Here is a list of upcoming 2011 Christmas parades for cities in York, Chester, and Lancaster Counties SC.

Friday Dec 2nd

Rock Hill SC – starts at 6:30 p.m. starts on on Oakland Avenue in front of Winthrop University and ends downtown.

Saturday Dec 3rd

Fort Mill SC – starts at 11 a.m. at Unity Cemetery and travels down Tom Hall Street to Main Street.

Hickory Grove SC – starts at 3 p.m. near the old Oxford plant and travels down Wylie Avenue to the VFW building.

Sunday Dec 4th

Tirzah SC – starts at 3 p.m. on Tirzah Road between S.C. 4 and S.C. 161 in York.

Clover SC – starts at 3 p.m. at Old North Main Street, travels down Main Street and ends near Ultra Avenue. 

Wednesday Dec. 7th

York SC – starts at 4:30 p.m. and runs along Congress Street through the center of town.

Saturday Dec. 10th

Richburg SC -starts at 11 a.m. at Old Richburg Road, route on Main Street.

Van Wyck SC – starts at noon near the post office and ends at the post office.

Fort Lawn SC – starts at 2 p.m. where U.S. 21 South starts, travels down Main Street and ends at Municipal Drive.

Lancaster SC – starts at 6 p.m. and runs from Main Street.

Lake Wylie SC –  Boat Parade starts at 6:30 p.m. at Buster Boyd Access Area and T-Bones on the Lake.

Saturday Dec. 17th

Lowrys SC –  starts at 1 p.m. at the Community Center, goes into Lowrys and ends at the Community Center.

Tega Cay SC – Santa Claus rides with the Tega Cay Fire Dept down all streets in Tega Cay, starts at 8:00am

Tega Cay Real Estate | LakeShore Subdivision

Price: $296,000, 3,005 sq ft, 4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths

825 Brooksmill Dr  Tega Cay, SC 29708

York  Couty, Fort Mill Schools Riverview Elementary, Gold Hill, Ft Mill High

Subdivision: Lake Shore at Tega Cay

More than your average home! This popular floor plan has been updated with custom features throughout. Gorgeous hardwood flooring, gourmet kitchen with top SS appliances, custom cabinetry, custom lighting and fixtures, custom master bath, beautiful designer palate all wrapped at a fantastic value,move-in ready. Low maintenance yard and vacation life style of Tega Cay. Priced below 7/11 appraisal.

Additional Features:

• Estimated Heated SqFt: 3005
• Estimated Lot Dimensions: 135x165x147x105
• Fireplaces: One
• Garage Spaces: 2
• Garage Type: Attached
• Master Bedroom Level: First
• Master Bedroom Level-1: 1
• Single Family Type: Single Family
• Style: Bungalow/Craftsman
• Year Built: 2005
• Dining Room: Formal
• Family/Great Room: Vaulted Ceiling, Fireplace
• Master Bedroom: First Floor, Walk-In, Tray Ceiling
• Master Bathroom: Double Sink, Garden Tub, Separate Shower
• Kitchen: Breakfast Area, Pantry, Range, Dishwasher, Built-in Microwave, Garbage Disposal
• Laundry Room: Laundry Room, First Floor, Washer/Dryer Hookup
• Interior Features: Garage Door Opnr, Drop Stair, Smoke Detector, Fireplace, Ceiling Fans
• Flooring: Ceramic Tile, Wood, Carpeting
• Construction: Concrete Siding
• Heating: Gas Furnace, Dual Systems
• Cooling: Central Air, Dual Systems
• Water Heater: Gas
• Foundation Type: Crawl
• Other Rooms: Study/Library, Bonus Room
• Exterior Features: Patio, Front Porch
• Estimated Age Of Building: 5-6 Years
• Community Amenities: Restrictions, Clubhouse/Rec. Facility, Pool, Tennis Court
• Utilities Available: Electricity, Natural Gas, Public Water, Public Sewer, Underground Utilities
• Lot Description: Rectangular

Information Deemed Reliable But Not Guaranteed.

Call me for questions or showings.

As of June 21 (a month later), the death toll from the Joplin MO May 22 Tornado is approaching 155 and counting. Century 21 First Choice , Stockbridge Commons Shopping Center, and the Crossing Church have been collecting donations for victims of the Joplin devastating tornado.

