Barnwell County, South Carolina

Boards, Committees, and Commissions

County Council

Barnwell County Council will consider adopting a new county code and authorizing the conveyance of two easements to the City of Barnwell. The meeting will also include a public comment session on road signs and a proposal to acquire a SCDNR boat landing.

• Third reading of ordinance to adopt a new county code
• Second reading of ordinance to convey two easements to City of Barnwell
• Second reading of ordinance establishing policy for visa holder legal residence exemption
• Proposal to acquire SCDNR boat landing on SC39
• Resolution authorizing MOU with US Marshals Service for housing federal detainees

County Council

The County Council will meet in executive session to discuss specific contractual and personnel matters. No public votes or open decisions are listed on this agenda.

• EMS Contract discussion
• Personnel matter regarding the Administrator
• Contractual matters related to Rising Tide

Boards, Committees, and Commissions

This is a mostly procedural meeting of the Barnwell County Boards, Committees, and Commissions. The agenda includes discussions about the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Planning Commission, but no specific decisions or proposals are listed.

• Discussion of a Zoning Board of Appeals
• Discussion of a Planning Commission

Boards, Committees, and Commissions

The Barnwell County Animal Shelter Board meets to approve May and June minutes, discuss an ordinance update and transition, review fundraising efforts including a golf fundraiser, hear shelter director updates on needs and donation account status, and cover foster/rescue numbers, social media event Dogust 1st, volunteer coordination, Petco Love grants, and spay/neuter sponsorship. New business is open for discussion.

• Approval of May and June minutes
• Ordinance update and transition discussion
• Golf fundraiser planning
• Shelter director report on needs, statistics, and donation account
• Spay and Neuter Sponsorship outreach

Boards, Committees, and Commissions

The Generations Unlimited Committee will meet to discuss state required audits and provide financial updates. The body will also review outstanding bills and facility upgrades.

• State required audits
• Financial update
• Outstanding bills
• Facility upgrade

County Council

The County Council will meet for a special called session to discuss the Amphitheater project. No other substantive business is listed on the agenda.

• Discussion on the Amphitheater project

The council carried a motion introduced by Councilman Hooper (details not recorded). A later motion by Councilman Alexander to make noted changes and move forward with the amphitheater project was approved. The meeting was then adjourned by a motion that also carried.

• Motion by Councilman Hooper carried
• Motion by Councilman Alexander to make noted changes and proceed with amphitheater project carried
• Motion to adjourn the meeting carried

County Council

The Barnwell County Council will meet for a workshop to discuss the purchase of the Animal Advocates facility. The discussion will also cover a related Grant Agreement.

• Purchase of Animal Advocates facility
• Related Grant Agreement

The special‑called workshop meeting discussed the proposed animal shelter purchase and grant agreement, but no formal approvals were made. The only action taken was a motion to adjourn, which was carried.

• Motion to adjourn meeting carried (motion by Councilman Hooper, seconded by Councilman Kenner)

County Council

This is a special called meeting with essentially one action item: an executive session for economic development discussions. All other items are procedural. No votes or public decisions are expected beyond authorizing the closed session.

• Executive session for economic development

The Barnwell County Council met on June 9, 2026 to discuss an Economic Development Grant. After agenda approval and a motion to enter executive session, the council did not take any formal actions. The meeting was adjourned.

County Council

Barnwell County Council will hold a public hearing on a new county code and the FY 2026-2027 budget. In old business, the council will consider third readings of a flood damage prevention ordinance and the budget ordinance. New business includes resolutions on FOIA policy, purchase of property from Animal Advocates, a grant agreement for the animal adoption center, and conveyance of easements to the City of Barnwell.

• Public hearing on adopting a new county code (Ordinance - Second Reading)
• Public hearing on adopting FY 2026-2027 budget (Ordinance - Third Reading)
• Third Reading of Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance with updated FEMA maps
• Resolution to purchase property from Animal Advocates and grant agreement for animal adoption center
• Ordinance authorizing conveyance of two easements to the City of Barnwell

The council approved the revised FY 2026‑27 operations and debt‑service budget after an amendment, and voted 6‑0‑1 to repeal and replace the county flood‑damage prevention ordinance. A resolution establishing a fee schedule for Freedom of Information Act requests was also adopted. The council authorized the purchase of property from Animal Advocates and approved a master grant agreement with the organization.

