On the agenda: Oconee County Minutes — surveillance camera (Sep 15)

MINUTES

OCONEE COUNTY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
September 15, 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, WSPA Channel 7, Dick Mangrum / 101.7 WGOG

Call to Order
Mr. Durham called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
As requested by Mr. Durham, Mr. Elliott made a motion, seconded by Mr. Hart, approved 5 – 0, to amend
the agenda by adding “Discussion regarding a grant opportunity for the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office” to
take place after “Council Member Comments” section of the meeting to ensure that the deadline to apply is
met.

Moment of Silence

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

Invocation

Mr. James gave the Invocation.

Pledge of Allegiance

Ms. Kay Knapp led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.

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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Attorney’s Comments
None for this meeting.

Administrator’s Comments

Mr. Jones welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Executive Session

Mr. Elliott made a motion, seconded by Mr. Hart, 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. Discussion regarding the proposed sale and disposition of county-owned real property and related
contractual matters.
2. Receipt of legal advice and discussion regarding contractual matter with emergency services.
3. Discussion regarding potential pending litigation.
4. Receive legal advice regarding a contractual matter.
5. Discussion regarding an economic development matter, Project Grow.
6. Discussion regarding an economic development matter, Project Homecoming.
7. Discussion regarding an economic development matter, Project Hawk.
Council entered into Executive Session at 6:03p.m.
Council returned from Executive Session at 8:27 p.m. on a motion made by Mr. Elliott, seconded by Mr.
Hart, approved 5 – 0.
The following motions were made as a result of executive session discussions:
In relation to executive session item #1, Mr. Elliott made a motion, seconded by Mr. Durham, approved 5 –
0, to approve LEL International to purchase the old courthouse as discussed.
In relation to executive session item #7, Mr. Elliott made a motion, seconded by Mr. James, approved 5 – 0,
authorizing the County Administrator to execute a letter of intent for Project Hawk.
In relation to executive session item #3, Mr. Durham made a motion, seconded by Mr. Hart, approved 5 – 0,
for County Council to direct Council Chair to send a letter to Mr. David Dial, the Mayor and City Council of
Walhalla, the Mayor and City Council of Westminster expressing County Council concern regarding Mr.
Dial’s continued service with Oconee Regional Sewer Authority Board following his participation as a
plaintiff in litigation against Oconee County in challenging the County’s sewer infrastructure investment,
requesting Mr. Dial resign from his position or alternately that the cities of Walhalla and Westminster
exercise their authority to replace him as the jointly appointed representative.
In relation to executive session item #4, Mr. James made a motion, seconded by Mr. Durham, approved 5 – 0,
to direct the County Administrator and County Attorney to proceed as directed in executive session in
regards to the responses received to the County’s FLOCK FOIA requests.
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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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. September 01, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes
2. Procurement Item:
Office 365 Enterprise
Department: Information Technology
Amount: $69,183.00
Sales Tax: $4,150.98
Total: $73,333.98

Procurement was approved by Council in Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget process.
Budget: $95,000.00 Project Cost: $73,333.98
Balance: $21,666.02
*Funding from 010-711-30056-00000 (IT – Data Processing)

It is the staff’s recommendation that Council approve the total award in the amount of
$73,333.98 for the purchase of Microsoft Office 365 Enterprise. Of the total award,
$69,183.00 is being awarded to SHI International Corp. under Sourcewell Contract No.
121923-SHI. The quoted amount from SHI does not include sales tax; therefore, applicable
sales and use tax may be added to the invoice or remitted directly by the County to the South
Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR), as applicable.
3. Procurement Item:
Randox Evidence MultiSTAT Analyzer
Department(s): Oconee County Coroner’s Office
Amount: $81,605.90

Procurement was approved by Council in Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget process.
Budget: $81,610.00 Project Cost: $81,605.90 Balance: $4.10
Funding for this purchase is from South Carolina Opioid Recovery Fund (SCORF)

It is the staff’s recommendation that Council approve the sole-source purchase of the Randox
Evidence MultiSTAT Analyzer and associated supplies from Randox Laboratories-US Limited
of Kearneysville, WV, in the amount of $81,605.90, to be funded through the South Carolina
Opioid Recovery Fund.
4. Procurement Item:
ITB 25-06 Oconee County Sheriff’s Office / Law Enforcement Center Roof Replacement
Department(s): Sheriff’s Office
Amount: $ 667,000.00
Contingency (15%): $ 100,050.00
Total: $767,050.00
Procurement was approved by Council in Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget process.
Budget: $900,000 Project Cost: $767,050 Balance: $132,950
*Account code: 013-101-50855-93602

