OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Spartanburg City Council Meeting - May 11, 2026

City Council Meetings — Monday, May 11, 2026
BodySpartanburg, South Carolina
SessionCity Council Meetings
DateMonday, May 11, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:13:32

Transcript — Verbatim
2:44

Their sales is like traveling in the airport.

3:00

Like they lose kids there.

3:02

And like one of them just starts all just like that.

3:11

Sorry for the last thing.

3:14

All of us appreciate your work.

3:25

Thank you for having me.

3:36

That's right.

3:38

And all these good things are all here for the same council.

4:18

Well, we're going to stand for a moment of silence and then be laid in the plage on City Boys go.

4:23

But during the moment of um silence, I lost a teammate, former teammate of mine.

4:35

As well as the Spark community.

5:06

Amen.

5:07

Mayor Pearl Timber, you might lead us in the pledge.

5:10

Our congratulations to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

5:24

Thank you for that.

5:25

Thank you all for standing.

5:30

Item three, we have the approval of the minutes for the April 27th, 2026 City Council meeting.

5:37

Second all in favor?

5:39

Aye.

5:39

Any that opposed, eyes have it.

5:42

Item four, we have approval of the agenda for the May 11th, 2026 City Council meeting.

5:46

So move.

5:48

All in favor?

5:49

Aye.

5:49

Any that opposed, eyes have it.

5:52

We have public comments, and we have two here.

5:58

And of course, we do have your address, so you do not have to repeat your address, but still come up and give us your full name.

6:09

Um Crystal.

6:12

I think I recognize everyone in the audience, and I didn't see anyone that I didn't.

6:19

Okay.

6:20

And we also have Miss Catherine Harvey, and she has a guest with her.

6:25

So the Congressman, but uh, Mr.

6:31

Mayor, we're so honored uh to have Congressman Jackson here from Illinois First District.

6:38

He is going to be the keynote at our event tonight, um, talking about the voting rights act, very important topic right now.

6:46

We're so honored to have him here.

6:47

He said he's been to South Carolina a lot, but I don't know if he's been to Spartanburg yet.

6:51

So we've been giving him a tour, and I'd love for him to make a couple of remarks.

6:55

Sure, sure.

6:56

You heard the little beat goes off, so you have the official two minutes.

7:00

No, we actually turned it off.

7:02

It's a long time, but thank you so much.

7:05

Uh Mayor Rice, thank you, esteemed members of the city council and the commissioners and all the electives that are here today.

7:13

Thank you for this um outstanding honor, tribute, and recognition of my father, Reverend Jesse Jackson.

7:19

Also like to say that this is a day that brings me joy, optimism is also a deeper reflection upon where we have to go in light of what's happening with the rescinding of the voting rights act, the dismantling of that key critical piece of legislation that made Spartanburg better, that made Greenville better, that made South Carolina a better place, part of our history as a succession movement, but our future lives in the fast economic growth, the coalition building, the uh black and the white farmer, the schools and the teachers that need definite relief and investments in the education, not just in the custodial services.

7:56

So I like to say thank you.

7:57

I look forward to a better, brighter future.

8:00

My father was interned just uh just over two months ago, and indeed it was a great honor to be back in his home state of South Carolina where he was put under the rotunda, the fourth person given that recognition.

8:13

But it's also a painful day to see that in 2026, we're still honoring the memory of the Confederacy.

8:20

What about all of those that have made tremendous progress?

8:23

What are we teaching?

8:24

A future generation.

8:26

I think far too often they folk on the black side of the issues of the Confederacy, but not the white side.

8:32

Many of these young white children need to see the abolitionists and the people that fought for freedom and their families to be erected, not just those that were the worst of our history.

8:42

So I'd like to say a very thank you, a very special thank you, and that we two are going to stand together.

8:47

We're gonna overturn the will of the people that's been overturned in this voting rights amendment.

8:53

We're not going back to poll taxes, we're not going back to these peanut and share cropping terms.

8:58

We demand equal participation, equal rights.

9:01

So to all of you, I want to say thank you.

9:03

God spell God speed, and let's have a better, brighter future together forward together, backwards never.

