Gifford public meetings in 2025
29 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
County Council
The Hampton County Council will hold public hearings on authorizing a special source revenue credit agreement with Ironline Metals LLC and on amending the FY2024‑2025 budget for year‑end reconciliation and interdepartmental adjustments. After the hearings, the council will conduct third‑reading votes on ordinances to approve the credit agreement and the budget amendment. The meeting also includes presentations honoring Palmetto Electric Utility and Varnville Elementary students.
- Public hearing to authorize execution and delivery of a special source revenue credit agreement between Hampton County and Ironline Metals LLC (Agenda item 6.1)
- Public hearing to amend the FY2024‑2025 Hampton County budget for year‑end reconciliation and interdepartmental adjustments (Agenda item 6.2)
- Third reading of ordinance authorizing the special source revenue credit agreement with Ironline Metals LLC (Agenda item 9.1(a))
- Third reading of ordinance amending the FY2024‑2025 budget (Agenda item 9.1(b))
- Presentation: Palmetto Electric Utility Award – Ashley Feaster (Agenda item 5.1)
The council unanimously approved the meeting agenda and minutes, and appointed three new Economic Development Commission members. It also approved the third reading of the ordinance authorizing a special source revenue credit agreement with Ironline Metals LLC, and approved the third reading of the FY2024‑2025 budget amendment by a 4‑1 vote. A motion to table the credit‑card policy died for lack of a second, and the council entered and exited executive session before adjourning.
- Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
- Approved December 1 minutes (unanimous)
- Approved three new Economic Development Commission board members (unanimous)
- Approved third reading of Ironline Metals revenue‑credit ordinance (unanimous)
- Approved third reading of FY2024‑2025 budget amendment (4‑1)
- Motion to table credit‑card policy died (no second)
- Entered executive session (unanimous)
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
Hampton County Airport Commission
The Hampton County Airport Commission will consider an updated fee schedule and lease agreement effective January 2026. It will also vote on an amended Capital Improvement Plan and review a request for proposals for an airport consultant. Several ongoing projects and items from previous meetings will be discussed as old business.
- Updated fee schedule and lease agreement 1/2026
- Approval of Amended Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
- Airport Consultant Request for Qualifications (RFQ)
- Purchase of parcel from Town of Varnville
- Beacon Project (old business)
County Council
The Hampton County Council and HC Planning Commission will meet for a joint workshop. After opening remarks and agenda approval, the council will enter an executive session to discuss economic development projects and related contractual negotiations. The session will also cover employment matters, security personnel, and other confidential topics.
- Joint workshop of Hampton County Council and HC Planning Commission
- Executive session on economic development projects (names confidential)
- Discussion of proposed contractual arrangements and property transactions
- Discussion of employment, appointment, and compensation matters
- Discussion of security personnel and devices
County Council
The Hampton County Council will vote on an ordinance to amend the FY 2024‑2025 budget for year‑end reconciliation and interdepartmental adjustments. It will also consider an ordinance authorizing a special source revenue credit agreement with Ironline Metals, LLC for economic‑development property. Additionally, the council will act on a Rural Development Act utility tax credit for Palmetto Electric.
- Rural Development Act Utility Tax Credit – Palmetto Electric
- Ordinance to amend the Fiscal Year 2024‑2025 Hampton County Budget
- Ordinance authorizing a special source revenue credit agreement with Ironline Metals, LLC
- Third reading of ordinance adopting the Hampton County Airport schedule of rates and hangar license agreement
The council approved three items requiring action: a Rural Development Act utility tax credit for Palmetto Electric, a budget amendment ordinance for FY 2024‑2025, and an ordinance authorizing a special source revenue credit agreement with Ironline Metals, LLC. All three were adopted, with the budget amendment passing despite one council member opposing. The meeting also approved the agenda, prior minutes, and motions to enter and exit executive session before adjourning.
