On the agenda: Oconee County Minutes — FLOCK camera (Jul 21)

MINUTES

OCONEE COUNTY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
July 21, 2026
MEMBERS, OCONEE COUNTY COUNCIL

Mr. John Elliott, District I
Mr. Matthew Durham, Chairman, District II
Mr. Don Mize, Vice Chairman, District III
Mr. Thomas James, Chairman Pro Tem, District IV
Mr. Glenn Hart, District V

Oconee County Council met at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers, 415 South Pine Street, Walhalla, SC with all
Council Members, County Administrator Stewart Jones, Deputy Administrator Phil Shirley, County Attorney
Rob Chumley, & Jennifer C. Adams, Clerk to Council present.

Press:

Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, notice of the meeting, date, time, place of meeting
and agenda were posted on the bulletin board at the County Administrative Offices, 415 South Pine Street,
Walhalla, SC, and the County Council website [www.oconeesc.com/council]. In addition, it was made
available [upon request] to the newspapers, radio stations, television stations and concerned citizens.
Members of the press present: Fox Carolina News Station, Dick Mangrum / 101.7 WGOG, Andrea Kelley /
The Journal

Call to Order
Mr. Durham called the meeting to order at 6:18 p.m.

Moment of Silence

Mr. Durham asked for a moment of silence prior to the Invocation.

Invocation

Mr. Joel Smith gave the Invocation.

Pledge of Allegiance

Mr. Devin Clay led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.

Attorney’s Comments
None for this meeting.

Council’s meetings shall be conducted pursuant to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, Council’s Rules and the Model Rules of Parliamentary Procedure for South Carolina Counties, latest edition. This agenda
may not be inclusive of all issues which Council may bring up for discussion at this meeting. Items are listed on Council’s agenda to give public notice of the subjects and issues to be discussed, acted upon, received as
information and/or disposed of during the meeting. Items listed on Council’s agenda may be taken up, tabled, postponed, reconsidered, removed or otherwise disposed of as provided for under Council’s Rules, and Model
Rules of Parliamentary Procedure for South Carolina Counties, latest edition, if not specified under Council’s rules.

A video recording of this meeting is available at www.oconeesc.com. Meetings have been live-streamed beginning January 17, 2017.
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Oconee County Council Meeting Minutes
July 21, 2026

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Administrator’s Comments

Mr. Jones introduced Mr. Richie Caudill, Emergency Services Director, who then made a short presentation
on the Noah’s Box project that is currently being implemented and utilized by emergency services.

Consent Agenda

[Consent agendas are used to more quickly dispose of routine business by allowing Council to approve more than one item at the same time, without debate,
amendment, or individual motions. If a Council member requests discussion about one or more of these items, that item(s) will be removed from the consent
agenda and placed on the regular agenda to be discussed later in the meeting.]

1. July 07, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes
2. Procurement Item:
2026 Hyundai EX1200-7 Mining Shovel
Department(s): Rock Quarry
Amount: $1,860,500.00

Procurement was approved by Council in Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget process.
Budget: $1,860,500.00 Project Cost: $1,860,500.00
Balance: $0.00
(Funding from Rock Quarry Capital Equipment budget)

It is the staff’s recommendation that Council approve the purchase of a 2026 Hitachi EX12007 Shovel from Hills Machinery of Greenville, SC, in the amount of $1,860,500.00, per N. C.
Sheriff’s Association Contract # 27-11-0421.
Mr. Elliott made a motion, seconded by Mr. James, approved 5 – 0, to approve all items on the consent
agenda as presented.

Proclamations

PROCLAMATION 2026-07 A PROCLAMATION OF OCONEE COUNTY COUNCIL
HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF UNITED STATES SENATOR LINDSEY OLIN GRAHAM
Mr. Durham expressed his personal gratitude for the help that Senator Graham provided to his sister and her
family during a crisis in Africa where they were serving as missionaries.
Mr. Elliott made a motion, seconded by Mr. Mize, approved 5 - 0, to approve Proclamation 2026-07 on first
and final reading.

Public Comment Session

If you are unable to attend in person and you have a comment you would like to be considered by Council, please email or call the
Council Member for your district (https://oconeesc.com/council-home/council-officials), so that they may consider and perhaps
include your comments during Council Member comments, as and if appropriate.