It is the staff’s recommendation that 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.
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1. Approve the award of ITB 25-06, Oconee County Sheriff’s Office / Law Enforcement
Center Roof Replacement, to Eskola Roofing & Waterproofing of Greer, South Carolina,
in the amount of $667,000.00, plus a 15% contingency in the amount of $100,050.00, for a
total project authorization of $767,050.00.
2. Authorize the County Administrator to execute documents for this project and sign any
change orders within the approved contingency amount.
3. Authorize the County Administrator to transfer funds to the appropriate line items.
Mr. Elliott made a motion, seconded by Mr. Hart, approved 5 – 0, to approve all items on the consent agenda
as presented.

Millage Presentation to Council
Nidia Villegas / Acting County Auditor & Kevin Robinson / Finance Director
Finance Director, Kevin Robinson utilized a power point presentation entitled, “Oconee County Millage
Presentation Fiscal year 2027 – Tax Year 2026” and provided an overview of the recommended millage.
Mr. Durham made a motion, seconded by Mr. Elliott, approved 5 – 0, to approve the millage as presented.

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. Mrs. Kerry Leeper Brock, former Oconee County Library Resource Assistant, noted that she would
save her comments until the public hearing for Ordinance 2026-27.
2. Mr. Jim Corey addressed Council in opposition to Ordinance 2026-27 and in support of keeping the
grant-funded Library Resource Assistant position.
3. Mr. Lee Sheehan addressed Council with comments relating to what he believes is government
overreach and in opposition to Ordinance 2026-27 and Ordinance 2026-28.
4. Mr. Rusty Brock addressed Council in opposition to Ordinance 2026-27 and in support of keeping
the grant-funded Library Resource Assistant position.

Council Members Comments
Mr. Hart addressed Mr. Sheehan related to his public comments.
Mr. James addressed Mr. Brock related to his public comments.

Discussion regarding a grant opportunity for the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office
Mr. Durham noted that the deadline for applying for this grant opportunity falls before the next Council
meeting, therefore it was added to the agenda for consideration of approval.
Mr. Durham made a motion, seconded by Mr. Elliott, approved 5 – 0, to direct staff to work in conjunction
with the Sheriff to apply for the grant opportunity and if awarded, this would come back before Council for
approval of acceptance.
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
September 15, 2026

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Public Hearing for the Following Ordinances If you would like to be heard during public hearings, please

contact Clerk to Council Jennifer C. Adams at [email protected] or 864-718-1023 so that your participation by may
be coordinated.

ORDINANCE 2026-26 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 2 OF THE OCONEE COUNTY
CODE OF ORDINANCES BY ADDING AN ARTICLE ENTITLED “PROTECTION FROM MASS
SURVEILLANCE”; TO PROHIBIT THE USE OF COUNTY FUNDS, PROPERTY, PERSONNEL,
EQUIPMENT, CONTRACTS, INFORMATION-TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS, AND OTHER
COUNTY RESOURCES FOR PROHIBITED MASS SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS; TO PROHIBIT
THE PLACEMENT OR OPERATION OF SUCH SYSTEMS ON COUNTY PROPERTY AND
WITHIN COUNTY-CONTROLLED ROAD RIGHTS-OF-WAY; TO ESTABLISH ELIGIBILITY
REQUIREMENTS FOR DISCRETIONARY COUNTY APPROPRIATIONS, RECREATION
FUNDS, ACCOMMODATIONS-TAX AWARDS, GRANTS, SPONSORSHIPS, AND OTHER
COUNTY-CONTROLLED DISTRIBUTIONS; TO INCLUDE MUNICIPALLY SPONSORED
EVENTS AND MATERIAL IN-KIND MUNICIPAL SUPPORT WITHIN SUCH ELIGIBILITY
REQUIREMENTS; TO PREVENT CIRCUMVENTION THROUGH AFFILIATED OR
SEPARATELY INCORPORATED ENTITIES; TO AMEND CHAPTER 30, ARTICLE III, BY
ADDING PERMANENT ACCOMMODATIONS-TAX ELIGIBILITY, DISCLOSURE, AND
ENFORCEMENT PROVISIONS; TO AMEND CHAPTER 26 BY PROHIBITING MASS
SURVEILLANCE ENCROACHMENTS WITHIN COUNTY-CONTROLLED RIGHTS-OF-WAY;
AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO.