- Approved Rural Development Act Utility Tax Credit for Palmetto Electric (unanimous)
- Approved FY 2024‑2025 budget amendment ordinance (passed; Councilor Love opposed)
- Approved special source revenue credit agreement with Ironline Metals, LLC (unanimous)
- Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
- Approved November 17, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
- Approved motion to enter executive session (unanimous)
- Approved motion to exit executive session (unanimous)
- Approved motion to adjourn (unanimous)
Hampton County Economic Development Commission
The Hampton County Economic Development Commission will review a study to repurpose the Varnville Cotton Gin and consider grant opportunities from Santee Cooper and the Parks, Recreation & Tourism Commission. They will also discuss the Estill Industrial Park opportunity and a proposed debit card for the Ag+Art program. Additional reports and business items such as Tiger Street development and a fall fundraiser will be presented.
- Varnville Cotton Gin Repurpose Study (Bill Jackson)
- Grant Programs – Santee Cooper
- Grant Programs – Parks, Recreation & Tourism Commission
- Discussion of Estill Industrial Park Opportunity
- Debit Card proposal for Ag+Art
County Council
The Council will hold a public hearing and a third reading on the Hampton County Airport schedule of rates. Members will also discuss budget reconciliations for FY 2024-2025 and a revenue credit agreement with Ironline Metals, LLC.
- Public hearing and third reading of ordinance for Hampton County Airport schedule of rates and charges
- Resolution to enlarge Quad-County Industrial Park 1, II, and III to include Delavan Spray, LLC property
- First reading of ordinance to amend FY 2024-2025 budget for year-end reconciliation
- First reading of ordinance for a special source revenue credit agreement with Ironline Metals, LLC
- Approval of design services proposal for Exit 38 Lighting Project
The council unanimously approved several items, including the 2026 meeting and holiday calendars, a design services contract for the Exit 38 lighting project, and a tower lease for Susanne Peeples. They also passed a resolution to expand the Quad‑County Industrial Park to include the Delavan Spray, LLC property. The third reading of the ordinance adopting the airport schedule of rates and hangar license agreement was approved, along with first‑reading approvals for a budget amendment and a special revenue credit agreement with Ironline Metals, LLC.
- Approved 2026 County Council Meeting Calendar – all in favor, no opposed
- Approved 2026 Hampton County Holiday Calendar – all in favor, no opposed
- Approved design services proposal for Exit 38 Lighting Project – all in favor, no opposed
- Approved Tower Lease for Susanne Peeples – all in favor, no opposed
- Approved resolution to enlarge Quad‑County Industrial Park to include Delavan Spray, LLC property – all in favor, no opposed
- Approved third reading of ordinance adopting Airport schedule of rates and hangar license agreement – all in favor, no opposed
- Approved first reading (title only) of ordinance amending FY 2024‑2025 budget – all in favor, no opposed
- Approved first reading (title only) of ordinance authorizing special revenue credit agreement with Ironline Metals, LLC – all in favor, no opposed
County Council
The Council will hold a public hearing and a third reading of an ordinance to amend the FY2026 budget for first quarter changes. The meeting also includes a second reading of an ordinance regarding airport rates and hangar license agreements.
- Public hearing and third reading of ordinance to amend FY2026 budget
- Second reading of ordinance for Hampton County Airport schedule of rates, charges, and hangar license use agreement
- Financial presentation by Sheriff Anthony Russell
- Executive session to discuss Finance Department personnel matters
- Proposed budget revisions including $1,040,300 increase in other tax income/state reimbursements and $311,499 increase in permit fees
The council approved its agenda (4‑1) and the October 23 meeting minutes (4‑0, 1 abstention). It accepted the third reading of the FY2026 budget amendment (4‑1) and approved the second reading of the airport schedule of rates ordinance (unanimous). The body entered and exited an executive session and then adjourned (unanimous).
- Agenda approved (4‑1)
- Minutes approved (4‑0, 1 abstain)
- Third reading of FY2026 budget amendment accepted (4‑1)
- Second reading of airport schedule of rates ordinance approved (unanimous)
- Entered executive session (unanimous)
- Exited executive session (unanimous)
- Meeting adjourned (unanimous)
County Council
The Hampton County Council will meet to approve previous minutes and hold an executive session. The closed session will focus on personnel matters regarding the Finance Department and County Equipment.
