the county sought another tax referendum for 2024.

Smith asked Skinner about the affect inflation and the economy has had on the cost of projects. As an example, City Manager Julie Wilkie said when the city priced the tractor-drawn aerial truck for the fire department in 2016, it cost $1.4 million. Now it costs about $1.9 million, and the city has already committed the difference in that cost toward ordering a truck that likely won’t be delivered for years.

Council also voted to approve distribution of the city’s accommodations tax funds. Of the $134,220.14 the city had to distribute, part of it is automatically allocated by law — $35,310.76 automatically went to the City of Greenwood, $61,864.59 to Discover Greenwood.

Other agencies then request funds from the remaining balance. The Arts Center of Greenwood, S.C. Festival of Discovery and S.C. Festival of Flowers all made requests: $75,000, $40,000 and $38,000, respectively. Council approved the full amount for the Arts Center, but approved $29,610.07 each to the two festivals.

Bass said the council had discussed accommodations and hospitality tax extensively last year, and after sitting down with the city’s attorney and Wilkie, he had a much better understanding of what these taxes are for, and how they’re supposed to be used.

“It’s very clear to me that we need to encourage groups that are relying on us for operating dollars that this is not a reliable source,” he said.

In other business:

Council presented a proclamation to Anthony Price of the Greenwood Pathway House for being a regional finalist for the Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Award. Price was joined by the restaurant’s cow mascot.

FinTrust Capital Advisors updated council on its approach to investing the city’s money.

Council approved first reading of a request to rezone about 0.35 acres at 97 Kirksey Drive West from neighborhood commercial to general commercial. The lone dissenting vote was by Councilman Ronnie Ables, who didn’t want to see cars parked on that lot and questioned whether the cars on the owner’s existing property were appropriately tagged.

Originally Published by Index-Journal on:Sep 18, 2023

 By DAMIAN DOMINGUEZ ddominguez@indexjournal.com

Article Link: https://www.indexjournal.com/news/greenwood-city-council-hears-cpst-update/article_b3687230-59ab-56de-a5b2-7cdfc6dbb85a.html

Life on Lake summit highlights Conestee dam progress

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It’s another sunny summer on Lake Greenwood, and Thursday’s annual Life on the Lake Summit highlighted some of the recent developments on and around Greenwood’s waters.

The summit is hosted by Connect Lake Greenwood and brings together vendors and businesses that serve the lake community for a business expo. It also serves as the annual meeting for CLG members, and a chance to update the public on lake issues.

Top of mind was the Lake Conestee dam, which state and local officials have been striving to get replaced. The Greenville County dam holds back tons of toxic waste bound to the sediment at the bottom of the Reedy River. The dam is about 130 years old, and there’s a need to fund replacing the dam so that toxic waste won’t flow downriver, toward Lake Greenwood.

Kelly Lowry, the attorney made trustee over the funds to replace the dam, said engineering firms are working toward a 30% design solution, while state legislators debate funding the project. He hopes to be able to start the yearslong construction project as soon as funds are available, presumably in September.

State Rep. John McCravy said legislators had to lay the groundwork for the $47.5 million price tag by making Lake Conestee a statewide issue, emphasizing the risk it poses to downstream waterways and properties.

“We know we had to start early to get this money,” McCravy said.

While many of the responsible companies behind the pollution are no longer in business, some are. McCravy said these are responsible parties that should pay a portion of the cost, but the state can’t wait to guarantee their payment before acting. The state Senate approved a budget with $30 million for the dam, but that budget is headed to a conference committee for negotiation before final approval.

The new Lake Greenwood Master Plan is coming up, CLG co-founder Jimmy Peden said. Greenwood and Laurens county governments and water utilities are behind the development of a new plan, with Newberry County a tentative backer. The last master plan detailed priority projects for improving lake life and usability.

“We’ll probably have it started — I’m thinking 30 days might be pushing it, but within 60 days for sure,” Peden said.

Tony Curreri of Lake Greenwood Realtors highlighted the upcoming 10th Lights on the Lake celebration. from 5:30-10:30 p.m. July 1 at Camp Fellowship and on the lake near it. Peden gave a rundown of recent lake developments: The new boat ramp funded by Capital Project Sales Tax dollars by the Highway 72/221 bridge, the WSPA webcam streaming a view of the lake, new dock address signs that have been installed and a new convenience store, Fish Bonz General Store and Tackle at 210 Lake Greenwood Blvd.