Mr. Durham opened the floor for Public Comment.
1. Mr. Drew Gram spoke in support of Ordinance 2026-26.
2. Mr. Abe Connally spoke in support of Ordinance 2026-26 and offered his services in assisting with
the removal of all Oconee County owned mass surveillance cameras.
3. Ms. Valerie McCarthy spoke in support of Ordinance 2026-26.
4. Ms. Lauren Ballard spoke in support of Ordinance 2026-26.
5. Ms. Melissa Carroll spoke in opposition of Ordinance 2026-26.
6. Mr. Mickey Haney spoke in support of Ordinance 2026-26.
Mr. Durham closed the Public Hearing regarding Ordinance 2026-26.
ORDINANCE 2026-27 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 2, “ADMINISTRATION,” OF
THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF OCONEE COUNTY, SOUTH CAROLINA, BY ADDING
ARTICLE VIII, ENTITLED “POSITION AUTHORIZATION AND CLASSIFICATION
CONTROL”; TO REQUIRE ALL COUNTY POSITIONS, REGARDLESS OF FUNDING SOURCE,
TO BE INCLUDED IN A POSITION AUTHORIZATION AND CLASSIFICATION SCHEDULE
APPROVED BY COUNTY COUNCIL; TO PROVIDE THAT THE RECEIPT OR AVAILABILITY
OF A GRANT, STATE APPROPRIATION, DONATION, RESTRICTED REVENUE, FEE, OR
OTHER FUNDING DOES NOT INDEPENDENTLY AUTHORIZE THE CREATION OR
CONTINUATION OF A COUNTY POSITION; TO ESTABLISH UNIFORM PROCEDURES FOR
THE CREATION, RECLASSIFICATION, CONTINUATION, EXPIRATION, AND ABOLITION OF
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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COUNTY POSITIONS; TO PRESERVE LAWFUL APPOINTMENT AND PERSONNEL
AUTHORITY; TO PROHIBIT CIRCUMVENTION; AND TO PROVIDE FOR CODIFICATION,
SEVERABILITY, CONFLICTING PROVISIONS, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Mr. Durham opened the floor for Public Comment.
1. Ms. Stephanie White spoke in opposition to Ordinance 2026-27 and in support of keeping the grantfunded Library Resource Assistant position.
2. Ms. Ashley Lester spoke in opposition to Ordinance 2026-27 and in support of keeping the grantfunded Library Resource Assistant position.
3. Ms. Emily Hitchcock spoke in opposition to Ordinance 2026-27 and in support of keeping the grantfunded Library Resource Assistant position.
4. Ms. Stephanie Blake spoke in opposition to Ordinance 2026-27 and in support of keeping the grantfunded Library Resource Assistant position.
5. Ms. Monica Alles White spoke in opposition to Ordinance 2026-27 and in support of keeping the
grant-funded Library Resource Assistant position.
6. Ms. Kerry Leeper Brock, prior Oconee County Library Resource Assistant, spoke in opposition to
Ordinance 2026-27 and in support of keeping the grant-funded Library Resource Assistant position.
7. Ms. Breanne Alexander spoke in opposition to Ordinance 2026-27 and in support of keeping the
grant-funded Library Resource Assistant position.
8. Ms. Liz Kuemmerer spoke in opposition to Ordinance 2026-27 and in support of keeping the grantfunded Library Resource Assistant position.
9. Mr. Gary Pointer spoke in opposition to Ordinance 2026-27 and in support of keeping the grantfunded Library Resource Assistant position.
10. Ms. Chelsey Sullivan spoke in opposition to Ordinance 2026-27 and in support of keeping the grantfunded Library Resource Assistant position.
11. Ms. Amy Saylor, assistant to the Library Resource Assistant position, spoke in opposition to
Ordinance 2026-27 and in support of keeping the grant-funded Library Resource Assistant position.
12. Mr. Jonathan Hunter spoke in opposition to Ordinance 2026-27 and in support of keeping the grantfunded Library Resource Assistant position.
13. Ms. Emily Sluder spoke in opposition to Ordinance 2026-27 and in support of keeping the grantfunded Library Resource Assistant position.
14. Mr. Devin Clay spoke in opposition to Ordinance 2026-27 and in support of keeping the grantfunded Library Resource Assistant position.
Mr. Durham closed the Public Hearing regarding Ordinance 2026-27.
ORDINANCE 2026-28 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SECTION 2-191, “APPOINTMENT;
DUTIES,” OF DIVISION 4, “COUNTY ATTORNEY,” OF ARTICLE III, “OFFICERS AND
EMPLOYEES,” OF CHAPTER 2, “ADMINISTRATION,” OF THE OCONEE COUNTY CODE OF
ORDINANCES, IN ORDER TO REQUIRE COUNTY COUNCIL AUTHORIZATION BEFORE A
COUNTY AGENCY, COMMISSION, BOARD, DEPARTMENT, OR COMMITTEE MAY
EMPLOY OR RETAIN AN ATTORNEY OTHER THAN THE COUNTY ATTORNEY; AND
OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO.
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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Mr. Durham opened the floor for Public Comment.
Noting that no citizens signed up to address Council; Mr. Durham opened the floor for any citizen wishing to
address Council regarding this ordinance. No citizen addressed Council and no citizen submitted or
presented any written comments for the record.
Mr. Durham closed the Public Hearing regarding Ordinance 2026-28.

