‘Project Vision’ could bring 150 Lexington jobs

The Lexington County Council has given its initial stamp of approval to an economic development initiative codenamed Project Vision, a manufacturing plant that’s expected to bring 150 new jobs and a $10 million investment to the area.

Council members considered incentives for the project during their meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 27.

Resolution 26-06 identified Project Vision for tax purposes, allowing investment in the project and expenditures incurred by it to be eligible for a fee-in-lieu arrangement with Lexington County.

The resolution was unanimously approved after Councilwoman Charlene Wessinger initiated the motion, and it was seconded by Councilman Michael Bishop.

The council is authorized under South Carolina Code of Laws Title 12, Chapter 44 to pursue fee payments in lieu of ad valorem taxes in order to “encourage investment in projects constituting economic development,” council documents state.

According to council documents, Project Vision has a planned $10 million investment.

With the approval of Resolution 26-06, that expenditure will be eligible for the fee-in-lieu arrangement. Documents outline that Project Vision will bring 150 new jobs to the area and locate a manufacturing facility in Lexington County.

 Additionally, the project will be included in an existing agreement with Calhoun County involving a multi-county industrial and business park, according to council documents.

Earlier in the afternoon, during the Lexington County Council’s committee meeting, Resolution 26-05 was approved, which was connected to the agreement for the joint development of an industrial park between Lexington and Calhoun counties.

Councilwoman Beth Carrigg moved to approve the resolution, which was seconded by Wessinger and unanimously approved.

According to county documents, the resolution allows Calhoun County to add 39.69 acres of land, which is geographically located in Calhoun County, to the park.

The council also had its first reading by title only of Ordinance 26-17, which pertained to Project Vision as well.

The ordinance authorized the aforementioned fee-in-lieu arrangement between Lexington County and Project Vision and approved a special source revenue credit and “other matters” relating to the project.

Councilman Todd Cullum moved to approve the ordinance, and it was seconded by Wessinger before also being unanimously approved.

The Lexington County Council will have its next meeting at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4, in the Lexington County Administration Building, 212 S. Lake Drive.