Citizen Portal News South Carolina
LightNews LightNews
banner
citizenptnewssc.bsky.social
Citizen Portal News South Carolina
@citizenptnewssc.bsky.social
30 followers 1 following 2.1K posts
Posts Replies Media Videos
citizenptnewssc.bsky.social
Hilton Head Island's Town Council just approved over $4 million in grants to support tourism and culture, but a heated debate erupted over a $100,000 award to the Lowcountry Golf Course Owners Association!

Get the details!

#HiltonHeadIslandBeaufortCounty #SC #TourismEconomics #CommunityIdentity
Council approves $4.08M in ATAX grants; Lowcountry Golf award draws dissent
The council approved $4,076,992 in accommodations‑tax grants to 35 applicants and debated one contested award: Lowcountry Golf Course Owners Association’s $100,000 request passed 6‑1 after proposals to reallocate funds to history and cultural organizations failed.
citizenportal.ai
December 18, 2025 at 9:47 PM
citizenptnewssc.bsky.social
Hilton Head Island is set to transform its workforce housing landscape with the approval of the Northpointe development, bringing 157 affordable units complete with top-notch amenities!

Click to read more!

#HiltonHeadIslandBeaufortCounty #SC #CommunityDevelopment #AffordableHousing
Council approves Northpointe workforce housing ground lease and $1M site grant
The Hilton Head Island Town Council approved second reading of a ground lease and affordability covenants for the Northpointe workforce housing development, authorized a $1 million ARPA-funded site‑improvement payment and related easements, and heard details about unit mix, eligibility and construction timing.
citizenportal.ai
December 18, 2025 at 9:45 PM
citizenptnewssc.bsky.social
The Hilton Head Island Town Council just approved a bold $35 million borrowing plan to enhance emergency services and conserve vital land—sparking a fierce debate about fiscal responsibility and future priorities.

Click to read more!

#HiltonHeadIslandBeaufortCounty #SC #EmergencyManagement
Council authorizes up to $35M in general obligation bonds for fire/EOC and conservation land
After debate over scope and amount, council voted 5‑2 to authorize not‑to‑exceed $35 million in general obligation bonds (15‑year) to fund acquisition/renovation for a new fire/rescue and emergency operations center and to acquire land for conservation; council broadened ordinance language to allow funding of capital projects 'including but not limited to' those items.
citizenportal.ai
December 18, 2025 at 9:44 PM
citizenptnewssc.bsky.social
Hilton Head Island's Town Council sparks debate as they approve a $35 million bond to fund a new fire-rescue headquarters and conservation efforts—are they making the right financial choice?

Click to read more!

#HiltonHeadIslandBeaufortCounty #SC #EnvironmentalConservation #PublicSafety
Council approves general obligation bond ordinance after debate over $25M vs. $35M borrowing level
Council approved an ordinance authorizing general obligation bonds on second reading (5–2), approving language to fund a new fire-rescue headquarters and conservation land acquisition; several members argued for a lower $25M borrowing amount while others supported expanded scope.
citizenportal.ai
December 18, 2025 at 8:07 PM
citizenptnewssc.bsky.social
The Hilton Head Island Town Council has just approved a groundbreaking three-year contract with the local Chamber of Commerce to boost tourism transparency and accountability!

Learn more here

#HiltonHeadIslandBeaufortCounty #SC #TourismDevelopment #HiltonHeadIslandChamber #FinancialTransparency
Town council approves three‑year DMO contract with Hilton Head Island/Bluffton Chamber, adds reporting and transparency requirements
Council approved a three‑year contract (with up to two years’ renewal) naming the Hilton Head Island/Bluffton Chamber as the town’s destination marketing organization and added reporting, accounting and public‑presentation requirements; a motion to strike a clause allowing the DMO to request additional ATAX grants failed.
citizenportal.ai
December 18, 2025 at 8:06 PM
citizenptnewssc.bsky.social
Hilton Head Island's Town Council just greenlit a $4.3 million deal to sell three parcels to Novon Health, paving the way for much-needed medical services and job opportunities!

Click to read more!

#HiltonHeadIslandBeaufortCounty #SC #CitizenPortal #EconomicDevelopment
Town council approves sale of three parcels to Novon Health for new medical services
Hilton Head Island approved on second reading the sale of three town-owned parcels to Novon Health for $4,341,500 to develop medical offices and room to expand; council members urged using proceeds for economic development.
citizenportal.ai
December 18, 2025 at 8:05 PM
citizenptnewssc.bsky.social
Greenville City is gearing up to plant 1,600 new trees while launching a comprehensive urban forest plan that aims to transform local green spaces!

