Laurens County Council Advances Major Economic Development Projects, Issues Community Proclamations
March 11, 2026
Meeting includes update on property reassessment, approval of projects expected to bring hundreds of jobs, and executive session discussion related to recent cyber fraud lawsuit.
Laurens County Council addressed a full agenda during its March 9, 2026 meeting, issuing several proclamations, receiving an update on the county’s property reassessment process, and approving multiple economic development initiatives expected to bring significant investment and job growth to the county.
Proclamations Recognized
Council issued proclamations recognizing Coroners and Medicolegal Death Investigators Professionals Week (January 25–31, 2026), honoring those who investigate sudden or suspicious deaths while supporting grieving families.
Council also recognized Disabilities Awareness Month, observed each March. The 2026 theme, “We’re Here: Then, Now, Always,” highlights the importance of inclusion and removing barriers for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Another proclamation marked Severe Weather and Flood Safety Week, March 8–14, an initiative promoted through partnerships with the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, the National Weather Service, and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources to encourage preparedness for severe storms and flooding.
Board Appointment
Council Chairman Jeff Carrol appointed Holly Cody to the Laurens County Board of Assessment Appeals representing District 5.
Property Reassessment Update
County Assessor G.W. Dailey provided an update on Laurens County’s five-year property reassessment process, explaining that reassessment ensures property values reflect the current real estate market while maintaining fairness within the tax system.
The county is currently in the installation phase, entering detailed property data into the system. Dailey noted the process is complicated by the county’s aging software system dating back to the 1980s.
Property values across the county are trending upward, with increases seen in residential homes, commercial properties, mobile homes, and land values. Vacant land has experienced some of the largest increases.
“We’re not just seeing more homes,” Dailey told council. “We’re seeing more valuable homes.”
He also noted that South Carolina law requires a millage rollback following reassessment to prevent counties from generating additional revenue solely from increased property values.
Economic Development Projects
Council considered several economic development measures during the meeting.
A public hearing was held for an ordinance creating a Clinton Industrial Park that would include Project Diamond, but action on the third reading was postponed after Spartanburg County requested a delay.
Council unanimously approved a Fee-in-Lieu-of-Taxes agreement for Project Palmetto, an expansion of Shamrock Technologies in the Connexial Center representing a $19.6 million investment and expected to create 57 jobs.
Council also approved on third reading an amended agreement for Project Basil.
In another action, council approved a new process requiring approval from all affected residents when a county road closure is proposed. The measure passed with Councilman Philson casting the lone dissenting vote.
Council unanimously approved Project Oracle, a Tier One automotive supplier planning a $120.8 million investment expected to create 277 jobs.
Council also approved Project Sunshine, a manufacturing operation considering the existing speculative building at Hunter Industrial Park. The project represents a $350 million investment and is expected to create 564 jobs, making it the third-largest economic development project in Laurens County history.
Budget Process Begins
Council gave initial approval, by title only, to ordinances related to the county budget and fire service budget, allowing budget workshops to begin before final adoption.
Executive Session
At the conclusion of the meeting, council entered executive session to discuss the employment, appointment, or compensation of a Finance Director, as well as investigative proceedings related to alleged criminal misconduct involving fraudulent invoices submitted to the county.
The discussion follows a recently filed lawsuit revealing that Laurens County officials paid $1,558,288.09 to cyber criminals. According to the lawsuit, the individuals responsible began posing as a county contractor on or around December 15, 2025 and sent fraudulent electronic funds transfer instructions via email directing county funds to a Wells Fargo account.
County officials then made four separate payments between December 29, 2025 and January 13, 2026 before the fraud was discovered.
Under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, council may take action on matters discussed in executive session after returning to open session.
