Citizen Portal News South Carolina

New Resilience and Sustainability Division outlines inventory, brownfields plan and grant priorities Charleston County’s newly formed Resilience and Sustainability Division presented its first update, describing an inventory of about 100 projects, recent grant wins and planned federal grant applications, including proposals for a microgrid and an EPA Brownfields coalition grant. Staff invited partners to a countywide symposium on Nov. 19.

Charleston County's new Resilience and Sustainability Division is taking bold steps with over 100 projects aimed at tackling climate challenges and enhancing community resilience.

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#CharlestonCounty #SC #CitizenPortal #SustainabilityStrategies #CommunityEngagement

Charleston County approves multiple Greenbelt projects after debate over contingent state matches Charleston County Council approved a slate of Greenbelt program projects (agenda items 5a–5j) while members debated whether county allocations should be approved when state matching funds remain pending. Council members asked staff to propose time limits and standardized procedures for future Greenbelt approvals.

Charleston County Council greenlights multiple Greenbelt projects, but questions linger about the reliance on pending state funding—could this impact future conservation efforts?

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#CharlestonCounty #SC #CitizenPortal #PublicAccess #CivicAccountability #ConservationEfforts

Kershaw district highlights gains on 2024-25 state and federal report cards, outlines actions to strengthen instruction District staff presented the 2024-25 state and federal report-card results, noting multiple schools increased rating levels and highlighting growth among multilingual learners and lowest-performing students; the presentation emphasized PLCs, MTSS, curriculum materials and immediate remediation strategies.

Kershaw district celebrates significant gains in the 2024-25 state and federal report cards, showcasing impressive growth and strategic plans for future success!

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#SC #CitizenPortal #EducationGrowth #MultilingualSupport #InstructionalImprovement

Board extends superintendent's contract, approves 2% raise and $500 auto allowance after "exceptional" evaluation Following an executive session, the board announced Superintendent Jay Harrison Goodwin received an "exceptional" evaluation and approved an amendment to his employment agreement: a 2% salary increase effective July 1, 2025, a one-year extension through June 30, 2029, and a $500 increase to his automobile allowance.

Superintendent Jay Harrison Goodwin received an "exceptional" evaluation, leading to a unanimous decision by the Kershaw County School District Board to extend his contract and increase his salary!

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#SC #CitizenPortal #CommunityEngagement #EducationalLeader

Votes at a glance: Packaging, emergency preparedness, rezoning and consent items approved Charleston County Council passed multiple items Oct. 28 on third reading and by consent, including an ordinance regulating single-use packaging, emergency preparedness code changes, a rezoning at 4301 River Road, and multiple consent-agenda items. Roll-call and voice votes were recorded on the floor.

Charleston County Council just took major steps to tackle environmental issues and enhance emergency preparedness—find out what new ordinances are now in effect!

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#CharlestonCounty #SC #CitizenPortal #ZoningRegulations #EmergencyReadiness #WasteManagement

Conway planning staff proposes limits on vape shops, payday and title‑loan businesses in Highway Commercial zone City planning staff presented options to restrict where vaping stores, payday/title‑loan businesses and similar uses may operate in Conway's Highway Commercial (HC) district. Options include making the uses conditional, moving them to industrial districts, or requiring a special‑exception review by the Board of Zoning Appeals. The commission asked—

Conway is considering new regulations that could dramatically reshape where vape shops and payday lenders can operate, aiming to protect neighborhood character.

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#ConwayHorryCounty #SC #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #UrbanPlanning #ConwayCommunity #CommunityWellbeing

Teachers urge board to address retention, workplace climate during public comment Three local teachers described widespread turnover, safety and workload concerns and urged the board to review school-level retention data, hold principals accountable for excessive turnover, prioritize classroom funding and create a teacher advisory council that reports directly to the board.

Teachers are sounding the alarm on alarming turnover rates and toxic workplace climates in Berkeley County, urging the school board to take immediate action to retain educators and support students.

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#SC #CitizenPortal #TeacherRetention #WorkplaceClimate

Charleston County Council approves amendment to Metal Trades LLC fee-in-lieu after public debate On Oct. 28, 2025, Charleston County Council approved an amendment to a fee-in-lieu of tax agreement with Metal Trades LLC (formerly Project Flare), extending the investment period and changing assessment ratios; the measure passed third reading 7-2 after public comment and a council debate over tax giveaways, transparency and community values.