Aside from those updates, the summit served as a banquet and social event for lake lovers. With raffle prizes, a silent auction and trivia games, it was a fun night out and a chance for area businesses to connect with customers.

Derek Deale of Deale’s Heating and Cooling is a first-time presenting sponsor.

“It gives people the opportunity to get out and meet with customers and residents,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity to network with our customer base.”

Originally Published by Index-Journal on:Apr 29, 2023

 By DAMIAN DOMINGUEZ ddominguez@indexjournal.com

Article Link: https://www.indexjournal.com/news/life-on-lake-summit-highlights-conestee-dam-progress/article_ce12ebee-6b13-5d61-9fd3-f7f0f2d0e718.html

Greenwood County seeks new way to approve development plats

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Developing in Greenwood County is getting more streamlined, as planning staff seeks to take over the responsibility of reviewing and approving plat applications.

At Tuesday’s Greenwood County Council meeting, Planning Director Carol Coleman spoke on an ordinance that would shift the responsibility of reviewing and approving the layouts of subdivisions from the city-county planning commission to the department’s staff.

Coleman explained this stemmed from an issue over a development the commission shot down. The commission denied a development without a reason, but Coleman said state law requires an explanation — but does not require that the commission be the one to make these decisions.

“In all honesty, we have to review these in the black and white of what the ordinance says,” she said.

Applications for variance, appeals of the planning staff’s decisions and zoning change requests will still go through the commission if the ordinance passes. The main benefit of this change, Coleman said, is that planning staff has a better working knowledge of what the law requires in this process, and decisions will come more quickly when done by staff.

Council unanimously approved second reading of the ordinance.

The veterans plaza at the Greenwood County Veterans Center is nearing completion. County veterans affairs head Rosalind Burke told council the project is in the final stretch.

“I’ve got one word for that,” she said, “hallelujah.”

Young’s Concrete has poured the sidewalk and foundation for six stone slabs that will honor each branch of the military. The concrete work cost about $39,460, and has been paid in full, Burke said.

But the Veterans Affairs office asked for help paying for the stone slabs themselves. Burke said they’ve paid $18,000 of the $36,800 quote for the slabs and have more than $8,000 left in their plaza fund. She asked county council to fund the remaining total, along with additional funds for ongoing maintenance, to the tune of $16,319.56 total.

When council members asked if Burke sought funds from the city, she said she asked for money and was told to raise as much as possible, and the city would see what it could do to support the project.

“I’m sure your organization will have needs in the future, and when you do, we’ll remind the city that we covered this,” said Councilman Mark Allison.

Council took Burke’s request into consideration, and Chairman Chuck Moates said they would revisit it at a future meeting.

In other business:

Council voted unanimously to rezone a property the county owns at 5624 Highway 25 N. to light industrial, as it connects portions of the North Greenwood Industrial Park.

County Treasurer Steffanie Dorn said her department has begun the 2024 fiscal year budgeting process. About 95% of property taxes for the current year have been collected, hospitality tax income is up $60,000 from the same period last year, while accommodations tax income remains similar to last year’s measure. Although the Capital Projects Sales Tax saw less funds come in than expected in the past quarter, Dorn said she’s still optimistic the county will collect its expected total.

Cheryl Agnew-Bell was reappointed to the Reynolds Colony special tax district commission, and Duncan Swezey joined her as a new member. Megan Adams and Amy Botts were appointed to the Winding Creek special tax district commission.

Originally Published by Index-Journal on:Feb 22, 2023

By DAMIAN DOMINGUEZ ddominguez@indexjournal.com

Article Link: https://www.indexjournal.com/news/greenwood-county-seeks-new-way-to-approve-development-plats/article_a0ba2ae3-213d-54b7-807e-abd05f85ec56.html

Public meetings

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MONDAY

GREENWOOD COUNTY LEGISLATIVE DELEGATIOn

TIME: 9:30 a.m.

LOCATION: Greenwood County Library, 600 Main St., Greenwood

AGENDA: Appointments to boards and commissions: 1. Update of boards and commissions 2. Beckman Mental Health — Terri Mostiller, Chairman 3. Board of voter registration and elections — Regina Terry. Pard Grant Applications — Discussion regarding submitted applications and available funds to allocate: 1. Greenwood County Parks and recreation — Boozer Ninety Six Complex 2. Town of Ware Shoals — Amphitheater Concrete Walkway 3. Promised Land Community Association — Promised Land walking track. Old business — Reminder of legislative delegation meeting dates for 2023.