• Approved FY 2026‑27 budget amendment (6 For, 0 Against, 1 Absent)
• Repealed and replaced County Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance (6 For, 0 Against, 1 Absent)
• Adopted new County Code ordinance (motion carried)
• Tabled ordinance on legal residence exemption for visa holders (6 For, motion carried)
• Approved FOIA fee‑schedule resolution (6 For, 0 Against, 1 Absent)
• Authorized purchase of property from Animal Advocates (motion carried)
• Approved master grant agreement with Animal Advocates (motion carried)

County Council

The Barnwell County Council will hold a special called meeting to consider the FY 2026-2027 budget. The agenda includes only the budget item plus routine procedural items. The meeting will begin at 10:00 AM in the Council Chambers.

• FY 2026-2027 Budget consideration

The council approved the meeting agenda after a motion by Councilman Cruz, seconded by Councilman Hooper. A motion to add discussion of the June council meeting, scheduled on the same day as the primaries, was also carried. The council adjourned the special meeting following a motion by Councilman Kenner, seconded by Councilman Hooper.

• Agenda approved (motion carried)
• Add discussion of June meeting to agenda (motion carried)
• Amended agenda to discuss June meeting approved (motion carried)
• Meeting adjourned (motion carried)

County Council

The Barnwell County Council will hold a special called meeting to conduct the second reading of an ordinance adopting a budget for fiscal year 2026-2027. The agenda includes the approval of the meeting agenda and a motion to adjourn.

• Second reading of ordinance to adopt budget for FY 2026-2027
• Approval of agenda
• Meeting to be held at Council Chambers, Edisto Room, 54 Irving Street

The council approved its meeting agenda and then accepted the ordinance to raise revenue and adopt the operations and debt‑service budget for fiscal year July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Both motions carried. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved meeting agenda (motion carried)
• Accepted FY 2026‑27 budget ordinance (motion carried)
• Adjourned meeting (motion carried)

County Council

The Barnwell County Council will convene a special called meeting to review the budget and adjourn the session. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 54 Irving Street.

• Budget Review
• Special Called Meeting
• Council Chambers at 54 Irving Street
• Adjournment
• 5:00 PM start time

The council approved the meeting agenda. A motion was carried to accept the 2027 budget presentation showing total revenues of $23,435,823, total expenses equal to revenues, and a $1.14 million draw from the fund balance. The meeting was then adjourned by a carried motion.

• Approved agenda (no vote recorded)
• Accepted 2027 budget presentation – revenues $23,435,823, expenses equal, $1.14 M from fund balance – motion carried
• Adjourned meeting – motion carried

County Council

The council will hold a public hearing and second reading of an ordinance to repeal and replace the county's flood damage prevention ordinance, adopting updated FEMA flood insurance rate maps with an effective date of July 21, 2026. Other business includes a resolution on retiree insurance benefits, designating funds for the DIG STEMM project from the Barnwell Economic Development Fund, first reading of a new county code, and an ordinance on South Carolina Legal Residence Exemption for certain visa holders.

• Public hearing and second reading of ordinance to repeal and replace flood damage prevention ordinance with updated FEMA flood maps
• Resolution approving and adopting a policy for retiree insurance benefits
• Resolution designating funds from Barnwell Economic Development Fund for the DIG STEMM project
• First reading of an ordinance adopting and enacting a new county code for Barnwell County
• Ordinance to establish a policy for application of South Carolina Legal Residence Exemption for certain visa holders

The council accepted the second reading of a revised flood‑damage prevention ordinance, updating FEMA flood maps effective July 21, 2026. A resolution adopting retiree‑insurance benefits into the personnel policy manual was also approved. Funds from the Barnwell Economic Development Fund were designated for the DIG STEMM project. A $5,000 donation to the Barnwell YMCA was approved.