- Approval of October 20, 2025 meeting minutes
- Executive session: personnel matters (County Equipment)
- Executive session: personnel matters (Finance Dept)
County Council
The Hampton County Council will meet to discuss updates to the FY2026 budget and new rates and charges for the Hampton County Airport. The meeting also includes a proclamation for Red Ribbon Week and an executive session regarding personnel matters.
- Second reading of an ordinance to amend the FY2026 budget for first quarter changes
- First reading of an ordinance adopting the Hampton County Airport schedule of rates and charges
- Approval of a standard airport hangar license use agreement
- Proclamation for Red Ribbon Week by Ashley Lawton
- Executive session to discuss personnel matters related to County Equipment
The council unanimously approved the agenda and the October 6 meeting minutes. It passed the second reading to amend the FY2026 budget for first‑quarter changes and the first reading of an ordinance adopting the Hampton County Airport schedule of rates and a standard hangar license agreement. A proclamation for Red Ribbon Week was also approved. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.
- Approved agenda (all in favor, no opposed)
- Approved October 6, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor, no opposed)
- Approved second reading of FY2026 budget amendment (all in favor, no opposed)
- Approved first reading of airport rates and hangar license ordinance (all in favor, no opposed)
- Approved Red Ribbon Week proclamation (presented by Ashley Lawton)
- Removed executive‑session item 9.1 on personnel matters (per Councilman Love)
- Adjourned meeting (all in favor, no opposed)
County Council
Hampton County Council will consider third reading of an ordinance to purchase real property for the airport and adopt a schedule of rates and charges. The body will also amend the FY2026 budget by title only.
- Third reading of ordinance for Hampton County Airport property purchase
- Adoption of Hampton County Airport schedule of rates and charges
- Amendment to FY2026 budget by title only
- Addendum to purchase agreement with Town of Varnville
- Public hearing on airport property purchase
The council gave final approval to the ordinance authorizing Hampton County to purchase real property for the county airport. An addendum to the Town of Varnville REPC purchase agreement was also approved. The FY2026 budget amendment was approved by title only, with one member abstaining. Executive‑session motions and routine approvals of agenda and minutes were adopted unanimously.
- Approved third reading of ordinance authorizing airport property purchase (all in favor, no opposed)
- Approved addendum to Town of Varnville REPC purchase agreement (all in favor, no opposed)
- Approved FY2026 budget amendment by title only (all in favor, Councilman Love abstained)
- Approved agenda for the meeting (all in favor, no opposed)
- Approved September 15 and 22, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor, no opposed)
- Approved motion to enter executive session (all in favor, no opposed)
- Approved motion to exit executive session (all in favor, no opposed)
- Approved motion to adjourn the meeting (all in favor, no opposed)
Hampton County Airport Commission
The commission will review and potentially adopt changes to its fee schedule. It will consider a proposal to allow Hampton County High School’s cross‑country team to use airport property. Members will also discuss plans for the November meeting and a strategic planning session. Routine items such as agenda approval and opening remarks are also on the agenda.
- Discussion of Proposed Fee Schedule Changes
- Proposed Use of Airport Property for Hampton County High School Cross Country Team
- Discussion of November Meeting and Strategic Planning Session
- Approval of September 22, 2025 Agenda
County Council
The Hampton County Council will hold a special meeting on September 22, 2025. After routine items, the council will enter an executive session. In that session, members will discuss employment and personnel matters, contractual negotiations, security staffing, investigative proceedings, and economic development projects related to businesses in the area.
- Executive session discussion of employment, appointment, and compensation matters
- Executive session discussion of negotiations for proposed contracts or property transactions
- Executive session discussion of security personnel or device development
- Executive session discussion of investigative proceedings into alleged criminal misconduct
- Executive session discussion of location, expansion, or services for businesses and economic development projects
Hampton County Economic Development Commission
The Hampton County Economic Development Commission will review opportunities at Estill Industrial Park and consider sponsoring a Southern Carolina Alliance event. It will also receive updates on grant programs from Santee Cooper and the Parks, Recreation & Tourism Commission, and hear reports on a fall fundraiser at the airport and Tiger Street development. The meeting includes routine items such as approval of minutes and a financial report.