Third Reading of the Following Ordinances
ORDINANCE 2026-26 (see caption above)
Mr. Hart made a motion, seconded by Mr. James, to approve Ordinance 2026-26 on third and final reading.
Mr. Durham made a motion, seconded by Mr. Hart, to amend Ordinance 2026-26 by stating upon the
passing of this ordinance the County Administrator forward Chief Davis’ letter to FLOCK Safety, together
with a written notice from the County Administrator directing FLOCK Safety to remove all cameras funded
by Oconee County within 14 days and pending removal further instruct County Administrator to ensure that
all such cameras funded by Oconee County are temporarily covered or otherwise rendered incapable of
collecting data, providing that no cameras shall be damaged.
Mr. Durham thanked all those who spoke in support of Ordinance 2026-26, as well as the one citizen who
spoke in opposition and also thanked Council for their leadership and courage with the proposal and passing
of this ordinance.
Amendment to Ordinance 2026-26 approved 4 – 1 [Mr. Elliott opposed].
Motion to approve Ordinance 2026-26 as amended on third and final reading, approved 4 – 1 [Mr. Elliott
opposed].
ORDINANCE 2026-27 (see caption above)
Mr. Hart made a motion, seconded by Mr. James, to approve Ordinance 2026-27 on third and final reading.
Mr. Durham provided comments on county positions and their funding sources.
Motion approved, 5 – 0, on third and final reading.
ORDINANCE 2026-28 (see caption above)
Mr. Hart made a motion, seconded by Mr. James, approved 5 - 0, to approve Ordinance 2026-28 on third
and final reading.

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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Second Reading of the Following Ordinances

ORDINANCE 2026-29 AN ORDINANCE TO CONFIRM BUILDING VARIANCE AND
TERMINATION OF PURCHASE OPTION FOR OCONEE INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY
PARK IN THE PUBLIC RECORD; AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO (in title only)

Mr. Elliott made a motion, seconded by Mr. James, approved 5 - 0, to approve Ordinance 2026-29 on
second reading.
ORDINANCE 2026-31 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 2, "ADMINISTRATION," OF
THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF OCONEE COUNTY, SOUTH CAROLINA, BY ADDING
DIVISION 4, "APPOINTMENTS AND CONSTITUTIONAL OATHS," TO ARTICLE II, "COUNTY
COUNCIL," CONSISTING OF SECTIONS 2-96 THROUGH 2-101; TO ESTABLISH A UNIFORM
CONSTITUTIONAL OATH REQUIREMENT FOR CERTAIN PERSONS APPOINTED BY
OCONEE COUNTY COUNCIL; TO PROVIDE FOR ADMINISTRATION, SUBSCRIPTION,
FILING, AND RETENTION OF SUCH OATHS; TO REQUIRE THE PROVISION OF A COPY OF
THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES TO CERTAIN PUBLIC OFFICIALS AND
SWORN COUNTY PERSONNEL; TO PROVIDE FOR TRANSITION, RATIFICATION,
COMPLIANCE, AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO.
Mr. Elliott made a motion, seconded by Mr. Hart, approved 5 - 0, to approve Ordinance 2026-31 on second
reading.