• Second reading of flood‑damage prevention ordinance accepted (motion carried)
• Resolution adopting retiree‑insurance benefits into personnel policy manual approved (motion carried)
• Resolution designating Economic Development Fund money for DIG STEMM project approved (motion carried)
• $5,000 donation to Barnwell YMCA approved (motion carried)
• Agenda approval motion carried
• April 14 minutes approval motion carried

County Council

The Barnwell County Council is holding a special called meeting to discuss the budget for the Senior Center at Gail Reyes. No other substantive items are on the agenda; the remaining items are procedural (call to order, invocation, pledge, agenda approval, adjournment).

• Discussion on budget for The Senior Center at Gail Reyes

The council reviewed the senior center budget of $177,784.64 and a $34,384.64 funding gap. Chairman Houston recommended salary increases for three employees, but no vote on that recommendation was recorded. A motion to adjourn was made by Chairman Houston, seconded by Ms. Hindman, and the motion passed.

• Motion to adjourn passed

County Council

The County Council will hold a special called meeting to conduct a budget review led by Administrator Riley. The agenda also includes an executive session for personnel discussions.

• Budget review
• Executive session for personnel discussion

The council voted to amend the meeting agenda, moving the Personnel Discussion to an information‑only item and swapping the Budget Review to item 5. The amended agenda was then approved. Councilman Cruz was appointed chair of a new committee to review the Gail Reyes Center budget. The meeting was adjourned.

• Amended agenda approved (motion carried)
• Adopted amended agenda (motion carried)
• Councilman Cruz appointed chair of Gail Reyes Center budget committee (accepted)
• Meeting adjourned (motion carried)

Boards, Committees, and Commissions

The Barnwell County Council's Personnel Committee will hold an executive session to interview candidates for the Deputy Administrator position. Possible action may be taken following the closed session.

• Executive session for interviews for Deputy Administrator position
• Action may be taken following executive session

Boards, Committees, and Commissions

The Barnwell County Finance Committee meets to discuss the Aiken-Barnwell Mental Health Department budget and receive a general budget status update. The agenda is largely procedural, including approval of previous minutes.

• Budget workshop for Aiken-Barnwell Mental Health Department
• Budget status update
• Approval of minutes from March 25, 2026

Boards, Committees, and Commissions

The Barnwell County Council Personnel Committee is meeting to discuss staffing and policy. The session includes a review of applications for the Deputy Administrator position and legal action regarding the policy manual.

• Review of applications for Deputy Administrator
• Discussion of legal action regarding the Policy Manual

County Council

The Barnwell County Council will hold a public hearing on an ordinance that extends the solid waste service agreement with the Three Rivers Solid Waste Authority through 2050 and permits the authority to issue revenue bonds not to exceed $30 million for a new phase. The council will also take the third reading of that ordinance. New business includes a sheriff’s request for vehicle purchases or leases for the 2026‑27 budget, several resolutions, and a first reading to replace the county flood damage prevention ordinance with updated FEMA maps.

• Public hearing on ordinance authorizing up to $30 million in revenue bonds for a new solid waste phase
• Third reading of the solid waste service agreement ordinance
• Sheriff’s request for vehicle purchases/leases for the 2026‑27 budget
• Resolution to amend the Quad‑County Industrial Park master agreement to add property in Bamberg County
• First reading to repeal and replace the flood damage prevention ordinance with updated FEMA maps

The council voted to make the zoning area available for the proposed SC Homes of Barnwell mobile home dealership. It also adopted a fee‑in‑lieu ordinance, authorized participation in the South Carolina Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity Program, and amended the master agreement for the Quad‑County Industrial Park. Finally, the council directed an investigation of three county roads with reported problems.

• Approved zoning area for SC Homes of Barnwell mobile home dealership (motion carried)
• Adopted fee‑in‑lieu ordinance for Project Green and Red (motion carried)
• Authorized county participation in SC Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity Program (motion carried)
• Amended master agreement for Quad‑County Industrial Park I‑III (motion carried)
• Directed investigation of Cole Road, Good Hope Road, and an unnamed road (motion carried)

Boards, Committees, and Commissions

The Barnwell County Government Committee meeting will consider two substantive topics. Members will discuss plans or issues related to the local amphitheater. They will also discuss funding and ownership matters for a National Guard armory.