TUESDAY

GREENWOOD COUNTY COUNCIL

TIME: 4 p.m.

LOCATION: Greenwood County Library

AGENDA: Executive session at 4 p.m. Regular public meeting at 5:30 p.m. Presentation of the 2022 outstanding safety achievement award to the Greenwood County Fire Service. Old business: A. Third reading: 1. Ordinance 2022-26 to amend the Greenwood County PDD ordinance for the Hunters Creek Plantation Development, being ordinance 2-94, as and if amended, so that one parcel of land totaling apporximately 272.22 acres owned by Beartop Holdings LLC located at 2612 Highway 72 W., 101 Woodlawn Road and 1809 Old Abbeville Highway in Greenwood, South Carolina, changes from PDD to PDD to create a revised master plan. Public hearing: B. Consideration of boundary line agreement 102 Windjammer. New business: A. Appointment of Greenwood County Grievance Committee for a three-year term — Anita Baylor, procurement officer; Melvin Dunlap, Solid waste-public works; Jamie Parris, emergency management coordinator. B. Consideration of the appointment of special tax district commissioners for Aspen Heights, Henry Cowins. C. Consideration of volunteer fire department stipend program. D. Capital project sales tax quarterly update E. Consideration of intergovernmental agreement with transportation infrastructure bank for the widening project of Highway 246. F. 2022 county economic development year in review presentation. G. Consideration of marketing right and option agreement by and between Stonecrest Farm LLC and Greenwood County. H. Consideration of marketing right and option agreement by and between Andrew S. Darby and William F. Darby Jr. and Greenwood County I. Resolution 2023-01 authorizing the execution and delivery of a Fee in Lieu of Tax and Incentive Agreement by and between Greenwood County, South Carolina (the “County”) and a company identified for the time being as Project Wahoo, acting for itself, one or more affiliates and/or other project sponsors (collectively, the “Company”), pursuant to which the County shall covenant to accept certain negotiated fees in lieu of ad valorem taxes with respect to the establishment and/or expansion of certain facilities in the County (collectively, the “Project”); (2) the benefits of a multi-county industrial or business park to be made available to the Company and the Project; (3) certain special source revenue credits in connection with the project; and (4) other matters relating thereto. J. First readings: 1. Ordinance 2023-01 authorizing (1) the execution and delivery of a Fee in Lieu of Tax andIncentive Agreement by and between Greenwood County, South Carolina (the “County”) and a company identified for the time being as Project Wahoo, acting for itself, one or more affiliates and/or other project sponsors (collectively, the “Company”), pursuant to which the County shall covenant to accept certain negotiated fees in lieu of ad valorem taxes with respect to the establishment and/or expansion of certain facilities in the County (collectively, the “Project”); (2) the benefits of a multi-county industrial or business park to be made available to the Company and the Project; (3) certain special source revenue credits in connection with the Project; and (4) other matters relating thereto (Title Only). 2. ordinance 2023-02 to amend the Greenwood County Zoning Map, as and if amended so that one parcel of land totaling approximately 3.61 acres owned by Greenwood County at 5624 Highway 25 N in Greenwood, SC changes from RDD to I-1.

WEDNESDAY

GREENWOOD METROPOLITAN DISTRICT COMMISSION

TIME: 3 p.m.

LOCATION: 110 Metro Drive, Greenwood

AGENDA: January service reports.

THURSDAY

GREENWOOD COMMISSIONERS OF PUBLIC WORKS

TIME: 10 a.m.

LOCATION: 121 West Court Ave., Greenwood

AGENDA: Bid opening — A. WP-1-2023 — Vertical turbine pump overhaul. Business: A. Consideration of conduct policy update B. Recognition of financial reporting achievement. Executive session to discuss contractual matters.

Originally Published by Index-Journal on: Feb 2, 2023

Article Link: https://www.indexjournal.com/community/public-meetings/public-meetings/article_b7696014-7e2b-5d97-9623-141d966cf95c.html

Greenwood County’s new boat ramp gives public lake access

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Friday’s gray, misty morning wasn’t the best lake weather, but the day still marked a major step in expanding access to Lake Greenwood.