First Reading of the Following Ordinances

ORDINANCE 2026-32 AN ORDINANCE TO REQUIRE NOTIFICATION TO OCONEE COUNTY
EMERGENCY SERVICES OF ANY SEWAGE LEAK IN THE COUNTY THAT IS 5000 GALLONS
OR GREATER; AND OTHER RELATED MATTERS THERETO.
(in title only)

Mr. Elliott made a motion, seconded by Mr. Mize, approved 5 - 0, to approve Ordinance 2026-32 on first
reading in title only.
ORDINANCE 2026-33 AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF AN
AMENDMENT TO FEE-IN-LIEU OF AD VALOREM TAXES AND SPECIAL SOURCE
REVENUE CREDIT AGREEMENT BY AND AMONG OCONEE COUNTY AND PROJECT
PAINT; AND PROVIDING FOR OTHER RELATED MATTERS. (in title only)
Mr. Elliott made a motion, seconded by Mr. Hart, approved 5- 0, to approve Ordinance 2026-33 on first
reading in title only.

First & Final Reading for the Following Resolutions

RESOLUTION 2026-13 A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING INTENT TO CEASE COUNTY
MAINTENANCE ON, AND TO AUTHORIZE COUNTY CONSENT TO ABANDONMENT AND
CLOSURE OF, A PORTION OF NELLIE RD (WA-21), SUCH ROAD BEING A PART OF THE
OCONEE COUNTY PUBLIC ROAD SYSTEM; AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO.

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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Mr. Elliott made a motion, seconded by Mr. Hart, approved 5 - 0, to approve Resolution 2026-13 on first
and final reading.

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

Discussion Regarding Action Items
Council Discussion Regarding Development Standards
Mr. Durham noted that he had spoken with the Planning Director, Ms. DeAnn Hester, and there is a plan to
have the ordinance revisions come before Council for all three readings and public hearing before the
expiration date of the moratorium.
Mr. Elliott extended his appreciation to the Planning Commission for their work on revising these
ordinances.
PRT Commission-Local ATAX Recommendations / Fall 2026 Cycle / $50,000

A portion of Local ATAX revenues received by Oconee County are made available for ATAX grants through
Ordinance 2011-12. ATAX grants are to be tourism related grants that meet the ATAX guidelines specified by
local and State mandates. Grants are recommended by the PRT Commission based on tourism impact of the
project and approved by County Council. All external ATAX grant recipients are required to turn in
intermediate reports every 180 days to the progress of the grant and a final report upon completion of the grant.
These reports are placed in the grant folder, which is kept active by the PRT staff until the grant is considered
complete. Internal projects through Oconee PRT are also funneled through local ATAX for eligible projects.
FY27 Local ATAX (235) Balance:
$903,157.00
If all grants/projects approved/new balance will be: $853,157.00

Staff recommends that Council approve the local ATAX recommendations as presented.

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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Mr. Durham stated that he would like to remove the City of Seneca’s and the Westminster Music Centre’s
request for ATAX grant funding from the above list, siting the passing of Ordinance 2026-26 prohibits the
County from awarding ATAX funding to municipalities that participate in a prohibited mass surveillance
systems.
Mr. Durham further noted that should the City Councils of Seneca and Westminster decide to remove their
mass surveillance systems, their request for ATAX funding would be reconsidered by Council.
Mr. Durham made a motion, seconded by Mr. Hart, to approve the Fall 2026 Local Accommodations Tax
recommendations with the exception of the $3,500 recommendation for the City of Seneca and the $7,000
recommendation to the Westminster Music Centre and to defer the considerations of those two
recommendations pending their eligibility under Ordinance 2026-26.
Mr. Hart made a motion, seconded by Mr. Durham, approved 5 – 0, to amend the above motion by removing
the $5,500 recommendation from the FARM Center due to previous comments from the FARM Center’s
administrator that they would not request County funding for construction or operation of the Farm Center or
any activities to be held there.
Amended main motion approved 5 – 0.

Council Committee Reports
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.
Brought to you by Your Oconee.
Oconee County Council Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2026

Page 10 of 11

Board & Commission Appointments

Building Codes Appeal Board……. 1 At-Large Seat
One questionnaire 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 District 1 seat on the Agricultural Advisory Board.
No nominations were made for the vacant At-Large seat on the Building Codes Appeal Board.

Adjourn:

Mr. Hart made a motion, approved unanimously, to adjourn at 10:44 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
September 15, 2026

Page 11 of 11