York County Council Workshop August 27, 2026

The York County Council held a workshop on August 27, 2026, focusing primarily on economic development (ED) incentives, policies, and the status of current projects. The council discussed the structure and use of the Economic Development Fund, which currently holds about $5.6 million with an expected annual net growth of $300,000. Members debated how to best allocate these funds, with particular attention to supporting small businesses, infrastructure needs such as roads, and workforce development. There was significant discussion about the use of Fee in Lieu of Taxes (FILO) agreements and Special Source Revenue Credits (SSRCs), including concerns about transparency, timing of council notifications, and the impact on school districts and municipalities. The council expressed interest in establishing clearer guidelines and guardrails for incentives, improving the process for reviewing and approving FILO agreements, and enhancing communication with school districts and municipalities regarding economic development projects. Additionally, the council agreed to refer small business support initiatives to the Economic Development Board for recommendations on program funding and structure. The meeting also addressed public input procedures, proposing to have staff manage sign-ups for public comments and trial extending individual speaking times from two to three minutes. Other topics included potential improvements to public hearing processes and scheduling future workshops on fire services, utilities, roads, and the comprehensive plan. The meeting concluded with an executive session and a motion to authorize settlement in a bankruptcy case related to applied machinery rentals.