1. Mr. Richard Pugh provided remarks related to the Corinth-Shiloh Special Purpose Tax District for
Fire Protection millage rate, noting he is not in favor of a millage increase.
Mr. Durham stated that there has been no proposal of removing the millage cap for the Corinth-Shiloh
Special Purpose Tax District for Fire Protection, noting the only suggestion made to Council was that any
millage increase for this special tax district be put to a referendum for voters to decide.

Council’s meetings shall be conducted pursuant to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, Council’s Rules and the Model Rules of Parliamentary Procedure for South Carolina Counties, latest edition. This agenda
may not be inclusive of all issues which Council may bring up for discussion at this meeting. Items are listed on Council’s agenda to give public notice of the subjects and issues to be discussed, acted upon, received as
information and/or disposed of during the meeting. Items listed on Council’s agenda may be taken up, tabled, postponed, reconsidered, removed or otherwise disposed of as provided for under Council’s Rules, and Model
Rules of Parliamentary Procedure for South Carolina Counties, latest edition, if not specified under Council’s rules.

A video recording of this meeting is available at www.oconeesc.com. Meetings have been live-streamed beginning January 17, 2017.
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2. Ms. Lauren Ballard shared her concerns related FLOCK cameras and how the data they collect will
be used.
3. Ms. Valerie McCarthy expressed her appreciation for our law enforcement and went on to share her
concerns with the technology of FLOCK cameras.
4. Mr. David Crockett spoke in opposition to Ordinance 2026-23.
5. Mr. Wayne Smith spoke in support of Ordinance 2026-23.
6. Ms. Lisa Fister spoke in opposition to Ordinance 2026-23.
7. Mr. Kerry Sartain spoke in opposition to Ordinance 2026-23 and shared his opinion that the
Corinth-Shiloh Special Purpose Tax District for Fire Protection needs to be rescinded.
8. Ms. Christine Levesque spoke in opposition to Ordinance 2026-23.
9. Mr. James Miller shared his concerns related to the millage rate within the Corinth-Shiloh Special
Purpose Tax District for Fire Protection.
10. Mr. Tim Murphy spoke in opposition to Ordinance 2026-23 and shared the frustrations he has with
the Corinth-Shiloh Special Purpose Tax District Commission.
11. Mr. Doug Hedden, Jr. spoke in opposition to FLOCK cameras.
12. Mr. Danny Delmarco spoke in opposition to Ordinance 2026-23 and shared the frustrations he has
with the Corinth-Shiloh Special Tax District Commission.
13. Mr. Bill Box spoke in opposition to Ordinance 2026-23.
14. Ms. Elizabeth O’Connor spoke in opposition to FLOCK cameras.
15. Mr. Matt Price spoke in opposition to FLOCK cameras.
16. Mr. David Hammond expressed his concerns over an Oconee County Sheriff’s Office employee.

Council Members Comments
Mr. Durham made a motion, seconded by Mr. Hart, approved 5 – 0, to direct the County Administrator and
the County Attorney to conduct a full review of the automatic license plate reader systems, including
FLOCK and other cameras offering the same technology, in Oconee County and return to Council with a
written report that includes a legal recommendation within 60 days, noting this report should include the
scope of Council’s authority, including the limits created by the Sheriff’s status as an elected constitutional
officer, and the legal recommendation of action available to the Council (termination, relocation,
procurement, etc. of cameras).
Mr. Hart pointed out that he did not appoint Mr. Wayne Smith to the Corinth-Shiloh Special Purpose Tax
District Commission and offer further comments related to transparency.
Mr. Elliott noted that public safety is number one and extended his appreciation for all those in attendance
with concerns related to the Corinth-Shiloh Special Purpose Tax District, then went on to state that he will
be abstaining from voting on Ordinance 2026-23 and recommended that the volunteers and Corinth-Shiloh
Special Purpose Tax District Commission need to start working together and put public safety first.
Mr. Durham noted that the recommendation from the Corinth-Shiloh Special Purpose Tax District
Commission was to have a referendum for voters to decide if the millage should go above 25 mills and went
on to express his opinion that the Corinth-Shiloh Special Purpose Tax District for Fire Protection was not
needed.

Council’s meetings shall be conducted pursuant to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, Council’s Rules and the Model Rules of Parliamentary Procedure for South Carolina Counties, latest edition. This agenda
may not be inclusive of all issues which Council may bring up for discussion at this meeting. Items are listed on Council’s agenda to give public notice of the subjects and issues to be discussed, acted upon, received as
information and/or disposed of during the meeting. Items listed on Council’s agenda may be taken up, tabled, postponed, reconsidered, removed or otherwise disposed of as provided for under Council’s Rules, and Model
Rules of Parliamentary Procedure for South Carolina Counties, latest edition, if not specified under Council’s rules.