Two Century 21 First Choice agents Kim Efird and Kelli Voss have been spearheading the donation drive for weeks. Their main donation event including a band is planned for Saturday June 25th from 10am to 2pm next to the Lowes Food store.

Visit their Facebook page for more info. The page is called Helping Neighbors and Beyond Tornado Disaster Relief.

Here is a list of needed items:

Gatorade (No water)

Single packages different flavors of Crystal Light

Canned Foods, like vegetables, soups etc.

Laundry detergent

Paper Towels

Large Trash Bags

Manual Hand operated Can openers

Flashlights with batteries

Pull Ups

Large Coolers

Ideally all items are in boxes, sorted out preferable on pallets as well and shrink

wrapped.

What is needed more than anything is CASH:

Checks can be made out to:

The Salvation Army

P.O. Box 21787

St. Louis MO 63109

(please designate the gift: “Joplin Tornado”)

Cell Phone users:

Text: “JOPLIN” to 80888 to make a USD $10 donation

The donation will be boxed up and Crossing Church will ship the items to a mission and the Salvation Army collection point in Joplin MO.

You can drop off donations anytime this week during regular business hours at the Century 21 First Choice office located at 206 Rockmount Dr Fort Mill, SC 29708 on Gold Hill Road.

For more info contact

Kim Efird  – kbefird@aol.com
Kelli Voss -  kelli.voss@century21.com

Shortly before 10pm last night, the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for north central York County SC according to the details in a Rock Hill Herald article this morning. We heard the warning sirens go off in the Fort Mill – Tega Cay Area. Fortunately for the Fort Mill area, the storm weakened by the time it approached our area. Folks were not so lucky in the Clover area. So what should you do when you hear the sirens?

York County Office of Emergency Management states on their website to tune into local radio stations for York County which are AM Station WRHI – 1340 and FM Stations WRHM – 107.9 and WRHI – 94.3.  During the regularly scheduled tests, the sirens are activated for one 3-minute cycle. During a real emergency, the sirens will be activated for several 3-minute cycles.

What should you do when there is a tornado warning? Below is information from the FEMA website:

If you are under a tornado WARNING, seek shelter immediately!

If you are in: A structure (e.g. residence, small building, school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building)

Then: Go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not open windows.

If you are in: a vehicle, trailer, or mobile home

Then: Get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes.

If you are: outside with no shelter

Then: Lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential for flooding. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location. Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter. Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.

To view FEMA’s suggestions go to: What to Do During a Tornado

What did you do last night when you heard the tornado warning sirens?

York County will begin mailing “Notice of Assessment” letters to York County SC property owners this month. Your property is reassessed every 5 years or sooner if you make improvements or transfer (buy) property. The last County 5 year reassessment was in 2006. There is a good chance your home value in Fort Mill, Rock Hill, Tega Cay, Lake Wylie, Clover, etc will show an increase this year.

What? My property re-assessment notice from York County may show an increase this year? I thought homes have decreased in value in the last couple years! So why the higher property assessment values this year?

Since the last reassessment was done in 2006, property values were based on market and sales activity in 2003 and 2004. The market continued to experience property value increases in years 2006 – 2008. Your reassessment will most likely be higher if not adjusted since 2006. In fact, Herald reporter Jamie Self stated in an article, 77% of York County property values are worth more than they were in the 2006 assessment.

Some relief comes from a 2006 “Real Property Tax Reform Bill” Act 388. There are some guidelines in the bill that may help limit your reassessment increase or tax impact

The bill caps the increase in value on a property at 15% over a five year period unless there is an “Assessable Transfer of Interest” (meaning the home was sold, bought, or transferred) or additions and improvements.

Because of the increase in values during reassessment, state law requires that local government reduce the millage rate to what is called a “rollback millage.”

Here are some tips from the York County Assessor’s office in reviewing your Notice of Assessment

• Is the information correct on your notice?
• If this is you primary residence, is it taxed at an assessment rate of 4% instead of 6%?
• Is it showing the correct number of buildings and acreage?
• Does the value of the land and buildings reflect the properties true market value? (The price that your property would sell for on a fair and open market, with a willing buyer and willing seller.)

