Council also received public comments regarding rezoning, planned neighborhood amenities and homeowners association matters, while recognizing local leadership and discussing community initiatives during its Aug. 18 meeting.
A proposed mural for Gallery 537 and an ordinance addressing billboards and digital signs led discussion during the Camden City Council meeting Tuesday.
Council considered the proposed “More Than a Revolution” mural for Gallery 537 at 537 East DeKalb St. Members discussed the artistic quality of the design, its visual elements and how it would complement the surrounding area. Following discussion, Council voted not to approve the proposal.
During the public comment period, Gallery 537 owner James Austin spoke about the mural application and review process and shared questions regarding the proposal.
In a separate matter, Council carried over the second reading of an ordinance addressing billboards and digital signs to allow additional time for the preparation of proposed amendments. The ordinance will return for consideration at a future meeting.
Public comment also included remarks from two other speakers. Ronnie Fulmer discussed his property along Lyttleton Street and Railroad Avenue and a related rezoning request. David Galindo, a resident of Friendship Hill Farms, raised questions regarding homeowners association matters, including planned neighborhood amenities and property maintenance responsibilities.
During staff updates, City Manager Matt DeWitt discussed the Camden Fire Department’s mutual aid response in Fairfield County, where crews assisted during a large commercial fire. He emphasized the importance of partnerships among neighboring fire departments and the role mutual aid plays in supporting communities during major emergencies.
DeWitt then reflected on the success of Christmas in August, which was moved to the Camden City Arena because of inclement weather. He noted the event’s potential to continue growing as another family-friendly opportunity for the community to come together.
Turning to quality-of-life initiatives, Councilman Phil Elliott commended Camden’s beauty and suggested exploring an educational campaign encouraging residents and visitors to help keep the City’s parks, green spaces and other public areas free of litter. Mayor Sheheen noted that the statewide Palmetto Pride program may be able to provide resources or assistance with the effort.
Local leadership was recognized as the Mayor congratulated Councilman William Wilkes on being named the Transportation Association of South Carolina’s 2026 Board Member of the Year.
The honor recognizes his leadership and advocacy for public transportation in Camden and Kershaw County.
Looking ahead, the Mayor updated Council on efforts to increase the use of the Price House and African American Cultural Center following a meeting with City staff and members of the Price House Commission. Tourism Director Jenny Parrish will draft a proposal focused on programming and community engagement.
Mayor Sheheen also asked staff to review the Legacy Bench Program and recommend updates or other ways to recognize those who have made a lasting difference in Camden. In other business, Council proclaimed Sept. 14-20, 2026, as Diaper Need Awareness Week in Camden.
Quarterly reports from the Building, Fire, Finance, Human Resources, Municipal Court, Planning, Police, Public Utilities and Tourism, Marketing and Development departments provided updates on departmental operations, City services and ongoing work throughout Camden.
Camden City Councilman William Wilkes has been named Board Member of the Year by the Transportation Association of South Carolina (TASC), recognizing his leadership, regional advocacy, and work to expand access to public transportation in Camden and throughout Kershaw County.
Wilkes received the award Wednesday during the Transportation Association of South Carolina’s 2026 Annual Conference and Expo in Greenville.
Wilkes serves as the City of Camden’s representative on the Santee Wateree Regional Transportation Authority (SWRTA) Board of Directors and currently serves as chairman of the board.
During his tenure, Wilkes has worked to strengthen transportation options not only within Camden, but throughout rural Kershaw County. Among those efforts, he helped garner approximately $60,000 in funding support for transit services in Kershaw County, a significant increase from the approximately $1,000 previously provided annually.
He has also been actively involved in advancing the King Haigler Express, Camden’s fixed-route public transportation service, helping promote the route, build community awareness and identify opportunities for continued growth and improvement.
“I’m incredibly honored to receive this recognition, but the progress we’ve made at SWRTA has truly been a team effort,” Wilkes said. “I’m fortunate to serve alongside board members with an unwavering commitment to our region, and I’m grateful to my colleagues on Camden City Council for allowing me to go to Sumter and advocate for stronger public transportation.
“I’m especially thankful to Kershaw County Council. Their investment in rural transportation has allowed us to expand service across Kershaw County and reach more people who need it most. Transportation needs don’t stop at city or county lines, and neither should our efforts to meet them.”
“Councilman William Wilkes is truly deserving of TASC’s Board Member of the Year Award,” said Tanisha Gibbons, Executive Director of the Santee Wateree Regional Transportation Authority. “His leadership, commitment and advocacy have strengthened public transportation in Kershaw County and made a lasting impact on the communities we serve.”
Wilkes has also pursued community partnerships to strengthen SWRTA’s financial sustainability, helping secure advertising and bus-wrap commitments from organizations including the Alpha Center and MUSC.
His work has included support for modernizing the rider experience through cashless fare-payment options and continued advocacy for transportation as a critical link to healthcare, employment, groceries, government services and other everyday needs.
The Board Member of the Year recognition highlights Wilkes’ hands-on approach to board service and his commitment to collaboration among municipalities, counties, community organizations, and regional transportation leaders.
The Transportation Association of South Carolina brings together public transportation providers, human service organizations, government officials, and transportation professionals from across the state to support training, collaboration, and advancement of public transit in South Carolina.