A video recording of this meeting is available at www.oconeesc.com. Meetings have been live-streamed beginning January 17, 2017.
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Oconee County Council Meeting Minutes
July 21, 2026

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Third Reading of the Following Ordinances
None for this meeting.

Second Reading of the Following Ordinances

ORDINANCE 2026-23 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 2024-26 ENTITLED “AN
ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE CORINTH-SHILOH SPECIAL PURPOSE TAX DISTRICT
FOR FIRE PROTECTION; ESTABLISHING THE CORINTH-SHILOH SPECIAL PURPOSE TAX
DISTRICT COMMISSION; AND OTHER RELATED MATTERS.”

Mr. Hart made a motion, seconded by Mr. James, to approve Ordinance 2026-23 on second reading.
Mr. Durham made a motion, seconded by Mr. Hart, approved 4 – 1 [Mr. Elliott abstained from voting] to
direct County Administrator in consultation with County Attorney, Fire Chief and Emergency Services
Director to examine the feasibility and legality of dissolving the Corinth Shiloh Special Tax District for Fire
Protection and return fire protection in that area to the County and report back to Council with findings,
proposed plan, and cost analysis in 90 days.
Mr. Mize expressed his opinion that this is not the time to change the current composition of the CorinthShiloh Special Purpose Tax District Commission from appointed to elected, echoing Mr. Durham’s prior
statements that public safety should not be in jeopardy due to the current conflict between the Commission
and volunteers.
Mr. Durham pointed out that, per the ordinance, the appointed Commission is still within the 2-year span
before the election of commissioners.
Mr. Durham made a motion, seconded by Mr. Hart, approved 4 – 1 [Mr. Elliott abstained from voting] to
direct County Attorney to review a possible amendment to Ordinance 2026-23 for third reading stating that
any increase in millage above 25 mills go to a referendum.
Motion to approve Ordinance 2026-23 on second reading, approved 4 – 1[Mr. Elliott abstained from
voting].

First Reading of the Following Ordinances

ORDINANCE 2026-24 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CONVEYANCE OF EASEMENT
RIGHTS TO UPCOUNTRY FIBER FOR THE PURPOSE OF UTILITY INFRASTRUCTURE
CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE AT PROPERTY OWNED BY OCONEE COUNTY,
LOCATED AT THE INTERSECTION OF NEBO CHURCH ROAD AND HARBIN ACRES ROAD,
SENECA, SOUTH CAROLINA, SUCH PROPERTY CURRENTLY IDENTIFIED BY TAX
PARCEL NUMBER 256-00-04-031; AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO. (in title only)

Mr. Elliott made a motion, seconded by Mr. Hart, approved 5 - 0, to approve Ordinance 2026-24 on first
reading in title only.
Council’s meetings shall be conducted pursuant to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, Council’s Rules and the Model Rules of Parliamentary Procedure for South Carolina Counties, latest edition. This agenda
may not be inclusive of all issues which Council may bring up for discussion at this meeting. Items are listed on Council’s agenda to give public notice of the subjects and issues to be discussed, acted upon, received as
information and/or disposed of during the meeting. Items listed on Council’s agenda may be taken up, tabled, postponed, reconsidered, removed or otherwise disposed of as provided for under Council’s Rules, and Model
Rules of Parliamentary Procedure for South Carolina Counties, latest edition, if not specified under Council’s rules.

A video recording of this meeting is available at www.oconeesc.com. Meetings have been live-streamed beginning January 17, 2017.
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Oconee County Council Meeting Minutes
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ORDINANCE 2026-25 AN ORDINANCE FOR THE PRESERVATION, REDEVELOPMENT, AND
SALE OF THE HISTORIC OCONEE COUNTY COURTHOUSE LOCATED AT 211 W. MAIN ST.
WALHALLA, SOUTH CAROLINA; AND OTHER RELATED MATTERS. (in title only)
Mr. Elliott made a motion, seconded by Mr. James, to approve Ordinance 2026-25 on first reading in title
only.
Mr. Durham pointed out that first reading of this ordinance was “in title only” and further details would be
available before second reading.
Motion approved 4 – 1[Mr. Elliott abstained from voting].

First & Final Reading for the Following Resolutions
None for this meeting.

