The York County Council convened its first meeting of 2025 on January 6, kicking off the new year with key leadership elections, updates on strategic planning, and public hearings on pressing local matters.
Leadership Elections
The meeting opened with the re-election of Christy Cox as Chairwoman of the York County Council. In her remarks, Chairwoman Cox expressed gratitude to her colleagues and highlighted the importance of collaboration, strategic vision, and unity in addressing the county’s challenges and opportunities.
Tom Audette was elected as Vice Chair, with both elections receiving unanimous approval from the council members.
Strategic Planning and Vision
Chairwoman Cox emphasized the council’s commitment to implementing the county’s strategic plan. She referenced Proverbs 29:18, underlining the need for clear goals and direction to improve quality of life for York County residents. Key focus areas include responsible growth, preserving the county’s unique identity, and fostering intergovernmental collaboration.
“We must work vigilantly to protect our identity, embrace responsible growth, and ensure that our policies enhance the quality of life for all residents,” Cox said.
Financial Report
Elliot Davis presented the fiscal year 2024 audited financial report, noting a strong financial position for the county. Highlights included:
- An increase in the county’s net position by $135 million over the prior year.
- A $10 million increase in the general fund balance, driven by conservative spending and higher-than-expected revenues.
- Maintenance of the county’s AAA credit rating, which reflects sound fiscal management.
The council commended the county’s management team for their transparency and accountability in handling taxpayer funds.
Public Forum and Hearings
The public forum session allowed residents to express concerns on various topics, including environmental and zoning issues. A key point of contention was the ongoing litigation involving Silfab Solar, with residents urging council members to decline invitations to corporate events related to the company to avoid perceived conflicts of interest.
Other residents spoke in favor of rezoning requests that would address lake dredging and community access, while some opposed rezoning changes that could disrupt rural areas.
Zoning and Development
The council held public hearings on several rezoning applications, including Case No. 2459, which sought to rezone a parcel for industrial use to support dredging operations. Opinions were divided, with residents citing environmental, property value, and community impact considerations.
Council members highlighted the complexities of balancing property rights, community character, and sustainable growth. Several suggested revisiting the county’s recode policies to address nonconforming parcels and better align zoning regulations with community needs.
