Pickens County SC Live Stream

The Pickens County SC government meeting held on May 5, 2026, included extensive public input focused primarily on the preservation of the historic Greenville-Pickens Speedway. Multiple speakers advocated for saving the racetrack through various means, including historic designation and potential county involvement, while council members debated options such as zoning overlays, moratoriums, and government purchase. A motion to create a historic preservation committee to explore options passed 4-2, but a moratorium on development in the racetrack area failed 3-3. The council also discussed budget matters, including approval of budget amendments, the 2026-27 capital budget, and the creation of a nonprofit emergency reserve fund funded by a 1/15 mill tax increase, which passed 4-2. Additionally, the council considered a tax increment financing (TIF) proposal from the Town of Central related to wastewater treatment plant expansion; the council voted to object to the TIF without an intergovernmental agreement in place. Other procurement-related topics included the denial of a tractor purchase request due to insufficient bids and the approval of a $20,000 recreation fund request for community center maintenance. The meeting concluded with executive session discussions on personnel and contractual matters, including the appointment of a new clerk to council and renegotiation of a county facility license contract.