Laurens County Council Approves Data Center Moratorium, Honors Special Olympics Champions
July 15, 2026
Laurens County Council worked through a full agenda at its Monday, July 13, 2026 meeting, recognizing local Special Olympics athletes, approving a temporary moratorium on data center development, advancing two ordinances, and accepting a clean annual audit along with several grants and a new airport consulting contract.
Special Olympics Athletes and Teams Recognized
Council opened the meeting by recognizing track and field athlete Ansley Hayes and the Timberwolves 5v5 Unified Basketball Team for their accomplishments at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. In honor of the team, council unanimously approved a resolution proclaiming June 26 of each year in Laurens County as “Timberwolves Gold Medal Day.”
Council also recognized Team South Carolina 5v5 Unified Basketball for winning gold at the Special Olympics USA Games Minnesota 2026, and gave special recognition to Ansley Hayes for earning a silver medal at the same games.
Council Approves Moratorium on Data Centers
The meeting’s opening public comment period centered on the first reading of Ordinance #1012, which imposes a temporary moratorium on the acceptance, review, approval, and issuance of development permits for data centers in the county. No speaker voiced support for data centers during the comment period.
During the moratorium, county staff, the Planning Commission, and County Council will evaluate and develop recommendations on appropriate zoning districts, setback requirements, buffering and landscaping standards, noise standards, water and wastewater requirements, electrical infrastructure requirements, emergency services coordination, environmental impacts, traffic impacts, and decommissioning requirements.
Councilman Brown Patterson expressed a desire to speed up the process. The ordinance passed unanimously on first reading as originally drafted.
Waste Facility and Pet Ownership Ordinances
Council held a public hearing ahead of the third reading of Ordinance #1010, which regulates the storage of hazardous and non-hazardous waste facilities in the county. Rick Shealy, winner of the Republican primary for the South Carolina House of Representatives, spoke in favor of the ordinance. With no other speakers, the ordinance passed unanimously on third reading.
Council then took up Ordinance #1011 on second reading. The measure amends county Ordinance 935 by adding responsible pet ownership and targeted spay/neuter provisions. Laurens County Sheriff Don Reynolds said the ordinance would benefit the community and assist the county’s Animal Control officers. It was reported that the county animal shelter’s population rose from 42 to 85 dogs over the past week.
Councilman Brown Patterson recommended that a licensed veterinarian be consulted before the next vote so questions about the spay/neuter provisions — particularly for low-income residents — could be answered. Breeding permits were also identified as an issue to be evaluated before the final third reading.
County Receives Clean Audit
Love Bailey and Associates CPAs presented the Annual Financial Report Audit Results Summary. The auditors issued an unmodified, or “clean,” opinion, indicating that the county’s financial statements fairly present its financial position in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The audit found no material weaknesses in internal controls and no material instances of noncompliance requiring reporting under Government Auditing Standards.
The report described Laurens County as remaining in a stable financial position, with sufficient assets to meet its obligations and to continue funding governmental operations. Governmental activities continued to be financed primarily through property taxes, state and federal grants, fees for services, and other local revenues. The auditors concluded that county management maintained appropriate accounting records and that the county’s financial reporting complied with applicable governmental accounting standards.
Grants, Opioid Funds, and Airport Consultant
In new business, council discussed an update and appropriation of South Carolina Opioid Recovery Fund dollars for Fiscal Year 2026-27.
Council unanimously approved acceptance of the Emergency Management Performance Grant, an annual preparedness grant that allows the county to enhance its response capabilities. Per the letter of intent, Laurens County is set to receive $59,538.
Council also unanimously approved a request from Laurens County Parks, Recreation and Tourism Director Andy Howard to allow the Laurens County Airport Commission to hire Ardurra as the next consulting firm for the Laurens County Airport. Following the RFQ process, the commission received nine applications, narrowed the field to three interviews, and selected Ardurra based on its relationships with the FAA and the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission, as well as the working relationship the commission expects it to provide as the county advances its Airport Layout Plan over the next five years.
The July meeting reflected a busy month for county leaders, pairing recognition of local athletes with significant decisions on growth, public safety, and county finances. Several items, including the pet ownership ordinance, remain under review and will return for additional readings before final action.