9:11

Thank you.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Safety██████████████████████22%
Fiscal Sustainability███████████████████19%
Community Engagement█████████████████17%
Youth Programs███████████████15%
Transportation Safety█████5%
Procedural████4%
Budget Equity Analysis████4%
Economic Development████4%
Racial Equity███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Spartanburg City Council Meeting - May 11, 2026

The Spartanburg City Council met on May 11, 2026, at 9:27 PM for a regular meeting. The council approved minutes and the agenda, heard public comments from Congressman Jonathan Jackson, adopted a proclamation for National Police Week, received a presentation on a partnership with the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind, discussed and approved first reading of an ordinance establishing the Spartanburg Children's Cabinet, and received a fiscal year 2027 budget overview. Staff updates covered traffic safety initiatives and a fair housing hotline. Council members shared updates on community events, graduations, and athletic achievements.

Consent Calendar

  • Approval of Minutes: The council unanimously approved the minutes from the April 27, 2026 City Council meeting.
  • Approval of Agenda: The council unanimously approved the agenda for the May 11, 2026 meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Congressman Jonathan Jackson (Illinois 1st District): Invited by Ms. Catherine Harvey, Congressman Jackson expressed gratitude for the recognition of his father, Reverend Jesse Jackson. He spoke about the importance of the Voting Rights Act, stating, "We're not going back to poll taxes, we're not going back to these peanut and share cropping terms. We demand equal participation, equal rights." He also criticized honoring the Confederacy in 2026 and called for honoring abolitionists and freedom fighters. He urged the council to stand together to overturn the rescinding of the voting rights amendment.

Proclamations

  • National Police Week (May 11–16, 2026): Mayor Jerome Rice presented a proclamation declaring May 11–16, 2026 as National Police Week in Spartanburg. The proclamation noted that more than 800,000 law enforcement officers serve nationwide, including Spartanburg Police Department members, and that 24,005 officers have been killed in the line of duty nationally (including three Spartanburg officers). New names being engraved on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial include 363 officers who died in 2025 and prior years. The council saluted the service of law enforcement officers.

Presentation: Strengthening Community Access Through Partnership

  • Reggie Jeter (Community Programs and Partnerships Manager): Presented a partnership between the City of Spartanburg's Parks, Recreation, and Special Events Department and the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind. The partnership created a real-world administrative assistant internship for student KK (Caitlin Veronica Davis) at the CC Woodson Center. KK spoke about her experience, noting that accommodations were provided and that she is capable of working. Nikki Robinson (Transition Coordinator) and Susan Cox (Job Coach) also spoke, highlighting the work-based learning program and seeking additional community partners. Mayor Rice noted that earlier that day, the Mayor's Committee on Disabilities awarded six scholarships, five of which went to School for the Deaf and Blind students.

Discussion Items

  • Ordinance 2026-006 – First Reading: Spartanburg Children's Cabinet: Marilyn presented the ordinance establishing a countywide Children's Cabinet (24 members, including the Mayor and City Manager) and a city-focused Youth Council. The cabinet will align partners (public sector, school district, community organizations, nonprofits, and community representatives) to review systems and policies for children and families. No additional financial implications were noted unless directed by council. Councilman questioned the representative selection process, and it was explained that the first phase will include 12 members from the existing working group, with community representatives chosen via an application process. The council approved the ordinance on first reading after a motion by Councilman, seconded by Ms. Wilderjoy.

  • Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Process Overview: Chris Story (City Manager) and Dennis Lott presented the budget overview for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026. Key points:

    • Revenue growth is slightly outpacing inflation, with stable operations.
    • No proposed changes to property tax rates or household fee rates.
    • Employees will receive a cost-of-living adjustment (3%) and no increase in health insurance costs (absorbing an estimated 11% premium increase).
    • Modest enhancements to programs and services, with prioritization of employee compensation, core services (police, fire, public works), and equipment replacement.
    • Downtown-specific funding for additional policing resources (in discussion with police leadership).
    • Minimal growth in city headcount (one additional FTE in fire department).
    • Projected general fund revenue for FY2027: $59.1 million (balanced draft expected before next council meeting).

  • Councilwoman Smith asked about fire truck replacement and future equipment needs; staff noted a 10-year replacement schedule and that two fire trucks are slated for replacement. Councilman commented on the importance of competitive compensation for police and fire, and requested a schedule of revenue contributions from major economic development projects as they reach full maturity.

