Pickens County SC Live Stream

The Pickens County SC government meeting held on June 29, 2026, focused heavily on budget discussions, particularly regarding employee compensation, capital improvements, and community facility upgrades. Council approved a $10,000 allocation from district three funds for remodeling the Day Community Center, including HVAC and gymnasium improvements. A significant portion of the meeting addressed the fiscal year 2027 budget, with council considering a 4% step and cost-of-living increase for county employees and discussing the need to increase patrol vehicle replacements from six to ten annually. The council debated reallocating funds from the dedicated capital millage to support employee raises and a $62,000 contract with Evergreen Solutions to update the county's compensation study. Concerns were raised about staffing levels, pay equity, and the need for additional positions, with 83 new positions requested countywide but not fully funded. The council also discussed solid waste fees charged to municipalities and the implications of lowering the capital millage rate. Additionally, the meeting covered zoning and land use regulations around Lake Keowee, including prohibitions on industrial uses and restrictions on commercial development, with emphasis on environmental protections and water quality. The council voted to extend a moratorium on hotels, solar farms, and development along Highway 8 corridor and reviewed updates on the EMS medical alternatives project, including construction cost estimates and procurement processes. Motions were passed to amend the budget to fund raises and compensation study updates, and to proceed with the EMS project under revised cost estimates.