When you receive your “Notice of Reassessment” and you disagree with the reassessment, you will have 90 days to file a written notice of objection to the County Assessor’s Office. I provided a copy of the County’s form here. York County Notice Of objection

If you have more questions about your assessment or the reassessment process, I added a handy link to 2 York County help documents:

YC ReAssessment FAQ

York County SC Reassessnent

Or visit the York County Assessor’s Office website.

Last Thursday March 24th, 2011, Toronto based Mood Media announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Muzak Holdings LLC (“Muzak”), a privately-held company based in Fort Mill SC, for 345 million.

Muzak, which started in 1934 playing phonograph records for hotels and restaurants, currently delivers its product to subscribers over satellite radio. Muzak relocated to Fort Mill SC in 2000 from Seattle. The company filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in February 2009 and then successfully emerged from bankruptcy last year after restructuring its debt.

Mood Media uses an Internet-based delivery system and operates an international in-store media and music retail business with an extensive geographic footprint and a broad client base including several multinational blue chip organizations.

So will Mood Media shut down the Fort Mill Headquarters after the acquisition is estimated to be approved in the 2nd quarter? Lorne Abony, CEO & Chairman of Mood Media Corporation, said:

“Over the past five years, Mood Media has transformed the in-store media industry by offering unparalleled innovation and convenience to our customers across the world. We now have the opportunity to extend this legacy to a world-recognized brand and create a truly global leader with U.S. headquarters in the Charlotte area.”

The Mood Media Press Release further said:

“Mood Media intends to maintain a significant presence in the Charlotte, North Carolina area, with its U.S. headquarters in Fort Mill, South Carolina.”

The comments seem to be positive for Fort Mill based Muzak employees. Time will tell how many jobs will actually remain in Fort Mill after the acquisition transition.



As you are driving around York County, you may see from time to time a re-zoning hearing sign posted on undeveloped property.  I happened to see a re-zoning hearing sign on the corner of Pleasant road and Carowinds Blvd.  I thought it would be of interest to see what was posted online at the York County govt website about the zoning hearing.

It would appear that QuickTrip, a convenience store/gas station company,  needs to rezone the parcel to be able to build and operate their type of  business on the property. Here is the online information:

On April 4th 2011 The York County Planning Commission will hold a hearing for the following re-zoning request

REZONING APPLICATION OVERVIEW F OR CASE 11-02

APPLICANT: Brandon Forshee (QuikTrip Corporation) 205 Regency Executive Park Drive, Suite 306 Charlotte, NC 28217 PROPERTY OWNER(S): B & C Enterprises 1440 Hwy 55 East Clover, SC 29710

REQUESTED ACTION To rezone approximately 4.522 +/- acres from ID to BD-III

TAX MAP NUMBER 7230000048

LOT SIZE +/- 4.522 acres

LOCATION Intersection of Carowinds Blvd & Pleasant Road in the Fort Mill community

EXISTING SITE CONDITIONS AND LAND USE Vacant Warehouse/Commercial

COUNCIL DISTRICT One (1) David Bowman

Business Development District III General (BD-III). This district is intended to provide for areas within the county where “large scale” commercial and business development may occur. This district is designed to support county-wide or regional shopping centers, and business complexes of greater magnitude than permitted by the BD-I and BD-II Districts. This district is designed to accommodate a wide range of business and commercial uses, generally clustered for “cumulative attraction” and optimum accessibility.

Permitted uses (some of which may require site plan approval) within the BD-III zoning district include: automobile and boat service repair; broadcasting stations; car washes and detail shops; churches; commercial recreation establishments; commercial parking lots; general business services; lodges and civic clubs; marinas; mini-warehouses; motels and hotels; museums, art galleries, and libraries; personal service establishments; professional uses; recreational vehicle parks; convenience, primary, and secondary retail establishments; transportation service and facilities; and multi-family dwellings to include townhouses, apartment buildings, and condominiums. (For more detailed information, please refer to York County Zoning Code §155.161 & §155.162.)

If you drive by the intersection of Gold Hill Road and Hwy 160 near Tega Cay, you can’t help but notice the construction taken place on the north east corner. Lake Wylie Lutheran Church is adding a 5,800 sq foot Fellowship Hall, meeting space, and expanded parking lot primarily for the expansion of their ministries and outreach possibilities for the community.

