Camden City Council approved a grant-funded water quality study and considered neighborhood, traffic, and utility concerns during its September 1 meeting.
A $750,000 grant will help the City of Camden plan for future water treatment needs without placing the cost of the study on City customers.
Council approved funding from the South Carolina Water Quality Revolving Fund Authority for a study examining potential treatment improvements related to PFAS. Often referred to as “forever chemicals,” PFAS have been widely used in manufacturing and consumer products and have been detected in water systems across the country. City Manager Matt DeWitt said the study will be fully reimbursed and will provide recommendations for addressing PFAS in Camden’s water system.
Mayor Vincent Sheheen emphasized that Camden’s water remains within safe levels and applauded City staff for pursuing the grant. DeWitt added that funds received through a broader legal settlement are being held separately to help offset future treatment costs.
Neighborhood preservation was also part of the evening’s discussion as Council considered a request to change the zoning of several properties along Lyttleton Street and Railroad Avenue near the entrance to Kirkwood from residential to Limited Business District.
Shelia Farrar and Phyllis Dye spoke in opposition to the change in zoning, describing Kirkwood as a historic, family-centered neighborhood and expressing concern about how commercial development could affect traffic and its residential character. The prior recommendation of the Planning Commission to Council was a unanimous vote to deny the rezoning request. After hearing all considerations, Council voted 3-1 not to change the zoning.
Richard Lowery asked the City to review charges for a security light that was never installed. He also requested reimbursement for the disputed charges.
In other business, Council gave final approval to updated regulations for billboards and digital signs. As amended, the regulations allow one digital sign per City, county or state government facility and establish standards for signs at school district facilities.
Council also reappointed five members to the Board of Construction Appeals. Kevin Flowers and Travis Kelly were reappointed to terms expiring May 31, 2028. Paul Solan and Raymond “Eddie” Stevens were reappointed to terms expiring May 31, 2029, and James P. Witkowski was reappointed to a term expiring May 31, 2030.
A request to make Johnson Street between Lyttleton Street and Kirkwood Lane a one-way street prompted discussion but there was no action taken. City staff noted that the roadway is approximately 10 feet wide, while Council members considered feedback from residents both supporting and opposing the change.
DeWitt also said some customers have experienced utility bills covering longer-than-normal periods during the City’s meter upgrades. Residents experiencing financial hardship may contact the City’s Finance Department to have their bills averaged. He apologized for the inconvenience and said the issue is temporary.
Councilman Elliott discussed the importance of keeping residents informed about utility billing and other issues that may affect them directly and suggested exploring additional ways to share that information.
DeWitt also encouraged residents to attend the upcoming Fire Fest celebration and thanked Councilman William Wilkes for his contribution toward Camden’s new pet microchip scanning station.
Mayor Sheheen asked that the meeting be adjourned in honor of Columbia Police Officer Christopher DeLong, Jr., an Elgin, South Carolina native, who was killed in the line of duty.
New resource will help residents identify lost pets and reunite them with their families
The City of Camden is offering a new resource to help lost pets find their way home with the installation of a self-service microchip scanner station at Rectory Square.
Available to the public 24 hours a day, the station allows someone who finds a lost pet to safely scan the animal for a microchip. If a chip is detected, the scanner will display its unique identification number, which can then be used to identify the appropriate microchip registry and begin the process of contacting the pet’s owner.
The new scanner station was made possible in part through a contribution from Camden City Councilman William Wilkes.
“While Camden may be best known for our horses, we care deeply about all our four-legged residents. We want to make it as easy as possible for lost pets to find their way home,” said Wilkes. “We hope no one ever faces that moment, but when the unthinkable happens, this new microchip scanner station will provide a simple, accessible resource available 24/7 to help reunite families with the animals they love as quickly as possible. It’s one more way we’re working to care for our community and the pets that are such an important part of it.”
Step-by-step instructions at the station guide users through scanning a pet and determining what to do if a microchip is found. A microchip is not a GPS or tracking device. It provides a permanent identification number connected to the contact information registered by the pet’s owner.
Pet owners are encouraged to have their pets microchipped and to keep their registration information current. A microchip can only help reunite a lost pet with its family when the correct contact information is associated with it.
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