Charleston County Council's recent approval of a controversial tax agreement with Metal Trades LLC sparks heated public debate over corporate incentives and community impact.

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#CharlestonCounty #SC #CitizenPortal #TaxTransparency #CorporateAccountability #EconomicDevelopment

York County approves Newport Commons PD after debate over traffic, school impacts and density After extended public comment and staff briefings, York County Council approved Case 25‑17 to rezone roughly 97 acres in District 3 to a planned development (PD) and general commercial (GC) district. The council and staff emphasized the current proposal reduces density from a previously approved 2008 plan and includes traffic improvements and open‑

York County Council's recent approval for a mixed-use development has sparked heated debates over traffic, school capacity, and the preservation of green space.

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#YorkCounty #SC #CitizenPortal #YorkCountyDevelopment #ResidentialPlanning #TrafficMitigation #CommunityOpenSpace

Votes at a glance: conveyances, incentives, airport updates, budget and operational contracts approved At its Nov. 4 meeting the Richland County Council approved multiple items including property conveyances to a private buyer and Prisma Health Midlands, a fee-in-lieu tax and incentives agreement, airport manual revisions and ordinance updates, budget amendments adding one FTE in the public defender's office, and several operational contracts; the 7

Richland County Council made significant moves on Nov. 4, approving key property sales, budget amendments, and updates that could reshape the future of local infrastructure and services.

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#RichlandCounty #SC #CitizenPortal #PublicAirportPolicy #BudgetAmendments

Mauldin council authorizes Change Order No. 3 on stadium project after executive session After an executive session on economic development and personnel matters, the City Council authorized the city administrator to execute Change Order No. 3 on the stadium project. The motion passed 6–0; council reported one member had left the meeting prior to the vote.

The Mauldin City Council has just approved Change Order No. 3 for the stadium project, but what does this mean for the future of local development?

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#MauldinGreenvilleCounty #SC #CitizenPortal #MauldinStadium #CivicAccountability #CityCouncil #EconomicDevelopment

Hampton County council adopts first-quarter FY2026 budget changes after public hearing At third reading Nov. 3 the council approved first-quarter amendments to the FY2026 budget. Finance staff said the adjustments do not change the overall budget total: a previously budgeted temporary $1.8 million TAN estimate was replaced by newly recognized revenue (enhanced collections), and several departmental line items were realigned.

Hampton County Council has made significant adjustments to the FY2026 budget, aligning revenues and expenses without cutting department funds—what does this mean for local projects?

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#HamptonCounty #SC #PublicFinance #CivicEngagement #CitizenPortal #HamptonCountyBudget

Conway reports record Halloween attendance; city announces retirements and Dec. 4 Christmas kickoff City administrator Adam Emerick announced record downtown attendance for October 2025 (456,900 visitors), retirement of Fire Chief Lee Hendrick and upcoming retirement of Police Captain Tammy Carter, and confirmed the Dec. 4 Christmas tree lighting and a Coastal Carolina University homecoming parade Friday at 4 p.m.

Conway shattered records with nearly 457,000 downtown visitors in October, as the city gears up for exciting retirements and a festive Christmas kickoff!

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#ConwayHorryCounty #SC #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #ConwayDowntown #EconomicDevelopment #CommunityEvents

Conway approves two Kingston Lake stormwater contracts funded by state ARPA program The Conway City Council accepted two construction bids to upgrade stormwater outfalls around Kingston Lake, awarding Parkview work to Green Wave Contracting and Rosehaven work to Atlas Construction of SC. The projects are funded through the South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Investment Program with federal and state ARPA funds. Council approved to

The Conway City Council has taken a significant step to enhance Kingston Lake's stormwater resilience by approving two major construction contracts with local firms.

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#ConwayHorryCounty #SC #CitizenPortal #ConwayStormwater #InfrastructureImprovement #CommunityPlanning

BZA grants pool setback variance at 7722 Blue House Lane with landscape plan condition The Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance allowing a proposed swimming pool and associated decking to encroach into the additional 15-foot critical-line setback (the 50-foot total critical setback) at 7722 Blue House Lane, subject to erosion controls, buffer maintenance and a staff-approved landscape restoration plan for the critical buffer.

The Charleston County Board of Zoning Appeals has granted a variance for a private pool at Edisto Island, sparking debates over environmental impacts and community safety.