Lake Wylie Lutheran was established in 1981 and has a slogan of “Come As You Are”. The church has seen a 70% increase in congregation from 2002 to 2009. Currently the church has approx 325 members with average worship of 170 in two Sunday services.

Church Council President Dottie France said the Fellowship Hall construction should be completed in Mid March. The Church has a 3 phase growth vision which includes the expansion of the sanctuary and small chapel near the columbarium (Phase II) estimated in 2015 and a ministry building (phase III) in 2022.

Lake Wylie Lutheran Church welcomes all people to worship. They offer two worship services each Sunday; the 8:30 uses the traditional Lutheran liturgy and the 11:00 service uses the best of current contemporary Christian music. A professionally staffed nursery is provided each Sunday. See more info at www.lakewylielutheran.org.

Republicans win most races in South Carolina and York County!

Straight Party Voters – 59% of the York County straight party voters, voted Republican ticket!

Over 60 thousand voted in York County SC, a 48% voter tun out!

South Carolina elects their first Women (Republican ) Governor!

Here are the unofficial election results for seats representing the York County South Carolina area. (as of 11pm Nov 2nd reported by the Registration and Elections Commission for York County, SC). Final results confirmed Nov 5th

York County Election Result Nov 2 2010 summary Raw report download from the Registration and Elections Commission for York County, SC

The 2010 November General Election is less than a month away. There are many National, SC Sate and local York County, Rock Hill, Fort Mill candidates to choose from.  I’ve put together a list of all candidates running for available seats that represent the York County SC area along with State and National races.

Here is a list of candidates:

National and SC State candidates for York County Area

York County, School District, City seats and Candidates

To download the full list of candidates for the York county area Nov 2nd 2010 York County SC Candidates

There are 4 State of SC Constitutional amendments to vote for or against.

They are:

Amendment 1

Must Article I of the Constitution of this State, relating to the declaration of rights under the state’s constitution, be amended by adding Section 25 so as to provide that hunting and fishing are valuable parts of the state’s heritage, important for conservation, and a protected means of managing nonthreatened wildlife; to provide that the citizens of South Carolina shall have the right to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife traditionally pursued, subject to laws and regulations promoting sound wildlife conservation and management as prescribed by the General Assembly; and to specify that this section must not be construed to abrogate any private property rights, existing state laws or regulations, or the state’s sovereignty over its natural resources?

Explanation

A ‘Yes’ vote will make it a constitutional right for citizens to hunt and fish and will permit the State to legally provide for proper wildlife management and the protection of private property rights.

Amendment 2

Must Article II of the Constitution of this State, relating to the right of suffrage, be amended by adding Section 12 so as to provide that the fundamental right of an individual to vote by secret ballot is guaranteed for a designation, a selection, or an authorization for employee representation by a labor organization?

Explanation

A ‘Yes’ vote will give employees the constitutional right to vote by secret ballot when they are voting on whether to be represented by a labor union.

Amendment 3

Must Section 36(A), Article III of the Constitution of this State be amended so as to increase from three to five percent in increments of one-half of one percent over four fiscal years the amount of state general fund revenue in the latest completed fiscal year required to be held in the General Reserve Fund?

Explanation

A ‘Yes’ vote will increase the amount of money state government must keep in the General Reserve Fund (its “rainy day” fund) from 3% of the previous year’s revenue to 5% of the previous year’s revenue.

Amendment 4

Must Section 36(B), Article III of the Constitution of this State be amended so as to provide that monies from the Capital Reserve Fund first must be used, to the extent necessary, to fully replenish the applicable percentage amount in the General Reserve Fund?

Explanation

A ‘Yes’ vote will require that the Capital Reserve Fund’s first priority is to replenish the State’s General Reserve Fund (its “rainy day” fund) instead of serving to offset midyear budget cuts at state agencies.

Looking for voting locations in the Fort Mill or Tega Cay SC?

See precinct list below sorted by zip code and city.

To view the full list of precincts in York County including Rock Hill, York, Lake Wylie =>Where To Vote York County SCxlsx.

Source York County SC Registrations and Elections

How about some good news for our area? Manpower released their Manpower Employment Outlook Survey Results this week. Their report for the Charlotte metro (MSA) which includes York County SC (Fort Mill, Tega Cay, Lake Wylie, Rock Hill), shows of the metro employers surveyed, 16% plan to hire between October and December. Among the national employers surveyed, the Charlotte Metro is ranked fifth best in the nation.