County officials, lake lovers and fishing enthusiasts gathered at the new Greenwood County boat ramp, beside Break on the Lake along Highway 72/221. The ramp, first approved with the 2016 Capital Project Sales Tax, had been under construction since January. On Friday, after multiple delays in construction, county officials were able to finally snip a ceremonial ribbon to open the ramp to the public.

Alongside the new boat ramp and docks, there are dozens of parking spaces to accommodate boat trailers, a modern restroom facility and a roof giving shelter to a few picnic tables.

“It’s certainly a tangible reminder of our mission to provide safe and convenient access for all our citizens to our most prized asset in Greenwood County — Lake Greenwood,” County Council Chairperson Chuck Moates said.

He thanked the engineers at Davis & Floyd for their work planning the facility, the builders at MAR Construction, the county staff who helped coordinate the project and the residents who supported the CPST, which funded the project to the tune of $720,000. Other funds for this project came from a DNR grant of more than $682,000 and another $300,000 from the state.

The vote to approve this project was the first one council member Dayne Pruitt of District 5 cast on council. Since that initial vote, there were delays in the project. Construction was expected to be done by late July, then the target moved to August.

In the end, the delays meant the builder incurred penalties laid out in the contract, getting the county an estimated $11,000 for the delay.

Council member Theo Lane also represents a part of the lake. He remembered sitting on the back porch of late council member Steve Brown one day in 2016, discussing the county’s future.

“One of the things we talked about, we talked about many things, but one of the things we talked about was our shared belief that this beautiful Lake Greenwood … was an economic engine that had never been turned on,” he said.

The plan to activate the lake as a coherent economic driver for the county came with the 2015 lake master plan. The plan identified the need for a destination restaurant on Lake Greenwood’s shores, as well as increased access.

On Friday, a crowd stood at a new boat ramp, beside the Break on the Lake restaurant and the housing development beside it. In 2017, Lane said, there was no sign of these developments — only woods.

“There would be people who would say it’s not the job of county government beyond providing essential services to create things like this,” Lane said. “I would say that’s crazy, because if your people tell you that’s what they want and they need, and you know those initiatives will drive the economy of this county, why in the world would you do otherwise?”

One of the ramp’s biggest benefits is the access it gives for fishing. The Lander University fishing team, Ninety Six Wildcat Anglers and the Eagle Eye Anglers were there to launch the first boats after the ramp officially opened. Kelly McWhorter, executive director of Discover Greenwood, said sports tourism will benefit from this new ramp as Greenwood can market the lake for larger fishing tournaments.

“The other thing that’s going to help us are the additional boat parking spaces,” she said. “The interest and energy is definitely there for Greenwood to step up when it comes to fishing tournaments.”

Jimmy Peden, a co-founder of Connect Lake Greenwood and an integral hand in the 2015 lake master plan, said Highway 72/221 is like Lake Greenwood’s main street. Break on the Lake and the county’s signage along the highway were the first steps to putting the lake’s best face forward, and this ramp continues that effort, he said.

Originally Published by Index-Journal on:Dec 10, 2022

By DAMIAN DOMINGUEZ ddominguez@indexjournal.com

Article Link: https://www.indexjournal.com/news/greenwood-countys-new-boat-ramp-gives-public-lake-access/article_78f8ccf4-7ee1-5312-be7b-d26d7f4febf3.html

Greenwood’s new boat ramp to open Friday

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Lake Greenwood’s latest launching point is ready for its debut.

The Greenwood County Boat Ramp will officially open at 11 a.m. Friday. With its contract approved in January, construction on the ramp wrapped up a little later than its expected completion. The original target date was in late July, but then moved to August.

But now, with a new restroom facility, lighting and a gazebo, the public boat ramp will officially launch its first boat Friday morning. Boaters tried to get a head start on the opening, when in November Capital Project Sales Tax Coordinator Josh Skinner told council residents had been trying to use the ramp to launch into the lake adjacent to Break on the Lake.

The ramp’s construction was funded by about $720,000 of penny sales tax dollars, a state Department of Natural Resources grant for more than $682,000 and $300,000 from another state fund.

The late completion of this project does come with a penalty. The contract the county signed with the builder included a penalty of $200 per qualifying day for failing to finish on time, and County Manager Toby Chappell estimated the penalties added up to about $11,000.