• Discussion on Amphitheater
• Discussion on National Guard Armory Funding/Ownership

County Council

The Barnwell County Council held a special meeting on April 1, 2026. After routine items, the council opened a public discussion regarding the closure of Generations Unlimited. No formal action or vote was listed on the agenda.

• Public discussion of Generations Unlimited – Closure

The council approved its agenda for the special meeting. It voted to keep the Gail Reaves Center open until June 30, 2026. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved agenda (motion carried)
• Kept Gail Reaves Center open until June 30, 2026 (vote carried)
• Adjourned the meeting (motion carried)

Boards, Committees, and Commissions

The Barnwell County Council is holding a special called meeting to conduct a public discussion regarding the closure of Generations Unlimited.

• Public discussion of Generations Unlimited – Closure

Boards, Committees, and Commissions

The Finance Committee will conduct a budget workshop focusing on two specific departments. Administrator Riley will lead discussions regarding the budgets for Solid Waste and Public Works.

• Budget workshop for Solid Waste department
• Budget workshop for Public Works department

County Council

The Barnwell County Council held a special called meeting on March 24, 2026. The agenda consisted of standard procedural items and an executive session. In the executive session, the council received legal advice concerning Generations Unlimited and discussed employee employment, appointment, compensation, and promotion matters, all under attorney‑client privilege. No public decisions were disclosed.

• Executive session: receipt of legal advice on Generations Unlimited (privileged)
• Executive session: discussion of employee employment, appointment, compensation, and promotion (privileged)

The council approved its agenda, entered an executive session, and adjourned. All three motions were carried. No substantive policy or budget decisions were made.

• Approved agenda (motion carried)
• Entered executive session (motion carried)
• Adjourned meeting (motion carried)

Boards, Committees, and Commissions

The Barnwell County Finance Committee met on March 18, 2026 for a regular session. The agenda consisted of standard procedural items and a budget workshop presented by Administrator Riley. No specific decisions or votes are listed in the agenda.

• Budget Workshop – administered by Riley
• Approval of Agenda

The committee added the previous meeting's minutes to the agenda and approved the February 17 minutes. Both motions carried. The meeting was then adjourned. No other decisions were made.

• Amended agenda to add minutes of the last meeting (motion carried)
• Approved February 17 meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Adjourned meeting (motion carried)

Boards, Committees, and Commissions

The Barnwell County Personnel Committee will meet to discuss the Building Inspector, Permit Technician, and Deputy Administrator positions, as well as sick and vacation leave policies. No formal actions are indicated on the agenda.

• Discussion of Building Inspector position
• Discussion of Permit Technician position
• Discussion of Deputy Administrator position
• Discussion of sick/vacation leave policy

County Council

The Barnwell County Council will hold a public hearing and consider the third reading of an ordinance that authorizes a fee‑in‑lieu of ad valorem taxes and an incentive agreement with Stellar Renewable Power LLC. The ordinance also adds property to an existing multicounty park shared with Allendale, Bamberg, and Hampton counties and authorizes certain infrastructure credits. The Council will adopt the Lower Savannah Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan. The meeting also includes an appointment recommendation to the First Steps Local Partnership Board and financial reports for January and February 2026.

• Public hearing on ordinance authorizing a fee‑in‑lieu of taxes and incentive agreement with Stellar Renewable Power LLC
• Third reading and vote on the same ordinance
• Resolution adopting the Lower Savannah Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan
• Recommendation to appoint Ms. Mary Jo Dawson to the Barnwell County First Steps Local Partnership Board
• Presentation of the Treasurer’s Report for Jan & Feb 2026

The council unanimously appointed Mary Jo Dawson to the First Steps Local Partnership Board. It approved upgrading Judge Stapleton’s clerk position to full‑time with benefits. A 6‑1 vote adopted an ordinance allowing residents pursuing permanent residency to qualify for the 4% tax rate. The council also adopted the regional Hazard Mitigation Plan to maintain FEMA eligibility.