The Q 4 hiring news is good news since the same survey results for 2009 Q 4 was -6%. The rest of the survey indicated 76% of local employers surveyed were planning to maintain staff levels while 5% plan to decrease staff levels.

Manpower’s report also indicated the best job sectors for positive growth are Construction, Durable and Non-durable Goods Manufacturing, Financial Activities, Professional & Business Services, Leisure & Hospitality.

To see more survey results go to press.manpower.com

Tega Cay Real Estate – Lake Shore Subdivision

Under Contract

• Listing # 930496
• Price: $345,000
• Address: 2044 Emerald Pines DR Tega Cay,  SC 29708
• SqFt Total Range: 2500 – 3000
• Bedrooms: 3
• Bathrooms: 2.5
• County Name: York
• Schools Gold Hill (Elem), Fort Mill (High), Gold Hill (Junior)

Beautiful Golf Course location, amazing views. Wonderful floor plan with formal DR & study, GR & huge kitchen. Master on 2nd level with large walk in closets, master bath w/dual sinks, garden tub, separate shower. Secondary BRs are generous in size, share a huge bath. When location matters this is the home to see! You won t believe the views from the large back deck & additional custom patio.

Additional Features:

• Common Area: Club House, Golf Course, Lake, Pool, Recreation Area, Tennis Courts, Walking Trails
• Doors/Windows: Insulated Windows
• Equipment: Cable Prewire, Ceiling Fan(s), Dishwasher, Disposal, Electric Range/Oven, Microwave, Security System, Self Cleaning Oven, Smoke Detector, Surround Sound
• Exterior: Deck, In-Ground Gas Grill, Patio, Porch
• Fireplace Description: Gas Logs, Great Room
• Flooring: Ceramic Tile, Wall-to wall Carpet, Wood
• Foundation: Crawl Space
• HVAC: Central Air, Gas Hot Air, Multizone A/C, MultiZone Heat
• Laundry Location: 1st Floor, Garage
• Lot Description: Golf Course View
• Parking: 2 Car Garage, Attached, Garage Door Opener
• Siding: Brick Veneer Partial, Fiber Cement
• Water: City Sewer, City Water
• Year Built: 2002

Information Deemed Reliable But Not Guaranteed.

Call me for questions or showings.

Jim Harper sent me  a link to a York County Tourism video from the York County Convention & Visitor’s Bureau. The slogan is “York County SC We’ve Got It!”

Here is the intro of the video:

Welcome to York County, South Carolina – a charming collection of diverse gathering places. Our unique Southern region offers the perfect climate for arts & entertainment, shopping & dining, history & culture and recreation. We open our home and invite you to explore the variety of adventures and experiences that York County has to offer. We’ve got interesting stories to tell, so take your shoes off and stay a while, cause in York County, SC “We’ve Got It”.

Tak a look at the YouTube video on York County South Carolina…

It’s election day in York County SC. There are some heated seat races this year especially in Tega Cay SC.

Incumbent Bob Runde is running for Tega Cay mayor again. George Sheppard the current Mayor Pro Tempore is running against Bob Runde. Seetegacay.com has a Tega Cay Mayor’s election poll. As of this morning the poll indicated George Sheppard has 71% of the votes. See the latest Tega Cay Mayors race poll results at Seetegacay.com.

Other seats up for election in York County SC are:

State House of Representatives District 48 Primary

Republican: Ralph W Norman

Democratic : Kathy F Cantrell

Rock Hill Municipal Election

Ward 6:

Hugh Charles Haynsworth IV

Jim Reno

Sharon Municipal Election

Mayor:

Beverly Blair

Council At Large (4 Seats):

Johnny B Barnette

Jerry C Bradham

Donald K Kropp

Kathy Montgomery

Jeff Ramsey

Tega Cay Municipal Election

Mayor:

Bob Runde

George Sheppard

Council At Large (2 Seats):

John Dervay

Thomas J Fitzpatrick

Dottie Hersey

Keen McHugh

Stephen Perkins

Katie Shive

Fort Mill School Board Trustee Election

Trustee At Large (2 Seats):

Wayne Bouldin

Marion Davenport

Michael Johnson

Chris Krieger

Clover Municipal Election

Mayor:

Donnie D Grice

Council At Large (6 Seats):

Granita Boyd

Jay Dover

Christine Bell Gourley

Ann Harvey

Bruce Henderson

Wes Spurrier

Fort Mill Municipal Election

Ward 1:

Kerry Mosher

Ward 3:

Larry Huntley

At Large (1 Seat):

Guynn Hozey Savage

Hickory Grove Municipal Election

Mayor:

Larry A Earl

Council At Large (4 Seats):

John W Blackwood

Harry James Good

David W Rhodes

Kyle N Wyatt

McConnells Municipal Election

Mayor:

Hugh John Harshaw Jr

Council At Large (4 Seats):

William D Covington

William H Nance

Kenneth Patrick

Larry M Plyler

Smyrna Municipal Election

Mayor:

William Christopher Faulkner

Council At Large (4 Seats):

Frances Latham Faulkner

Robert W Faulkner

Robert P Jackson

Ralph D Wyatt

If you need to find your voting location visit www.aboutfortmill.com to see all of the York County SC voting precinct locations. And if you can’t find you voters registration card and need to know what your voting precinct  is SC Gov has an online voters registration look up feature at http://webprod.cio.sc.gov/SCSECVoterWeb/voterInformationSearch.do.

Remember to vote today. York County voting locations are open until 7pm today.

2009 property tax rates have been established and tax bills are going out for all cities in York County South Carolina including Clover, Fort Mill, Tega Cay, and Rock Hill. Not surprisingly, several cities have increased property taxes again. There are a few cities where millage rates are flat or actually lower.

Fort Mill and Tega Cay have the largest increase in millage rates. If your property is assessed at a 4% rate (primary residence) your millage rate has increased 10.6% in Fort Mill and 9.5% in Tega Cay. If your property is assessed at 6%, your millage rate increase is approx 7% in both cities.

Rock Hill’s 4% millage rate actually decreased 2% if you live in a non “Special Landscape District”. What part of Rock Hill is a Special Landscape District? Generally in the Dave Lyle and I-77 area according to the City of Rock Hill Economic Development Dept. Here is a map showing the “Special Landscape Area” from Rock Hill. LMD boundary map with parcel ID5.

Clover and York 4% assessment millage rates were flat from 2008.

York County 2009 millage rates PDF

What is a millage rate? What is the difference between a 4% assessment and 6% in York County SC? And how, overall, is your property tax calculated in York County SC?

Basically your taxes are calculated by multiplying three items, which are:

1. An appraised value of your home.
2. An assessment ratio.
3. A city/county millage rate.

The sum of these three items equals what you owe in home property taxes.

To get more on how your taxes are calculated and definitions, see my article “It’s Property Tax Time in York County SC – Fort Mill, Tega Cay Raise Millage Rates”

Here are examples on how to calculate property taxes and last year’s tax value comparisons for Fort Mill, Tega Cay , and Rock Hill:

4% Primary Residence Assessments:

• Example: $100,000 property value in the City of Fort Mill  ($100,000 x 4% x 0.223 = $ 892.00 versus $806.40 in 2008).
• Example: $100,000 property value in the City of Tega Cay ($100,000 x 4% x 0.223 = $892.00 versus $814.40 in 2008).
• Example: $100,000 property value in the City of Rock Hill (non special landscape district) ($100,000 x 4% x 0.213 = $852.00 versus $870.00 in 2008)($100,000 x 4% x 0.216.7 = $866.00 Special Landscape District).

6% Assessment Examples:

• Example: $100,000 property vaule in the City of Fort Mill ($100,000 x 6% x 0.3914 = $2,348.40 versus $2,190.00 in 2008).
• Example: $100,000 property in the City of Tega Cay ($100,000 x 6% x 0.3194 = $2,348.40 versus $2,202.00 in 2008)
• Example: $100,000 property in the City of Rock Hill ($100,000 x 6% x 0.380 = $2,285.40 versus $2,276.00 in 2008 (non special landscape district).

Will your property tax bill be higher this year? It will depend on 3 factors;

1. Your property’s appraised value.
2. If the millage rate increased in your area.
3. And if your property’s assessment ratio status changed (6% or 4%).

For further property tax information assistance, you can contact the York County’s Tax Assessors office.