Action on Matters Removed from Consent Agenda at Council Member Request
None for this meeting.

Discussion Regarding Action Items
Discussion of MSW Transfer Station Tipping Fee for Small Residential Haulers

Traditionally, the County has waived the “MSW Transfer Station Tipping Fee – Residential Haulers at 50%” for
small in county residential haulers. After further review and discussion, Council must evaluate if these newly
added fees be waived for the remainder FY27 for small residential haulers. The Administration recommends that
Council adopt this waiver by motion and plans to set new criteria for these fees in the FY28 budget. There is no
impact on the budget as this was a newly added fee and was not calculated into projected revenues yet.

Mr. Durham provided background information related to residential hauler tipping fees.
Mr. Cole Lampier, a small residential hauler, addressed Council with his concerns related to tipping fees.
Mr. Swain Still, Solid Waste Director, provided Council the cost details of their contract for disposal of solid
waste in Homer, Ga., noting that if they used the Oconee Transfer Station in Fair Play the cost would still be
the same.
Mr. Elliott made a motion, seconded by Mr. James, approved 5 – 0, to approve waiving the newly added
tipping fees for the remainder of fee period 2027 for small residential haulers.
Mr. Hart commended the current Corinth-Shiloh Special Purpose Tax District Commissioners for the work
they are doing and offered recognition of all 5 members in attendance.

Council Committee Reports

Mr. James provided information outlining discussions held at the July 07, 2026 Planning and Economic
Development Committee meeting.

Council’s meetings shall be conducted pursuant to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, Council’s Rules and the Model Rules of Parliamentary Procedure for South Carolina Counties, latest edition. This agenda
may not be inclusive of all issues which Council may bring up for discussion at this meeting. Items are listed on Council’s agenda to give public notice of the subjects and issues to be discussed, acted upon, received as
information and/or disposed of during the meeting. Items listed on Council’s agenda may be taken up, tabled, postponed, reconsidered, removed or otherwise disposed of as provided for under Council’s Rules, and Model
Rules of Parliamentary Procedure for South Carolina Counties, latest edition, if not specified under Council’s rules.

A video recording of this meeting is available at www.oconeesc.com. Meetings have been live-streamed beginning January 17, 2017.
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Oconee County Council Meeting Minutes
July 21, 2026

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Board & Commission Appointments

Building Codes Appeal Board……. 1 At-Large Seat
No questionnaires on file requesting consideration of appointment.

Agricultural Advisory Board …….. District 1
One questionnaire on file requesting consideration of appointment.
No nominations were made for the vacant positions on the Building Codes Appeal Board or the Agricultural
Advisory Board.

Executive Session

Mr. Elliott made a motion, seconded by Mr. James, approved 5 – 0, to enter into Executive Session for the
following purposes, as allowed for § 30-4-70(a) of the South Carolina Code of Laws:
1. Receipt of legal advice and discussion regarding a personnel matter.
2. Receive legal advice and discuss potential contractual matter regarding utilities / infrastructure
project(s).
3. Receipt of legal advice and discussion regarding a contractual matter with emergency services.
4. Receive legal advice and discussion regarding the contractual sell of county property.
5. Discussion regarding an economic development matter, Project Homecoming.
Council entered into Executive Session at 7:56 p.m.
Council returned from Executive Session at 10:11 p.m. on a motion made by Mr. Hart, seconded by Mr.
James, approved 5 – 0.
Mr. Durham noted that now action was taken during executive session.

Adjourn:

Mr. James made a motion, approved unanimously, to adjourn at 10:11 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted:
Jennifer C. Adams
Clerk to Council

Council’s meetings shall be conducted pursuant to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, Council’s Rules and the Model Rules of Parliamentary Procedure for South Carolina Counties, latest edition. This agenda
may not be inclusive of all issues which Council may bring up for discussion at this meeting. Items are listed on Council’s agenda to give public notice of the subjects and issues to be discussed, acted upon, received as
information and/or disposed of during the meeting. Items listed on Council’s agenda may be taken up, tabled, postponed, reconsidered, removed or otherwise disposed of as provided for under Council’s Rules, and Model
Rules of Parliamentary Procedure for South Carolina Counties, latest edition, if not specified under Council’s rules.

A video recording of this meeting is available at www.oconeesc.com. Meetings have been live-streamed beginning January 17, 2017.
Brought to you by Your Oconee.
Oconee County Council Meeting Minutes
July 21, 2026

Page 6 of 6