• Appointed Mary Jo Dawson to the Barnwell County First Steps Local Partnership Board (unanimous)
• Upgraded Judge Stapleton’s clerk position from part‑time to full‑time with benefits (motion carried)
• Approved ordinance allowing permanent‑resident applicants to qualify for 4% tax rate (6-1)
• Adopted Hazard Mitigation Plan to keep FEMA funding eligibility (motion carried)

County Council

The Barnwell County Council will convene a special called meeting to approve the agenda and hear public comment, including a request to close Generations Unlimited. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

• Approval of Agenda
• Public Comment on Generations Unlimited closure

The council approved the meeting agenda and formally accepted the resignation letter from Generations Unlimited. The Finance Committee was directed to prepare a final expense report, and the Buildings & Grounds department will move equipment. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved meeting agenda (motion carried)
• Accepted Generations Unlimited resignation letter (recorded)
• Finance Committee tasked to prepare final expense report
• Buildings & Grounds department assigned to move furniture/equipment
• Adjourned meeting (motion carried)

Boards, Committees, and Commissions

The Barnwell County Council will conduct its standard procedural business, including a call to order, invocation, pledge of allegiance, quorum declaration, agenda approval, public comment, and adjournment. The only substantive agenda item is a presentation titled “Generations Unlimited – Financial Projections.” No other decisions or proposals are listed.

• Generations Unlimited – Financial Projections

County Council

The Barnwell County Council will hold a special called meeting to discuss financial projections for Generations Unlimited. Other agenda items are procedural.

• Financial projections for Generations Unlimited

The council approved the meeting agenda and formally accepted the resignation letter from Generations Unlimited, effective March 2, 2026. The Finance Committee was tasked with preparing a final expense report for the program. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved agenda (motion by Hooper, seconded by Kenner, carried)
• Accepted Generations Unlimited resignation letter (effective March 2, 2026)
• Finance Committee to prepare final expense report for Generations Unlimited
• Adjourned meeting (motion by Buckmon, seconded by Kenner, carried)

Boards, Committees, and Commissions

The Barnwell County Personnel Committee will review minutes from its December 30, 2025 meeting, discuss benefits for employees returning after retirement, and consider a proposal for a new Permit Tech position. The committee will also discuss the Time Clock Plus system and approve the agenda and prior minutes.

• Review Personnel Committee Meeting Minutes from 12/30/2025
• Consider proposal for a new Permit Tech position
• Discuss benefits for employees returning after retirement
• Discuss Time Clock Plus system
• Approve agenda and minutes

The committee voted to approve the meeting agenda. It also approved the minutes from the December 30, 2025 meeting. The meeting was then adjourned at 2:45 p.m.

• Approved meeting agenda (motion carried)
• Approved minutes of 12/30/2025 meeting (motion carried)
• Adjourned meeting at 2:45 p.m. (motion carried)

Boards, Committees, and Commissions

The Barnwell County Healthcare/Safety Committee will review the minutes from the July 25, 2025 meeting and consider several new business items. Topics include a discussion of an Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant, an update on the county budget, fire‑related equipment needs, and possible changes to building inspector fees. No formal actions are listed beyond routine approvals.

• EDA grant discussion
• Budget update
• Discussion of fire‑related equipment
• Discussion of building inspector fees

The committee approved its agenda and the minutes from the July 25, 2025 meeting. It voted to appropriate up to $40,000 for replacing tires on county fire apparatus, at the discretion of the Fire Coordinator and Administrator. The board also discussed a grant for a water line to SCAT Park and a proposed building‑inspector fee schedule, but no actions were taken on those items.

• Approved agenda (motion carried)
• Approved minutes from 7‑25‑2025 (motion carried)
• Approved appropriation up to $40,000 for fire‑truck tire replacement
• Adjourned meeting (motion carried)

Boards, Committees, and Commissions

The Barnwell County Boards, Committees, and Commissions meeting agenda includes a discussion on the purchase of a skidsteer loader. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 9:00 AM in the Carolina Room.