Get the details!

#GreenvilleCityGreenvilleCounty #SC #SustainablePlanting #CommunityOutreach #UrbanForestry #CitizenPortal #GreenvilleCity
Greenville outlines plan to plant about 1,600 trees, selects consultant for urban forest plan
City staff described a roughly 1,600-tree planting plan, demonstrated TreePlotter inventory and canopy tools, announced Urban Canopy Works as the consultant for a comprehensive urban forest plan, and set completion steps ahead of a projected April 2026 planting-season end.
citizenportal.ai
December 17, 2025 at 6:14 PM
citizenptnewssc.bsky.social
Sumter County is set to revitalize its economic landscape with a new $38 million investment and 47 jobs through the exciting 'Project Peanut' while updating its agreement with NOVA Molecular!

Learn more here

#SumterCounty #SC #EconomicDevelopment #SumterCountyEconomy #JobCreation
Council clears second readings for Nova Molecular option changes and Project Peanut land and tax deal
Council approved second readings to terminate an older option with NOVA Molecular, grant a new option/right of first refusal on adjacent parcels, and advanced a purchase-and-sale and fee-in-lieu package tied to 'Project Peanut,' which anticipates about $38 million in investment and 47 jobs over five years.
citizenportal.ai
December 17, 2025 at 5:24 AM
citizenptnewssc.bsky.social
York County Council just approved a major expansion for PDM US in Rock Hill, paving the way for more high-paying jobs and revitalizing a vacant building!

Click to read more!

#YorkCounty #SC #EconomicDevelopment #JobCreation #YorkCountyEconomy #CommunityInvestment #CitizenPortal
Council approves PDM US expansion agreements in Rock Hill
York County Council approved assignment and amendments to fee‑in‑lieu agreements allowing an expansion by PDM US in Rock Hill; company said it expects to grow from about 35 employees in 2021 to roughly 95 now and to hire more with the expansion.
citizenportal.ai
December 17, 2025 at 4:33 AM
citizenptnewssc.bsky.social
Hampton County Council just approved a game-changing credit-card policy, a $6.5 million investment project promising 20 new jobs, and finalized their budget for a positive financial turnaround!

Read the full story

#HamptonCounty #SC #BudgetReconciliation #FinancialTransparency
Hampton County Council approves credit-card policy, special source revenue credit for Iron Line Meadows and budget reconciliation
Council approved a county credit-card policy with a review of a prepaid emergency card, passed a special source revenue credit agreement for Iron Line Meadows LLC (projected 20 jobs, $6.5M investment) on third reading, and approved a year‑end budget reconciliation ordinance to finalize the FY2025 audit submission.
citizenportal.ai
December 17, 2025 at 1:37 AM
citizenptnewssc.bsky.social
Hampton County deputies are sounding the alarm on outdated equipment and slow tech, risking their safety and that of K-9 partners like Achilles.

Learn more here

#HamptonCounty #SC #EmergencyResponse #ITImprovements #HamptonCountyPublicSafety #EquipmentSafety #CitizenPortal
Hampton County deputies urge council to fix equipment and computer shortfalls, citing safety risks
Several deputies told the Hampton County Council Dec. 15 that outdated vehicles, missing safety features and slow or inaccessible computers are endangering officers and a K-9, and urged the council to prioritize equipment, staffing and after-hours purchasing solutions.
citizenportal.ai
December 16, 2025 at 10:49 PM
citizenptnewssc.bsky.social
York County Council has officially approved a new $8,000 impact fee for Clover schools after a contentious debate that highlighted community division and funding concerns.

Click to read more!

#YorkCounty #SC #CommunityEngagement #EducationFunding #EquityInPolicy #CitizenPortal
York County Council approves $8,000 Clover school impact fee after heated debate
After weeks of debate and public testimony, York County Council amended and approved a revised impact‑fee schedule for the Clover School District on Dec. 15, 2025, setting a district‑wide single‑family fee of $8,000 and directing funds to specified Clover projects.
citizenportal.ai
December 16, 2025 at 7:15 PM
citizenptnewssc.bsky.social
The South Carolina Public Charter School District has renewed its crucial partnership with McGuireWoods to tackle pressing legislative issues like funding and school autonomy.