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#CharlestonCounty #SC #StormwaterManagement #CitizenPortal #ZoningLaws #EnvironmentalProtection

Board permits removal of 30-inch laurel oak for Edisto Island Youth Recreation access, requires mitigation plan Charleston CountyBZA granted a variance allowing removal of a 30-inch Laurel Oak to permit a roadway for the proposed Edisto Island Youth Recreation Center, subject to mitigation options, tree protection measures during construction and arborist monitoring. The nonprofit stressed recreational benefits for the island and said federal wetland permit

The Charleston County Board has approved the removal of a 30-inch laurel oak to pave the way for the much-anticipated Edisto Island Youth Recreation Center, promising a host of new recreational opportunities for the community.

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#CharlestonCounty #SC #CitizenPortal

Charleston Water System gets BZA approval for most variances for Pump Station 39 replacement; sidewalk request withdrawn The Board of Zoning Appeals approved a package of variances requested by Charleston Water System for a replacement wastewater pump station at 1136 Old Town Road: root-zone encroachment for a 48-inch live oak, a curb cut near the intersection, reduced street buffers and a security fence (with staff conditions and opaque screening explored). The CWS

Charleston Water System's ambitious plan to replace Pump Station 39 just got a green light with significant variances approved, sparking community discussions about environmental impact and safety.

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#CharlestonCounty #SC #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalProtection #PublicHealth

Charleston County seeks public input on possible extension of transportation sales tax Charleston County is conducting listening sessions and an online survey to let residents set priorities for a potential extension of the countys transportation sales tax, which is scheduled to expire in 2027, Public Works Director Eric Adams said on the Charleston County Connects podcast.

Charleston County is inviting residents to weigh in on the future of local transportation funding—your input could shape vital projects for our community!

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#CharlestonCounty #SC #PublicInput #CitizenPortal #CharlestonCountyTransportation #CommunityParticipation

Board approves $31.6 million FY2026–27 capital improvement plan funded by bond proceeds The Pickens County board approved the FY2026–27 column of the five-year capital improvement plan totaling $31.6 million to be funded primarily from new bond proceeds, refunded bond proceeds and prior capital balances; the plan prioritizes innovation/growth, facilities maintenance and technology.

The Pickens County School District just approved a groundbreaking $31.6 million capital improvement plan that promises to enhance innovation, maintenance, and technology without raising taxes!

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#SC #FacilityMaintenance #CitizenPortal #InnovationGrowth #TechnologyInvestment

Votes at a glance: Lexington 5 board actions, Oct. 27, 2025 The board handled personnel items, policy readings, calendar and course approvals, and denied a parent KEC complaint. Routine employment and curriculum motions passed unanimously; the parental complaint about Chromebook search results was denied 4–3.

The Lexington County School District Five board made pivotal decisions on personnel and policies, but the tight 4–3 vote denying a parent's complaint about Chromebook search results has left families buzzing.

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#SC #CitizenPortal #CommunityInvolvement #DigitalPrivacy

Board denies parent complaint about Chromebook web search results; superintendent limits AI and affirms opt‑out After a lengthy public comment period, the Lexington County School District Five board voted 4–3 to deny a parent’s KEC complaint seeking removal of web search results from district‑managed Chromebooks. The superintendent said the district had administratively limited AI tools to a single vendor and will support a parent opt‑out; decisions about k–

The Lexington County School District Five board faced intense public debate before voting 4–3 to deny a parent's request to restrict web search results on school Chromebooks, igniting a heated discussion about digital safety and educational tools.

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#SC #CitizenPortal

Council approves first reading for MXU rezoning of old mill site; developer pledges employee housing and parking deck On first reading the Fort Mill Town Council approved rezoning about 15.9 acres at the site of the former mill from general industrial and R-10 to MXU (mixed-use) and adopted development conditions that require return to council for major modifications. The applicant plans up to 225 multifamily units, 20,000'25,000 square feet of retail, a two-level

A bold new vision for the old mill site could transform it into a vibrant community hub with 225 multifamily units and retail space, plus a special housing benefit for town employees!

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#SC #HousingDevelopment #CitizenPortal #SouthCarolinaCommunity #CommunityPlanning

District 5 holds Finance 101 workshop explaining Act 388, State Aid to Classrooms and timing risks Spartanburg 7 CFO Missy Campbell briefed the Lexington County School District Five board on local and state school finance, explaining Act 388 limits on millage increases, how State Aid to Classrooms is calculated from funded teacher counts and average salaries, and how 45th/130th‑day enrollment reconciliations can change allocations midyear.