• Discussion of Purchase of Skidsteer Loader
• Approval of Agenda
• Declaration of Quorum

County Council

The Barnwell County Council will hold a second reading of an ordinance that authorizes a fee‑in‑lieu of ad valorem taxes and an incentive agreement with Project Green and Red. The council will also consider a zoning request for a mobile home dealership. Several resolutions will be considered, including participation in the South Carolina Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity Program, an amendment to the master agreement for the Quad‑County Industrial Park to add property in Bamberg County, and approval of a purchase and sale contract.

• Second reading of ordinance authorizing fee‑in‑lieu of ad valorem taxes and incentive agreement with Project Green and Red
• Resolution to join the South Carolina Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity Program
• Resolution to amend the master agreement for the Quad‑County Industrial Park I‑III to add property in Bamberg County
• Resolution authorizing and approving a purchase and sale contract
• Consideration of zoning request for a mobile home dealership

The council adopted the amended agenda and approved the minutes from prior meetings. It approved zoning to allow the SC Homes of Barnwell mobile home dealership near the school. The body also approved a fee‑in‑lieu ordinance with Project Green and Red, joined the South Carolina Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity Program, and amended the Quad‑County Industrial Park master agreement. Finally, the council authorized an investigation of three county roads flagged by citizens.

• Adopted agenda with added dirt‑road items (motion carried)
• Approved minutes from Jan 13 and Feb 6 meetings (motion carried)
• Approved zoning for SC Homes of Barnwell mobile home dealership (motion carried)
• Approved second reading of fee‑in‑lieu ordinance with Project Green and Red (motion carried)
• Approved resolution to join SC Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity Program (motion carried)
• Approved amendment to Quad‑County Industrial Park master agreement (motion carried)
• Authorized road evaluation for Cole Road, Good Hope Road, and an unnamed road (motion carried)

County Council

The Barnwell County Council will meet to consider a zoning request for a mobile home dealership and discuss a contract matter with the Lower Savannah Council of Government. The meeting will include an executive session for legal advice.

• Consideration of zoning request for mobile home dealership
• Executive session for legal advice regarding Generations Unlimited
• Discussion of contractual matter with Lower Savannah Council of Government

The council approved the meeting agenda. A request to change zoning on Highway 278 was tabled to allow further discussion with the school district and the City of Barnwell. The council entered an executive session, during which no actions were taken. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved meeting agenda (motion carried)
• Zoning change request on Highway 278 tabled for further discussion
• Approved motion to enter Executive Session (motion carried)
• Executive Session held; no actions taken
• Adjourned meeting (motion carried)

Boards, Committees, and Commissions

The Barnwell County Health & Safety Committee will receive updates from Emergency Medical Services (Dwain Smith, Ameripro), the Fire Department (Wesley Gatlin, Director), Emergency Management (Administrator Riley), and the Sheriff’s Office (Sheriff Griffith). After the updates, the committee will enter an executive session to discuss matters related to Barnwell County Fire Services.

• Emergency Medical Services update – Dwain Smith, Ameripro
• Fire Department update – Wesley Gatlin, Director
• Emergency Management update – Administrator Riley
• Sheriff’s Office update – Sheriff Griffith
• Executive session on Barnwell County Fire Services matters

County Council

The Barnwell County Council will meet to consider legal advice concerning contractual matters with SCA and a personnel matter related to Generations Unlimited during an executive session. No other decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Legal advice concerning contractual matters with SCA (executive session)
• Personnel matter related to Generations Unlimited (executive session)

County Council

The Barnwell County Council will meet to discuss a fee-in-lieu of taxes and incentive agreement for Project Green and Red. The body will also consider adding property to a multicounty park shared with Allendale, Bamberg, and Hampton counties.

• First reading of ordinance for Project Green and Red fee-in-lieu of taxes and incentive agreement
• Proposed addition of property to a multicounty park with Allendale, Bamberg, and Hampton counties
• Approval of contract for Temporary Clerk to Council
• Appointment of Councilman Daniel Alexander to Southern Carolina Alliance Board of Directors
• Appointment of Curtis Hogg to TAC Board of Lower Savannah Council