Staff Updates

  • Officer Paris (Police Department): Highlighted two public safety initiatives: "Buckle Up South Carolina" and Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. He urged community support for seatbelt use and motorcycle awareness, noting that enforcement alone is insufficient; education and community involvement are needed.
  • City Manager Chris Story: Encouraged use of the Fair Housing Hotline (864-596-2102) for landlord-tenant and fair housing questions, and announced increased efforts to make the hotline known.

Council Updates

  • Councilwoman Smith: Announced enjoyment of a Spartanburg baseball game, promoted Music on Main events, and reminded citizens to vote in early primary voting starting May 26.
  • Councilman Foamer: Praised downtown activity, including the shuttle service and a baseball game.
  • Mayor Pro Tem: Thanked staff for addressing rundown properties and urged voting.
  • Councilwoman Rogers: Reflected on supporting people during a busy graduation season, acknowledging both successes and struggles.
  • Councilman Brown: Congratulated graduates (including KK and his own son), noted state championships won by Spartanburg Day School (golf), Dorman (lacrosse), and Spartanburg High School (girls' lacrosse, boys' tennis). He also remembered former teammates and community leaders who passed away. He thanked the police department for their service.

Key Outcomes

  • Approval of Minutes (April 27, 2026) – unanimous.
  • Approval of Agenda – unanimous.
  • Proclamation for National Police Week – adopted.
  • Ordinance 2026-006 (Children's Cabinet) – approved on first reading (motion passed, no opposition recorded).
  • Budget Overview – staff will present a balanced draft before the next council meeting; final adoption expected in upcoming meetings.
  • Fair Housing Hotline – publicized; no action required.
  • Meeting adjourned – motion carried.

Meeting Transcript

Their sales is like traveling in the airport. Like they lose kids there. And like one of them just starts all just like that. Sorry for the last thing. All of us appreciate your work. Thank you for having me. That's right. And all these good things are all here for the same council. Well, we're going to stand for a moment of silence and then be laid in the plage on City Boys go. But during the moment of um silence, I lost a teammate, former teammate of mine. As well as the Spark community. Amen. Mayor Pearl Timber, you might lead us in the pledge. Our congratulations to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you for that. Thank you all for standing. Item three, we have the approval of the minutes for the April 27th, 2026 City Council meeting. Second all in favor? Aye. Any that opposed, eyes have it. Item four, we have approval of the agenda for the May 11th, 2026 City Council meeting. So move. All in favor? Aye. Any that opposed, eyes have it. We have public comments, and we have two here. And of course, we do have your address, so you do not have to repeat your address, but still come up and give us your full name. Um Crystal. I think I recognize everyone in the audience, and I didn't see anyone that I didn't. Okay. And we also have Miss Catherine Harvey, and she has a guest with her. So the Congressman, but uh, Mr. Mayor, we're so honored uh to have Congressman Jackson here from Illinois First District. He is going to be the keynote at our event tonight, um, talking about the voting rights act, very important topic right now. We're so honored to have him here. He said he's been to South Carolina a lot, but I don't know if he's been to Spartanburg yet. So we've been giving him a tour, and I'd love for him to make a couple of remarks. Sure, sure. You heard the little beat goes off, so you have the official two minutes. No, we actually turned it off. It's a long time, but thank you so much. Uh Mayor Rice, thank you, esteemed members of the city council and the commissioners and all the electives that are here today. Thank you for this um outstanding honor, tribute, and recognition of my father, Reverend Jesse Jackson. Also like to say that this is a day that brings me joy, optimism is also a deeper reflection upon where we have to go in light of what's happening with the rescinding of the voting rights act, the dismantling of that key critical piece of legislation that made Spartanburg better, that made Greenville better, that made South Carolina a better place, part of our history as a succession movement, but our future lives in the fast economic growth, the coalition building, the uh black and the white farmer, the schools and the teachers that need definite relief and investments in the education, not just in the custodial services. So I like to say thank you. I look forward to a better, brighter future. My father was interned just uh just over two months ago, and indeed it was a great honor to be back in his home state of South Carolina where he was put under the rotunda, the fourth person given that recognition. But it's also a painful day to see that in 2026, we're still honoring the memory of the Confederacy. What about all of those that have made tremendous progress? What are we teaching?

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