Dorchester County Council reviews November finances and adopts workforce housing policy

At its Jan. 5 meeting, the Dorchester County Council reviewed the November fiscal report showing the county about 42% through the fiscal year and approved a workforce housing incentive policy that defines qualifying projects and potential tax abatements.

The Dorchester County Council met Jan. 5 in Summerville to review the county's November financial position and to take final action on several zoning and housing-related ordinances. County staff reported on revenues and expenditures through the end of November and provided an update on remaining American Rescue Plan Act funds. The council approved two ordinances on third reading related to land development standards and workforce housing incentives. The meeting also included multiple rezoning items, an appointment to a planning seat, and an executive session for legal matters. Key details: - County finance staff reported the county was about 42% through the fiscal year at the end of November, with the general fund having received 16% of its budgeted revenue and expended 36.8%. - The county reported $462,450 in remaining American Rescue Plan Act funds, with three projects outstanding and a reported deadline this December to have the funds spent. - Ordinance 26-01 was approved to add veterinary clinics to Use Group 15(b), allowing them in lower-intensity commercial districts when not associated with boarding or kenneling. - Ordinance 26-02 was adopted to establish a Workforce Housing Incentive Policy defining workforce units at 60%, 80% and 100% of area median income, requiring at least 20% of units in qualifying projects to be workforce housing with a specified mix, and setting eligibility and incentive parameters including project investment thresholds and tax abatements. - Council acted on rezoning requests: Rezoning No. 943 (11.06 acres on Charleston Highway) was approved on third reading; Rezoning No. 947 (4.42 acres near Summerville) was given first reading and referred for public hearing and committee recommendation; two other requests were advanced to second reading after public hearings. - Council member Jay Byars announced a planning commission resignation and moved to appoint Keane Steele as a replacement, and the meeting ended with an executive session to receive legal advice on creating a nonprofit for community development and to discuss a proposed Pine Hill Lakes development agreement. Summary: The council's actions clarify short-term fiscal status and add new development rules and incentives intended to shape housing projects and commercial uses. Next steps include committee hearings and public hearings for referred rezoning requests and continued monitoring of ARPA-funded projects, with the timeline for unused ARPA funds reported as due this December.