The Fort Mill Town Council meeting on September 9, 2024, covered a range of topics related to town governance and community events. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation, followed by the approval of minutes from previous sessions. There was also a brief public comment period, though no major issues were raised.
One of the key presentations discussed the 10th Annual Fort Mill Scarecrow Crawl, which will take place from October 4th through 31st, with several categories for awards judged by local Strawberry Queens and voted on by the public. The event, which includes a scarecrow installation around the downtown area, aims to draw visitors to local businesses. Another major town event discussed was the “Weekends on Main,” which will occur during two weekends in October and aims to create a pedestrian-friendly environment by closing Main Street to vehicular traffic. The event will include entertainment such as bubble shows and variety acts, as well as opportunities for local merchants to expand their businesses outdoors.
The Council also reviewed various administrative matters. The first reading of the 2024-2025 town budget was presented, with significant highlights including a balanced budget of over $39 million for the general fund and around $20 million for the utilities fund. The budget includes the hiring of 18 additional full-time positions, including school resource officers and police dispatchers. There is no proposed increase in the town’s millage rate, and the town plans to conduct a compensation study and other key infrastructure updates. Council members expressed their appreciation for the staff’s hard work on the budget, noting the importance of being proactive rather than reactive in managing the town’s growth.
Other business items included the second reading of an ordinance amending the current budget, a resolution accepting streets in the Pean Ridge subdivision into the town’s maintenance system, and the correction of a zoning classification error from earlier in the year. A resolution authorizing the Municipal Association of South Carolina to act as a claimant for debt collection was also passed.
Toward the end of the meeting, there was a discussion about keeping the town clean, with concerns raised about increased littering. The meeting concluded with a motion for adjournment after the council returned from a brief executive session to discuss legal matters.
Overall, the meeting focused on ongoing community events, infrastructure improvements, and fiscal planning for the coming year.
The full meeting video is available here.