Scott Miller For Carmen Miller

The Fort Mill in York County SC may get a economic boost next fall with the addition of a new Fed Express distribution facility.

Fed Ex Ground, York County officials , and The South Carolina Department of Commerce all announced Fed Ex Ground will open a $14 million regional distribution center in northern York County, S.C., in October.  The distribution center could generate about 22 full time jobs and up to 200 combined part-time positions and independent contractors.

The 113,000-square-foot facility will be built in Crescent Resources’ Lakemont Business Park, off Interstate 77 at Carowinds near the South Carolina and North Carolina border.

FedEx Ground was founded in 1985 and specializes in small-package ground shipping.

The US Census Bureau released a report today on the “Fastest-Growing Metro Areas” between 2007 and 2008 based on July 1 2008 population estimates. The Charlotte metro are which includes Fort Mill, Tega Cay, Lake Wylie, Rock Hill, all of York County SC saw its population climb 3.4 percent last year. Fort Mill SC which is in York County SC is approximately 7 miles south of Charlotte

The Charlotte Metro area had the second highest number of population growth in the top 10 fastest-growing areas with a estimated July 1, 2008 population number increase of 55,368 and is the largest city in the top ten at 1,701,799.

Here is a snap shot of The US Census Bureau’s top ten “Fastest-Growing Metro Area” list:

To see the top 100 list in a pdf file click here. cb09-45table1

To see the entire map at the top of this post click here st-numchg-map2008

Click to go to the March 19th 2009 US Census press release

North Carolina had 11 cities among the top 100 fastest-growing cities. South Carolina had 6 cities among the top 100 fastest growing cities and 7 if you include the Charlotte metro.

The Charoltte Metro area ranked number 6th for 2006-2007 click to see last years post:  fort-mill-sc-rank-6-out-of-ten-fastest-growing-metros

South Carolina cities other than York County cities in SC on the top 100 fastest growing metro areas list are:

• Ranked 12 Myrtle Beach-North Myrtle Beach-Conway, SC
• Ranked 35 Charleston-North Charleston-Summerville, SC
• Ranked 47 Greenville-Mauldin-Easley, SC
• Ranked 48 Spartanburg, SC
• Ranked 65 Columbia, SC
• Ranked 81 Anderson, SC

It is not surprising that our area, especially the Fort Mill SC area, is very popular and still growing. Mild climate, affordable cost of living, low crime, good schools, a recreation lake, new housing communities make our area attractive to many from the north and south. New attractive housing communities like Baxter Village, Lake Shore Tega Cay, Lake Ridge Tega Cay, Springfield, with parks, golf courses, walking trails adds to the appeal of our fine area.

If you would like to learn more about the Fort Mill/York County area please visit one of my many informative websites or contact me.

www.aboutfortmill.com
www.seetegacay.com

More area Info at http://homesfortmill.com/area-info/

Below are the early morning November 2008 elections results for York County SC as reported by all York County SC precincts. The York County Registration and Elections Commission website reported these results as unofficial.

York County SC Unofficial Election Results November 2008

York County has 121,929 registered voters. 93,723 voted which is 76.87%

Winners only posted below

Seat, Name, Party (Number of votes)(Percent of votes)

National

Straight Party Republican REP (21,397)(53.32%)

President and Vice President John McCain / Sarah Palin REP (54,119)(58.17%)

U.S. Senate Lindsey Graham REP (55,615)(61.86%)

U.S. House of Representatives District 5 John Spratt DEM (50,294)(55.44%)

State

State Senate District 14 Harvey Peeler REP (9,118)(99.35%)

State Senate District 15 Wes Hayes REP (38,357)(99.29%)

State Senate District 16 Mick Mulvaney REP (13,214)(61.03%)

State Senate District 17 Creighton B Coleman DEM (6,377)(77.79%)

State House of Rep District 29 Danny Stacy REP (2,822)(55.03%)

State House of Rep District 43 Greg Delleney REP (5,062)(99.57%)

State House of Rep District 45 Deborah Long REP (3,877)(69.92%)

State House of Rep District 46 Gary Simrill REP (10,844)(64.76%)

State House of Rep District 47 Herb Kirsh DEM (11,227)(98.73%)

State House of Rep District 48 Carl L Gullick REP (22,254)(99.3%)

