Laurens County Council Meeting Recap: Progress, Proclamations, and Public Input Changes

Laurens County Council covered a wide range of issues at its Monday, May 12 meeting, from honoring public safety professionals to approving key economic and policy decisions.

Council Proclaims EMS and Police Week
Council opened the meeting by issuing proclamations recognizing two national observances.

The week of May 18–24, 2025, was declared National EMS Week, highlighting this year’s theme: “We Care. For Everyone.” Councilman Brown Patterson presented the proclamation to Laurens County EMS staff, thanking them for their vital, life-saving work.

Council also recognized National Police Week, observed May 11–17, in honor of law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty and those who continue to serve with dedication.

Appointments Support Regional Growth
Two appointments received unanimous approval: Dabs Davis II to the Upper Savannah Development Workforce Board and Steve Hudson to the Gateway Board, reflecting the county’s ongoing commitment to workforce and economic development.

Public Comment Policy Updated
Council approved an ordinance limiting public comment at regular meetings to agenda items only. An effort by Councilman Lane to maintain broader comment access failed. As a compromise, Councilman Brownlee proposed a motion—approved by the council—to hold a special public input meeting at least once every 90 days, allowing residents to address any topic.

New Agriculture Board Created
Council passed Ordinance #980, officially establishing a Laurens County Agriculture Board to advocate for the needs of local farmers and landowners.

Project Armour Advances
Two ordinances related to Project Armour, a proposed $22.3 million investment projected to create 24 jobs, received second reading approval:

• Ordinance #986 established a tax agreement framework.

• Ordinance #987 amended the Hunter Multi-County Industrial Park agreement to include the project.

Council also approved Ordinance #988, allowing for the issuance of up to $4 million in General Obligation Bonds to fund infrastructure improvements.

Ekom Fire Station to Honor Fallen Firefighter
Council unanimously approved renaming the Ekom Fire Station in memory of Michael “Mike Mike” Douglas Vinson, a 27-year-old firefighter who lost his life in the line of duty on March 31, 2024. The motion was introduced by Fire Services Director Greg Lindley.

Funding for Agricultural Education
Council passed Resolution 2025-12, awarding $25,000 to the Clemson Extension Program to support agricultural education and outreach in the coming fiscal year.

Administrator Residency Requirement Approved
Council approved a new requirement that the incoming county administrator must relocate to Laurens County within six months of being hired. Councilmembers Clark, Patterson, and Philson voted against the measure, with Patterson stating, “This should be handled on a case-by-case basis… If we hire someone who already lives a short distance from the county line, we should not require them to move.”