Barnwell County, SC

Boards, Committees, and Commissions

Boards, Committees, and Commissions

The Barnwell County Planning Commission is meeting to discuss planning and zoning matters, including subdivision plat approval, zoning ordinance updates, sign permitting, and coordination with the SC Department of Environmental Services. The agenda also includes routine items like approving the previous meeting's minutes.

• Subdivision plat approval
• Zoning ordinance updates
• Sign permitting
• SC Department of Environmental Services coordination

Boards, Committees, and Commissions

The Barnwell County Council's Personnel Committee is meeting to consider a salary increase request for a part-time employee in the Clerk of Court's office, discuss the Time ClockPlus system, and receive an update on Human Resources/Payroll. The meeting will also include routine items like approving the agenda and minutes from the previous meeting.

• Request for salary increase for part-time employee in Clerk of Court's office
• Discussion of Time ClockPlus system
• Update on Human Resources/Payroll
• Approval of August 12, 2026 meeting minutes

Boards, Committees, and Commissions

The Barnwell County Council's Personnel Committee is meeting to consider a salary increase request for a part-time employee in the Clerk of Court's office, discuss the Time Clock Plus system, and receive an update on Human Resources/Payroll. The agenda also includes routine items like approving the agenda and minutes from the August 12, 2026 meeting.

• Request for salary increase for part-time employee in Clerk of Court's office
• Discussion of Time Clock Plus
• Update regarding Human Resources/Payroll
• Approval of August 12, 2026 meeting minutes

County Council

The Barnwell County Council will hold a public hearing and third reading on an ordinance conveying two easements to the City of Barnwell, then vote on it. They will also introduce ordinances to dissolve Generations Unlimited (formerly Barnwell Office on Aging) and to approve mutual aid agreements with the National Nuclear Security Administration for fire and EMS services. The agenda includes routine items like minutes, reports, and public comments.

• Public hearing and third reading: ordinance conveying two easements to City of Barnwell (TMS# 072-00-00-039, 072-00-00-040)
• First reading: ordinance to terminate, dissolve, and wind up Generations Unlimited (f/k/a Barnwell Office on Aging)
• First reading: ordinance approving mutual aid agreements with National Nuclear Security Administration for Barnwell County Fire Department and EMS
• Cancelled public hearing: ordinance on South Carolina legal residence exemption for certain visa holders

County Council

The Barnwell County Council will hold a public hearing and third reading on conveying two easements to the City of Barnwell, and will consider first readings on dissolving Generations Unlimited (formerly Barnwell Office on Aging) and approving mutual aid agreements with the National Nuclear Security Administration. The agenda also includes routine items like minutes, reports, and public comments. A previously scheduled public hearing on a legal residence exemption for visa holders has been cancelled.

• Public hearing and third reading: ordinance conveying two easements to City of Barnwell (TMS# 072-00-00-039 and 072-00-00-040)
• First reading: ordinance to terminate, dissolve, and wind up Generations Unlimited (f/k/a Barnwell Office on Aging)
• First reading: ordinance approving mutual aid agreements with National Nuclear Security Administration for Fire Department and EMS
• Cancelled public hearing: ordinance on legal residence exemption for certain visa holders

County Council

The Barnwell County Council is meeting for an executive session to discuss negotiations related to proposed contractual arrangements and the purchase of real property for a water line project. The agenda includes routine items such as call to order, invocation, pledge of allegiance, and approval of the agenda, followed by the executive session and adjournment.

• Executive session under S.C. Code § 30-4-70(a)(2) for negotiations on proposed contracts and real property purchase for a water line project

County Council

The Barnwell County Council is meeting for an executive session to discuss negotiations related to proposed contractual arrangements and the purchase of real property for a water line project. The agenda is otherwise procedural, with items for call to order, invocation, pledge, quorum, and agenda approval.

• Executive session under S.C. Code § 30-4-70(a)(2) for contract negotiations and real property purchase for a water line project

Boards, Committees, and Commissions

The Gail Reyes Committee of Barnwell County Council is meeting to approve the agenda and prior minutes, hear a July report, and possibly enter executive session. No substantive decisions or public hearings are listed on the agenda.

• Approval of minutes from June 24, 2026
• July report from Ms. Hindman
• Possible executive session and subsequent action

Boards, Committees, and Commissions

The Barnwell County Animal Shelter Board is meeting to approve minutes from May and July, receive transition updates, and hear reports on fundraising, shelter needs, foster/rescue numbers, and community outreach. The meeting includes public comment and discussion of new business.

• Approval of May and July minutes
• Transition updates
• Golf fundraiser flyer and updates
• Donation account statistics
• Sponsorship for spay/neuter

Boards, Committees, and Commissions

The Barnwell County Planning Commission is holding a regular meeting with procedural items including the election of officers and an unspecified review of board items. No rezonings, contracts, or public hearings are listed on the agenda.

• Election of officers for the planning commission
• Items for board review (no details provided)

County Council

The Barnwell County Council is holding its regular meeting with several items on the agenda. They will consider the third reading of a new county code, second readings of ordinances for easements to the City of Barnwell and a legal residence exemption for visa holders, and a resolution for a memorandum of understanding with the sheriff regarding federal detainee revenue. The council will also hear reports from the administrator and committees, and discuss a proposal to acquire a DNR boat landing.

• Third reading of ordinance adopting new county code
• Second reading of ordinance conveying two easements to City of Barnwell (TMS# 072-00-00-039, 072-00-00-040)
• Second reading of ordinance establishing policy for SC legal residence exemption for certain visa holders
• Proposal to acquire SC DNR boat landing on SC39
• Resolution approving MOU between sheriff and council regarding US Marshals Service federal detainee revenue

The Barnwell County Council approved the third reading of a new County Code of Ordinances, repealing certain old ordinances and setting an effective date. The council also approved the second reading of two easements to the City of Barnwell, but failed to pass an ordinance establishing a legal residence exemption for certain visa holders on a 3-4 vote. Additionally, the council unanimously approved acquiring the Highway 39 Boat Ramp from DNR and authorized a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Marshals Service for housing federal detainees.

• Adopted new County Code of Ordinances (7-0)
• Approved second reading of two easements to City of Barnwell
• Denied legal residence exemption for visa holders (3-4)
• Approved acquisition of Highway 39 Boat Ramp (7-0)
• Authorized letter to SRP Federal Credit Union about ATM access in Blackville
• Approved MOU with U.S. Marshals Service for federal detainee housing
• Approved commemorative signs honoring Cheryl Long on Fuldner Road
• Tabled Laura Abshire's appointment to Animal Shelter Board

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

The Barnwell County Council met and immediately moved into executive session to discuss a personnel matter regarding the Administrator and contractual matters related to Rising Tide. No decisions were made during the executive session, and the meeting was adjourned afterward. The minutes record no substantive actions or votes.

• Approved meeting agenda (motion carried)
• Moved to executive session for personnel and contractual discussions
• Adjourned executive session with no decisions made

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

The Barnwell County Council held a special called meeting to discuss the Senior Center's finances and operations. They approved several payments, including $5,000 for shutdown operations, $1,800 for landscaping, and $150 for computer services, as well as $500 for each of four employees for missed pay during their transition to county employment. The council also approved purchasing paint, window shades, a front door, and a new sign, subject to administrator review. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved $5,000 payment to Mary Dell Hayes for shutdown operations
• Approved $1,800 payment to Walls Landscaping
• Approved $150 payment to Computer Solutions
• Approved $500 payment to each of four employees for missed pay during transition
• Approved purchase of paint, window shades, front door, and new Gayle Reyes sign, subject to administrator review

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

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

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

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