Originally Published by Index-Journal on:Dec 7, 2022

By From staff reports

Article Link: https://www.indexjournal.com/news/greenwoods-new-boat-ramp-to-open-friday/article_6b5802ed-75dc-5e43-a325-7dd8807aed13.html

Katherine Hall renovations need more funds; town eyes tax credits

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WARE SHOALS — Katherine Hall was unique among mill buildings.

It served as the heart of Ware Shoals for years, and was home to a theater that served as the town’s gathering place.

Although nearly $3.4 million in Capital Project Sales Tax funds are on their way to help the town renovate the 15,637-square-foot building, it might take more than that to bring the 109-year-old building to its former glory.

On Thursday, Ware Shoals Town Council met to hear preservation consultant Kyle Campbell’s plan to bring in extra funds that will supplement the CPST millions. Campbell helped the town prepare the 2015 conditions report on Katherine Hall, and is working to get the town registered as a national historic district.

“Since we did the conditions report, some of the things that were going to be addressed in the intervening seven years have not been,” Campbell said. “Specifically the porch leaks — those have gotten significantly worse, pushing water into the building.”

Because of the water damage over time and increased labor and material costs, he expects the cost of renovating Katherine Hall has outgrown the $3,397,273 coming in from the penny sales tax.

A solution? Tax credits.

Campbell proposed applying for state historic tax credits, a state textile credit and a federal historic tax credit, which together could cover 70% of qualifying rehabilitation expenses to fix the now-collapsed porch roof and the subsequent damage to the porch itself.

In total, those credits would amount to about $2.3 million — the town has little use for tax credits, however. The plan, instead, is to sell the tax credits using a tax credit syndicator — a business that helps people sell tax credits, often to corporations.

“What those syndication forms do is large corporations like Exxon, they will buy those credits to put against their tax liability,” he said. “They buy it at, say, 80 cents on the dollar. So they’re saving themselves 20% on their taxes by buying tax credits generated by a project like, say, Katherine Hall.”

Even if the credits are sold at 70 cents on the dollar, Campbell said it would generate more than $1.6 million to be applied to the project. He said he worked with Josh Skinner, the county’s CPST coordinator, to ensure that selling tax credits wasn’t in conflict with the legal apparatus of the penny sales tax, and said they appeared to be in the clear.

Because the town isn’t a nonprofit, council will have to set up a development corporation to own the building for a five-year period. In the meantime, Campbell said the town should move to nominate the building for the national historic register, develop renovation plans that meet the secretary of the interior’s standards and submit those plans to the relevant state agencies.

While CPST funds don’t come in until 2024, Campbell urged council to take action sooner rather than later when it comes to fixing the porch. Water is continuing to pour into the building, damaging flooring joists and damaging plaster and tile in the basement level. Funds spent to fix the porch now can be reimbursed from those CPST dollars later, he said.

“We’ve had seven years of letting it deteriorate, if we could cut out these last two years it would be really beneficial to this whole project,” Campbell said.

Council member Patty Walters said she was concerned the penny sales tax funds wouldn’t be a drop in the bucket to get the building fixed. Campbell disagreed, saying he’d worked on projects on similarly sized buildings; the total funds with the estimated tax credit earnings will give the town about $5 million to work with.

Digging up discussion from last year, council member George Leagans asked if the town didn’t have enough money to restore the building, where would they find money to tear it down? Other members of council were confused, and emphasized that removing the current building is not an option.

In 2021, Leagans suggested the town’s best path forward would be to tear Katherine Hall down, with fellow council member Kent Boles saying the building should have been torn down decades ago.

The town submitted its application in 2016 for the Capital Project Sales Tax seeking funds to restore the building, not demolish it. The $3.4 million coming from the penny tax is only applicable to the planned restoration.

Council was eager Thursday to move forward with Campbell’s plan, disagreeing only on when to do it. Council member and mayor-elect Bryan Ross said he wanted to hold off on a vote to move forward with this plan until the town has a project manager contracted for the restoration project. Council member Micheal Powell wanted to show that council was on board with this plan, though, and council voted 4-3 to proceed with the plan.

First steps will be to hire a project manager, then work with this person to form the development corporation that will eventually take ownership of Katherine Hall for five years.

Originally Published by Index-Journal on:Dec 3, 2022

 By DAMIAN DOMINGUEZ ddominguez@indexjournal.com

Article Link: https://www.indexjournal.com/news/katherine-hall-renovations-need-more-funds-town-eyes-tax-credits/article_e14970f0-42ef-56db-886d-08219017612d.html