Learn more here

#SC #EducationFunding #CitizenPortal #GovernmentRelations
SC Public Charter School District renews McGuireWoods government-relations contract
The South Carolina Public Charter School District board voted Dec. 11 to renew a government-relations contract with McGuireWoods, citing the firm’s six‑year track record and upcoming legislative priorities including the funding formula and an infrastructure bank bill.
citizenportal.ai
December 16, 2025 at 5:14 AM
citizenptnewssc.bsky.social
The SC Public Charter School District just approved the transfer of 14 schools to prevent their closure, ensuring that students in good standing stay in the classroom!

Click to read more!

#SC #EducationReform #CitizenPortal #CivicAccountability
Board approves transfer of 14 Limestone Charter Association schools to SC Public Charter School District
The board accepted transfer applications from 14 schools previously authorized by Limestone Charter Association, waived a transfer-application deadline for those schools, and agreed to treat certain charters or letters of intent as valid for the district's upcoming application cycle; new charters must be executed by Jan. 16, 2026.
citizenportal.ai
December 16, 2025 at 5:13 AM
citizenptnewssc.bsky.social
Greer City Council made significant strides on December 9, 2025, with key approvals including the Park Avenue closure and vital opioid settlement funding for community support.

Learn more here

#GreerGreenvilleCounty #SC #CommunityDevelopment #PublicSafety #HealthInitiatives #CitizenPortal
Votes at a glance: Greer City Council actions, Dec. 9, 2025
Council adopted Ordinance 30-2025 (Park Avenue closure); Ordinance 31-2025 (Subaru Road conveyance); Resolution 21-2025 (opioid settlement allocation to FAVOR Upstate); approved the Recreation Center GMP; and moved to enter executive session on Project Keystone.
citizenportal.ai
December 14, 2025 at 1:02 AM
citizenptnewssc.bsky.social
Greer City Council has just approved a $219,968 award to expand vital recovery services, aiming to combat the opioid crisis head-on!

Click to read more!

#GreerGreenvilleCounty #SC #CommunitySupport #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal #CivicAccountability #GreerOpioidRecovery
Council approves $219,968 award to FAVOR Upstate from opioid settlement funds
Greer City Council approved Resolution 21-2025 to allocate part of the city’s SCORF opioid settlement funds, awarding FAVOR Upstate $219,968.07 in year one to expand naloxone distribution, peer support wraparound services and data collection for Greer residents.
citizenportal.ai
December 14, 2025 at 12:57 AM
citizenptnewssc.bsky.social
Greer City Council has just greenlit a stunning $69.33 million Recreation, Sports and Events Center, boasting 205,000 square feet of athletic and community space!

Click to read more!

#GreerGreenvilleCounty #SC #CommunityDevelopment #PublicFacilities #SportsTourism #GreerRecreation #CitizenPortal
Greer Council approves $69.33 million guaranteed maximum price for new recreation center
Council approved a GMP of $69,334,076 for a 205,000-square-foot Recreation, Sports and Events Center after staff and project team presented scope, contingency plan and exclusions; FF&E will be procured separately.
citizenportal.ai
December 14, 2025 at 12:55 AM
citizenptnewssc.bsky.social
Georgia Avenue is getting a major facelift with new designs aimed at calming traffic and enhancing pedestrian safety, but will the trade-offs in parking spaces spark debate?

Click to read more!

#NorthAugustaAikenCounty #SC #NorthAugustaTraffic #UrbanPlanning #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal
Council gives guidance to take Georgia Avenue traffic-calming design to SCDOT
Consultants presented a traffic-calming package for Georgia Avenue that rejects a lane reduction, proposes narrower lanes, medians, RRFB pedestrian crossings, in-road warning lights and conversion of angled to parallel parking (reducing on-street spaces from 58 to 41). Council agreed to coordinate with SCDOT and use capital project sales tax funding.
citizenportal.ai
December 13, 2025 at 2:06 AM
citizenptnewssc.bsky.social
The city of North Augusta is eyeing a bold move to acquire prime Riverside Village parcels for just $5 million, paving the way for a state-of-the-art cyber infrastructure facility!