- Discussion of Estill Industrial Park Opportunities
- Consideration of Sponsorship for SCA Event
- Grant Programs – Santee Cooper
- Grant Programs – Parks, Recreation & Tourism Commission
- Fall Fundraiser at Airport
County Council
The Hampton County Council will meet to approve the purchase of real property for the airport and authorize a high-speed internet easement. The agenda also includes a presentation on the Governor's Order of the Palmetto and a briefing on the Quad County Industrial Park.
- Purchase of real property for Hampton County Airport
- High-speed internet easement at 404 Hoover Street
- Quad County Industrial Park resolution
- Presentation: Governor’s Order of the Palmetto
- Airport-hanger lease agreements (Executive Session)
Hampton County Airport Commission
The Hampton County Airport Commission will discuss and potentially adopt a revised fee schedule and lease agreement effective January 2026. They will also consider an amended Capital Improvement Plan and a purchase of a parcel from the Town of Varnville. Additional items include updates on the Beacon Project, hangar maintenance quotes, and a tree/obstruction removal project.
- Updated fee schedule and lease agreement effective 1/2026
- Approval of amended Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
- Purchase of parcel from Town of Varnville
- Hangar maintenance needs (quotes)
- Tree/obstruction removal project
County Council
The Hampton County Council and Southern Carolina Alliance are holding a joint meeting. The agenda includes an executive session to discuss the expansion of industries or other businesses.
- Executive session regarding the expansion of industries or other businesses
County Council
The Hampton County Council will discuss a proposed contract with Sparklight for high-speed internet services and negotiate contracts for the Nevamar Project and the Brunson County Fair. The body will also appoint members to the Library Board.
- First reading of ordinance for Sparklight internet cabinet at 404 Hoover Street
- Discussion of contractual negotiations for the Nevamar Project
- Discussion of contractual negotiations for the Brunson County Fair
- Discussion of employment contract for the County Administrator
- Appointments to the Library Board
County Council
The council unanimously approved the meeting agenda. They voted to enter an executive session, which ran from 1:03 PM to 1:59 PM. During that session they discussed the Project Quantum economic‑development matter but took no action. The council then unanimously adjourned the meeting.
- Approved meeting agenda (All in favor, no opposed)
- Approved motion to enter executive session (All in favor, no opposed)
- Approved motion to exit executive session (All in favor, no opposed)
- No action taken on Project Quantum economic‑development discussion
- Approved motion to adjourn (All in favor, no opposed)
County Council
The council unanimously approved the meeting agenda, entered an executive session to discuss a legal matter involving the detention center, took no action on that matter, exited the executive session, and then adjourned the meeting.
- Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
- Entered executive session (unanimous)
- Discussed detention center legal matter – no action taken
- Exited executive session (unanimous)
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
County Council
The council approved its agenda and deferred the overtime policy to the July 21 meeting. Minutes from the June 16 meeting were approved. First readings were approved for an ordinance to settle a dispute and convey real property to the Hampton County School District and for revisions to the Opioid Recovery Funds ordinance. In executive session the council deferred airport easement legal advice, declined to address a Spark Light cabinet request, granted a county decal for a vehicle, and ordered a halt to events on courthouse grounds until a policy is completed.
- Approved agenda and deferred overtime revisions policy to July 21 (unanimous)
- Approved June 16 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Approved first reading of property settlement ordinance (unanimous)
- Approved first reading of opioid recovery funds ordinance revisions (unanimous)
- Deferred legal advice on airport easement to county attorney (unanimous)
- Declined to address Spark Light cabinet request (unanimous)
- Granted permission for county decal on county vehicle (unanimous)
- Ordered halt of events on courthouse grounds pending policy (unanimous)
County Council
The council unanimously approved the third reading of an ordinance authorizing a tax‑anticipation note of up to $1,800,000. It also approved the third reading of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget ordinance. In addition, the council approved the Airport FY‑25 project grant application and authorized the County Attorney to develop an ordinance for use of County property.
