Council highlights local advocacy, community partnerships, public safety updates, and considers future housing opportunities

Camden City Council opened Tuesday night’s meeting by recognizing May 2026 as Myositis Awareness Month, honoring local advocate Chip Galloway for his efforts to raise awareness of the rare autoimmune disease. Galloway, who was diagnosed in 2020, shared his personal journey and ongoing work to bring visibility to myositis, encouraging continued education and support for those affected. Mayor Sheheen and Council Members praised his resilience and commitment, noting the importance of community awareness in advancing research and care.

During public comment, William Browning shared updates on equestrian events that took place in April, including the 116th Camden Horse Show and the Boykin Spring Fling, both of which drew participants from across the region. He also noted that he will be applying for the City’s A-Tax grant for the upcoming Horse and Hound event and provided metrics from last year’s campaign showing strong regional exposure through digital, broadcast, and on-site engagement, reinforcing Camden’s reputation as an equestrian destination.

Molly Kornegay, Chief Operating Officer for United Way, presented a request to increase City funding to support housing and food assistance programs, including the New Day on Mill transitional shelter program and the mobile nutrition center.

Council also received a presentation from developer Sarah K. Niemann with Niemann Consulting regarding a proposed workforce housing development near Chestnut Ferry Road, including a request to annex the parcels into the City and designate them as Commercial Mixed Use (CMU).

Camden Police Department Chief Jack Rushing provided a quarterly update, highlighting a safe and successful Carolina Cup event with minimal issues despite the size of the crowd, along with $63,000 in grant funding for new body-worn cameras. He also shared that the department has applied for a School Resource Officer (SRO) grant to continue funding the current SRO at Kershaw County School District’s Continuous Learning Center and add a position at the Montessori School at its request. Rushing noted a decrease in criminal investigations and ongoing recruitment challenges, with the department currently three officers short of full staffing, while recognizing the dedication of current officers and staff.

He also shared the addition of a full-time, Spanish-speaking victim advocate who is cross-trained to assist with NCIC criminal history checks. Rushing highlighted the department’s five-year plan of action (2023–2028), noting strong community support, low crime rates, and ongoing investments in training, equipment, and technology.

Council approved the consent agenda, which included the appointment of Rachel Thomas to the Parks and Trees Commission, with a term expiring May 31, 2029, and acceptance of quarterly departmental reports.

A public hearing was opened and closed to receive public comment on the second amendment to the City’s Fiscal Year 2025–2026 budget, which includes proposed funding related to the acquisition, construction, and improvement of City Hall facilities and public safety facilities; no public comments were received. Following the hearing, Council unanimously approved the ordinance on second reading.

Council also considered the proposed annexation and zoning designation request related to the workforce housing development; the ordinance failed on first reading.

The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss contractual matters related to City administration.