Learn more here

#NorthAugustaAikenCounty #SC #EconomicDevelopment #UrbanPlanning #NorthAugustaCyberInfrastructure
City staff proposes buying Riverside Village parcels for cyber building using DOE settlement funds
City staff recommended acquiring Parcel B (stadium deck) and Parcel D (undeveloped site) in Riverside Village for about $5 million, funded from Department of Energy settlement allocations earmarked for cyber infrastructure; financial advisers said the village revenues have outperformed earlier projections and the acquisition would support consolidated parking and a city-owned cyber facility.
citizenportal.ai
December 13, 2025 at 2:02 AM
citizenptnewssc.bsky.social
Marion County is on the brink of a transformative economic boost with a proposed resolution to support Interstate 73, promising new interchanges and industry growth!

Click to read more!

#MarionCounty #SC #EconomicGrowth #TransportationDevelopment #InfrastructureInvestment #CitizenPortal
Marion County meeting introduces resolution backing development of Interstate 73
Council members introduced and discussed a resolution supporting federal and state funding for Interstate 73, citing two proposed interchanges in Marion County and the highway’s potential to attract industry; a motion to support the resolution was moved and seconded but no final vote is recorded in the transcript.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 7:03 PM
citizenptnewssc.bsky.social
Easley city officials are wrestling with a new acceptable-use policy that could reshape how they manage social media and public records—are they protecting free speech or overstepping boundaries?

Click to read more!

#SC #GovernmentTransparency #SocialMediaPolicy #PublicRecords #CitizenPortal
Easley council debates acceptable‑use policy for elected officials, including social‑media limits and retention rules
Council reviewed resolution 2025-12, an acceptable‑use policy clarifying retention obligations for city‑issued devices and recommended limits on elected officials' social‑media conduct. Debate centered on whether section 11 (social networking) and language banning 'disparagement' are overly broad or needed to protect the city from FOIA and litigation risk.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 9:01 AM
citizenptnewssc.bsky.social
Columbia's City Council just approved a staggering $215 million for vital waterworks projects, while public comments revealed serious concerns over police harassment.

Click to read more!

#ColumbiaCityRichlandCounty #SC #ColumbiaPublicSafety #CommunityEvents #WaterInfrastructure #CitizenPortal
Columbia City Council approves $215 million waterworks bond, multiple construction contracts and event permits; public raises police harassment concerns
At its regular meeting the City Council approved a $215 million waterworks and sewer bond ordinance, awarded construction and professional services contracts including a $10.7 million fire station contract and a $16.1 million water-improvement contract, approved several encroachment and conveyance ordinances, and heard public comments including allegations of police harassment.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 6:58 AM
citizenptnewssc.bsky.social
District leaders are proposing a $1 million plan to enhance after-school tutoring, add behavior coaches, and boost cybersecurity in schools.

Read the full story

#SC #CybersecurityStrategy #SouthCarolinaEducation #CitizenPortal #BehavioralInterventions
Board weighs $1M package for after-school tutoring, behavior coaches and cybersecurity hire
Administrators proposed a one-time $1 million fund-balance amendment to fund targeted Tier 2 after-school tutoring, eight secondary 'expectation coaches' for behavior, and a network-security coordinator after a summer breach; trustees set January for action pending state aid updates.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 1:50 AM
citizenptnewssc.bsky.social
Trustees are balancing ambitious school construction plans while community voices demand fair funding for athletic facilities—will they listen?

Click to read more!

#SC #AthleticFacilities #SouthCarolinaEducation #EquitableFunding #CommunityInput #CitizenPortal
Board reviews school construction plans as community urges fair stadium funding
Trustees heard detailed presentations on new and renovated school facilities — including Dutch Fork Elementary, Irmo High additions and a proposed Chapin auditorium — while dozens of public commenters urged upgrades to stadium press boxes and middle-school practice fields and pressed for equitable funding timelines.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 1:47 AM
citizenptnewssc.bsky.social
Florence City Council has greenlit a major $25 million sewer project that promises to revolutionize the city’s wastewater capacity by 2028!

Get the details!

#FlorenceCityFlorenceCounty #SC #WastewaterManagement #FlorenceCity #PublicFunding #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureDevelopment
Council authorizes CSX encroachment to build Jeffress Creek sewer; phase 1 funded largely by state grant
Council approved a resolution allowing construction of a new 54-inch gravity sewer in CSX right-of-way for the Jeffress Creek interceptor project; staff said phase 1 costs about $25 million with $24 million in state funding and a tentative engineering timeline through 2028.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 1:29 AM