- Approved third reading of ordinance to authorize a tax‑anticipation note up to $1,800,000 (All in favor, no opposed)
- Approved third reading of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget ordinance (All in favor, no opposed)
- Approved Project Grant Application – Airport (FY‑25) (All in favor, no opposed)
- Approved motion for County Attorney to develop ordinance for use of County property (All in favor, no opposed)
- Approved motion to go into executive session (All in favor, no opposed)
- Approved motion to come out of executive session (All in favor, no opposed)
- Approved agenda for the June 16, 2025 meeting (All in favor, no opposed)
- Approved minutes from June 2 and June 9, 2025 meetings (All in favor, no opposed)
County Council
The council unanimously approved the meeting agenda after a motion by Councilman Love and a second by Councilman Thompson. The meeting was then unanimously adjourned following a second motion by Councilman Thompson.
- Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
County Council
The council unanimously approved the meeting agenda. Afterwards, the council unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting. No other substantive actions were taken.
- Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
County Council
The council unanimously approved the second reading of an ordinance to amend and extend the Joint County Industrial Park agreement. It also killed the camper ordinance, rejected a SCORF committee appointment, appointed Christopher Rivers to the Planning Committee, and approved $2,000 each for the Watermelon Festival and Gifford June Festival.
- Approved second reading of ordinance to amend and extend Joint County Industrial Park agreement (all in favor, no opposed)
- Killed camper ordinance (all in favor, no opposed)
- Rejected SCORF Committee appointment for Nicole Smith (rejection noted)
- Appointed Christopher Rivers to Planning Committee (all in favor, no opposed)
- Approved $2,000 support for Watermelon Festival (all in favor, no opposed)
- Approved $2,000 support for Gifford June Festival (all in favor, no opposed)
County Council
The council voted to approve the April 21, 2025 budget workshop agenda with all members in favor and no opposition. After the presentations, the council voted to adjourn the meeting, again with all members in favor and no opposition. No other substantive actions were taken.
- Approved agenda (All in Favor, No Opposed)
- Adjourned meeting (All in Favor, No Opposed)
County Council
The council approved its agenda and the minutes from the April 7 meeting. It adopted a resolution to amend the master agreement for the Quad‑County Industrial Park (Project Black Jack). The council also approved the second reading of the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance amendment and the first reading of an ordinance extending the industrial park agreement. The meeting entered and exited executive session before adjourning.
- Approved agenda (motion by Williams, all in favor, no opposed)
- Approved April 7 minutes (motion by Thompson, all in favor, no opposed)
- Approved resolution amending Quad‑County Industrial Park master agreement (all in favor, no opposed)
- Approved second reading of Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance amendment (all in favor, no opposed)
- Approved first reading by title of ordinance extending industrial park agreement (all in favor, no opposed)
- Entered executive session (motion by Thompson, all in favor, no opposed)
- Exited executive session (motion by Thompson, all in favor, no opposed)
- Adjourned meeting (motion by Love, all in favor, no opposed)
County Council
The council approved the April 7, 2025 Budget Workshop agenda with all members in favor. A motion to adjourn was also passed unanimously. No other substantive actions or budget decisions were recorded.
- Approved agenda (unanimous)
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
County Council
The Hampton County Council approved the Airport Capital Improvement Plan and moved forward with two ordinance readings—postponing the 2026 county-wide reassessment and amending the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. The council also appointed Clifford Hopkins to the LCOG Board, approved the meeting agenda and prior minutes, and entered and exited executive session before adjourning.
- Approved Airport Capital Improvement Plan (All in Favor, No Opposed)
- Approved appointment of Clifford Hopkins to LCOG Board of Directors at Large (All in Favor, No Opposed)
- Approved second reading of ordinance postponing 2026 county-wide reassessment (All in Favor, No Opposed)
- Approved first reading of ordinance amending Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance 2012-001 (All in Favor, No Opposed)
- Approved agenda for April 7, 2025 meeting (All in Favor, No Opposed)
- Approved minutes from March 17 and March 24, 2025 meetings (All in Favor, No Opposed; one abstention on March 17 minutes)
- Approved motion to enter executive session (All in Favor, No Opposed)
- Approved motion to adjourn the meeting (All in Favor, No Opposed)
County Council
The Hampton County Council met for Budget Workshop #3 on March 24, 2025. The agenda was approved unanimously. No other actions, approvals, or votes on substantive items were recorded.
- Approved agenda (All in Favor, No opposed)