The City of Camden is now accepting applications for its Façade Grant Program, which encourages reinvestment in commercial and mixed-use properties within Camden’s historic downtown and Dusty Bend districts.
The program provides reimbursable matching grants of up to $10,000 per building to help offset the cost of eligible exterior improvements. The City will provide a dollar-for-dollar match for approved expenses, up to the amount awarded.
Commercial and mixed-use property owners within the eligible districts may apply. Tenants may also apply with written authorization from the building owner.
Applications will be accepted through Friday, October 30, 2026, until noon. Applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis while funding remains available. Submissions received after noon will not be considered.
Grant awards are expected to be approved by November 20, and all projects must be completed by May 31, 2027.
Through the Façade Grant Program, the City hopes to support local property owners and businesses while preserving the character and strengthening the appearance of two of Camden’s important commercial districts.
From celebrating those who give back to considering new ways to communicate with residents, the August 4 Camden City Council meeting reflected both the people who strengthen the community today and the decisions shaping its future.
Community service took center stage Tuesday evening as Camden City Council recognized an organization that has spent more than two decades turning a love of music and dance into meaningful support for its neighbors.
The Camden Lugoff Area Shag Society, better known as CLASS, received a proclamation honoring its commitment to philanthropy, fellowship and the preservation of South Carolina’s cultural heritage.
Since 2005, CLASS has donated more than $108,000 to nonprofit organizations throughout Kershaw County. Those contributions have helped local organizations provide food, healthcare and other critical services to residents who need them most.
Representatives from the Community Medical Clinic and Food for the Soul attended the meeting to thank CLASS for its continued generosity. Their remarks offered a reminder that the organization’s impact reaches far beyond the dance floor.
The evening’s celebrations continued with recognition of two young women preparing to represent Camden throughout the coming year.
Calissa Bowers was recognized as Miss Camden’s Teen 2027. A student at North Central High School, Bowers plans to become a business owner and certified public accountant. Her community service initiative, “Pieces of Possibility,” focuses on autism awareness, education, advocacy and support.
Grace Entzminger was recognized as Miss Camden 2027. Ensminger will attend Central Carolina Technical College before transferring to the University of South Carolina and plans to pursue a career in healthcare. Through her community service initiative, “Need to Breathe,” she hopes to raise awareness of lung diseases and support those affected by them.
As Camden prepares to move into a new City Hall next year, one resident has made sure the current building and the people who work there will not be forgotten.
Council thanked Bob Hunt for creating a detailed diorama of the current City Hall, complete with photographs of City staff. The piece will be displayed in the new building, carrying a snapshot of today’s City Hall into its new home.
That connection between Camden’s past and future was also reflected in the recognition of three employees whose combined 50 years of service have helped keep the City working each day.
Dale Harper of the Streets Department was honored for 25 years of service, Fire Dept. Capt. Jason Floyd for 15 years and Det. M. Wright of the Camden Police Department for 10 years.
They were joined by Director of Utilities and Public Works Jack Thornsberry, Camden Fire Chief Eddie Gardner and Police Chief Jack Rushing. Although each employee serves the community in a different role, their work affects the services residents rely on, from maintaining City streets to responding during emergencies and helping keep Camden safe.
The meeting then shifted to routine business, with Council approving all consent agenda items without objection. The agenda included Accommodations Tax Committee funding recommendations and a resolution authorizing the consumption of alcoholic beverages at Christmas in August. Council also reappointed Morton “Jay” Hudson and Travis Hall to the Planning Commission and Larry Graham and Linda Shaylor to the Board of Zoning Appeals. All four terms expire August 31, 2032.
Public comment brought another piece of Camden’s history into the conversation.
Joe Counts, speaking on behalf of the Gentleman’s Club of Kershaw County, asked the City to consider naming the street leading to the Camden train station in honor of the late Sidney Butler.
Looking ahead, Council gave initial approval to changes governing billboards and digital signs within the City.
The proposal would prohibit new billboards while creating a path for some existing billboards to be converted to digital displays. One proposal under consideration would remove two existing billboards in exchange for converting a third, located on the American Legion property near DeKalb Street and Chestnut Ferry Road, into a digital display.
For residents, the broader significance lies in how public information could be shared in the future. The changes would allow digital signs on property owned by the City, county, state and school district, giving public agencies another way to communicate timely information, community announcements and emergency messages.
The proposal must return to Council for a second reading before it can take effect. Before the meeting concluded, City Manager Matt DeWitt reminded residents that the Camden Police and Fire departments would join agencies from across Kershaw County for National Night Out, beginning at 6 p.m. at Woolard Technology Center. DeWitt noted that the event was also the reason Council convened at 5 p.m., rather than its usual 5:30 p.m. meeting time
In a recent mailing prepared for the City of Camden, TSG, the City’s print provider, inadvertently printed incorrect information on the Late Notice notifications. The City of Camden processed and transmitted the file correctly, and the proof was provided, reviewed, and approved in accordance with established procedures. All City processes were handled appropriately. The error occurred during the printing process at the print facility as a result of human error. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this matter has caused. This incident is not a reflection of the City of Camden’s ability to manage and handle data accurately. The error was the result of the print operator not following established procedures, and corrective action has been taken.
As a result of this incident, additional procedures have been implemented at the print facility to provide an added level of verification for the accuracy of information prior to mailing. Again, we extend our sincere apologies to all individuals affected by this printing error.
