Laurens County Council Recap – General Operating Budget and First Reading of Temporary Moratorium on Open Space Residential Developments
June 25, 2025
During a called meeting on Monday evening, the Laurens County discussed the general operating budget and had the first reading of a temporary Moratorium on open space residential developments.
Bridge Funding Proposal Sparks Debate During Budget Discussion
The Council turned its attention to infrastructure needs during discussion of the General Operating Budget. Councilman Younts raised concerns about the number of out-of-service bridges across the county, many of which have been closed for years.
“This county has never had any fund, that I know of, dedicated to replacing bridges that have gone out,” Younts said. “I believe there are around thirteen or fourteen bridges out in the county—some have been out for six or seven years. There are four in my district alone: Hunter Road, Liberty Church Road, Park Road, and Harris Grove Road. Our fire department says that when they respond to calls in those areas, it’s like running a maze.”
Younts proposed an amendment to Section Two of the budget to impose a $5 bridge maintenance fee on each registered vehicle in Laurens County. The proposed fee would generate an estimated $350,000 annually to fund bridge repairs and replacements.
“Five dollars added to the bridge and road tax isn’t a quick fix,” he acknowledged, “but it’s a start. I’m also working on getting the state to help us.”
However, some council members voiced concern about enacting a fee without a clear spending plan. It was also noted that even the least expensive bridge replacement projects could cost around $1 million each.
Ultimately, the proposed amendment was voted down by the majority of the council. Despite that, the overall General Operating Budget was unanimously approved.
First Reading of Temporary Moratorium on Open Space Residential Developments
Next up was the first the first reading of an ordinance establishing a temporary moratorium on open space residential developments throughout the county. The ordinance, invoking the pending ordinance doctrine, will remain in effect until a new ordinance is adopted, at which point the existing one will expire.
Council Chair Jeff Carroll emphasized that the goal is not to overhaul the county’s land use policies but to bring clarity to existing regulations.
“We are not redoing an entire ordinance,” Carroll said. “But this new ordinance hopes to clarify some of the things related to open space development. This would answer some of the questions our residents have, as well as give direction for developers.”
Carroll added that the Planning Department has been working on the revision for several years.
A focal point of discussion was whether two specific developments—Renwood in the northern part of the county and Cambridge Farms in the Clinton area—would fall under the moratorium. County Attorney Wes Meetz explained that developments with preliminary approval are protected by vested rights under state law.
“If they have preliminary approval, we can’t stop them,” Meetz said. “They have two years of vested rights and a guaranteed five-year extension. Once the county approves a preliminary plan, we can’t stop them.”
Renwood has already received preliminary approval. Cambridge Farms has passed the Technical Review Committee and is awaiting final approval from the Planning Commission.
“As to the progress of Cambridge Farms, if they have not gotten final approval by the time of the first reading, that development would be put on hold,” Meetz clarified.
Councilman Lane made a motion to specifically include both Renwood and Cambridge Farms under the moratorium. That motion passed. However, during council comments, Meetz expressed discomfort with naming individual subdivisions in the ordinance.
Councilman Brownlee then made a motion to reconsider the vote on the amendment (that would have included Cambridge Farms). The motion to remove the amendment passed.
The ordinance now back in original form passed on first reading, with Councilman Philson voting in opposition and Councilwoman Clark abstaining. The ordinance will have second reading on July 14th at the regularly scheduled county council meeting followed by a third reading and public to be scheduled.