Missy Campbell's Finance 101 workshop revealed the complexities of school funding in South Carolina and how unpredictable revenue can impact budgeting for Lexington County School District Five.

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#SC #CitizenPortal #BudgetingChallenges #EducationFunding

James Island staff outline timelines for road, sidewalk and drainage projects Town staff provided progress reports and schedules for a suite of local infrastructure projects, including a $3.6 million Maybank/Woodland Shores Complete Streets contract (under construction, mid-2026 completion), Central Park culvert replacement (road to be open at night; completion April 2026), Fort Johnson/Secessionville improvements (ground

Major infrastructure upgrades are on the way for James Island, with millions allocated for road, sidewalk, and drainage projects set to transform your commute by 2026!

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#JamesIslandCharlestonCounty #SC #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #JamesIslandInfrastructure

Planning staff: consultant completes zoning audit; Phase 2 amendments (ADUs, buffer yards) expected in 2026 Planning staff reported that Weston & Sampson Engineers completed a detailed audit and benchmarking as part of an incremental zoning rewrite. The consultant will begin Phase 2, addressing accessory dwelling units, buffer-yard standards, conservation subdivisions and technical corrections, with deliverables anticipated in 2026. Commissioners askedTo

Big changes are coming for Berkeley County's zoning laws, with a comprehensive audit completed and crucial amendments on the horizon for 2026!

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#BerkeleyCounty #SC #CitizenPortal #BerkeleyCountyPlanning #CommunityEngagement #ZoningReform #AffordableHousing

Resident urges city to review FEMA port-security grant clauses on immigration cooperation A resident raised concerns Oct. 28 about clauses in a FEMA port-security grant agreement that require cooperation with Department of Homeland Security immigration enforcement, and asked the city to prepare a position if the current injunctions suspending those clauses are lifted.

A Charleston resident is raising alarms over controversial immigration cooperation clauses in a FEMA grant, urging the city to prepare for potential changes in federal policy.

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#CharlestonCityCharlestonCounty #SC #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #FederalInjunctions #CharlestonCity

County asks Charleston for priorities as it explores next transportation sales-tax referendum Charleston County presented a public outreach plan Oct. 28 for a potential transportation sales-tax referendum (targeted for 2026), requested municipal input by Dec. 1, and outlined investment categories including greenbelt preservation, public transit, pavement and intersection safety, and project delivery options such as bonding and design-build.

Charleston County is gearing up for a new transportation sales tax that could raise a staggering $4.25 billion—are you ready to shape the future of our roads and transit?

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#CharlestonCityCharlestonCounty #SC #CitizenPortal #TransportationFunding #PublicTransit #CommunityInput

Council approves reinterment plan after 74 remains found at King Street development Council voted to approve a developers plan to reinter remains discovered during construction at the former Saint James United Methodist Church site at 635 King Street and relocate them to Bethany Cemetery following state procedures. The city heard testimony from preservation advocates who said ground-penetrating radar did not detect the burials, a

Charleston City Council has approved a reinterment plan after 74 human remains were uncovered during construction at a historic site, sparking a crucial discussion on preservation and respect for the past.

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#CharlestonCityCharlestonCounty #SC #PublicPolicy #CulturalPreservation

Richland 2 reports Algebra I and U.S. history gains; district outlines coaching, curriculum and CTE steps after mixed assessment results Senior academic staff presented the 2024–25 high school achievement report to the Richland School District Two board, reporting a two‑year Algebra I increase (≈3.3 percentage points) and gains in U.S. history, offset by declines in biology and English 2 and a near 4‑point drop on the state career‑readiness assessment. The district described a multi

Richland School District Two's latest achievement report reveals significant gains in Algebra I and U.S. history, but troubling drops in biology and English 2—what’s the plan moving forward?

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#SC #CareerReadiness #CitizenPortal #EducationReform #CurriculumDevelopment

Charleston County seeks input on extending transportation sales tax; local survey open through Dec. 1 County staff presented results and a public engagement plan for a proposed extension of Charleston County's transportation sales tax, summarizing two decades of projects funded by prior half-pennies and soliciting municipal and resident priorities ahead of a council decision next March. The county's survey and municipal priority lists will inform a

Charleston County is seeking your input on extending the transportation sales tax—your chance to shape the future of our infrastructure is here!

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#JamesIslandCharlestonCounty #SC #CitizenPortal #GreenbeltPreservation #PublicTransit #JamesIslandInfrastructure #CommunityInput