State House of Rep District 49 John R King DEM (9,355)(67.91%)

York County

Solicitor Circuit 16 Kevin Brackett REP (54,506)(61.75%)

York Co Sheriff Bruce M Bryant REP (71,451)(99.41%)

Clerk of Court David Hamilton REP (70,202)(99.66%)

Coroner Sabrina Gast REP (56,948)(63.09%)

County Council District 1 Paul Lindemann REP (10,506)(54.23%)

County Council District 2 Tom Smith REP (10,937)(99.37%)

County Council District 3 Joe M Cox REP (5,255)(52.66%)

County Council District 4 Roy L Blake DEM (7,405)(65.93%)

County Council District 5 Curwood P Chappell REP (9,947)(99.46%)

County Council District 6 Buddy Motz REP (12,389)(99.19%)

County Council District 7 Chad Williams DEM (4,116)(52.6%)

Soil and Water District Commissioner Peggy Palmer NON (56,998)(99.65%)

York School District

York School Board Trustee Seat 1 Al Johnson NON (2,186)(99.73%)

York School Board Trustee Seat 3 Chris Revels NON (1,757)(99.83%)

York School Board Trustee Seat 5 Melissa P Ramsey NON (1,389)(99.78%)

York School Board Trustee At Large Chris Stephenson NON (7,931)(99.56%)

Clover School District

Clover School Board Trustee Seat 3 Jack Grier Jr NON (9,193)(99.63%)

Clover School Board Trustee Seat 4 Franklin Pendleton NON (9,492)(99.7%)

Clover School Board Trustee At Large Melanie Wood Wilson NON (4,913)(45.94%)

Rock Hill School District

Rock Hill School Board Trustee Seat 1 Ann Reid NON (2,823)(99.61%)

Rock Hill School Board Trustee Seat 3 Mildred B Douglas NON (2,061)(51.67%)

Rock Hill School Board Trustee Seat 5 Walter Brown NON (6,243)(99.66%)

Rock Hill School Board Trustee At Large Bob Norwood NON (18,115)(59.07%)

Fort Mill School District

Fort Mill School Board Trustees Chantay F Bouler NON (8,268)(31.11%)

Fort Mill School Board Trustees Scott Patterson NON (12,741)(47.95%)

Town Council Ward 2 Ronnie Helms NON (2,027)(57.72%)

Amendments

Amendment No. 1 The vote was Yes (47,682)(54.42%)

Must Section 33, Article III of the Constitution of this State be amended so as to delete the provision that no unmarried woman shall legally consent to sexual intercourse who shall not have attained the age of fourteen years?

Explanation:This amendment deletes the section of the Constitution which says an unmarried woman must be fourteen years old or older in order to consent to sexual intercourse. Deleting this section would allow the state legislature to set the age of consent. Currently, the state legislature has the age of consent set at sixteen for most cases.

A “yes” vote would delete the section from the Constitution and let the state legislature set the age of consent.

Amendment No. 2 The vote was No (48,282)(56.63%)

Must Section 16, Article X of the Constitution of this State relating to benefits and funding of public employee pension plans in this State and the investments allowed for funds of the various state-operated retirement systems be amended so as to provide that the funds of any trust fund established by law for the funding of post-employment benefits for state employees and public school teachers may be invested and reinvested in equity securities subject to the same limitations on such investments applicable for the funds of the various state-operated retirement systems?

Explanation: “Post-employment benefits” are benefits, mainly health insurance, provided to eligible state government and school district retirees. To comply with a change in accounting standards, the state has created trust funds to pay for these post-employment benefits. This amendment relates to how the money in these trust funds may be invested.

A “no” vote would mean that state government is not allowed to invest these funds in any kind of equity securities (stocks).

Amendment No. 3 The vote was No (45,067)(53.67%)

Must Section 16, Article X of the Constitution of this State relating to benefits and funding of public employee pension plans in this State and the investments allowed for funds of the various state-operated retirement systems be amended so as to provide that the funds of any political subdivision of this State that have been set aside for the funding of post-employment benefits for the political subdivision’s employees, including those invested in independent trusts established for that purpose, may be invested or reinvested in equity securities of the type permitted for investment by the various state operated retirement systems, as provided for by the General Assembly?

Explanation: This amendment is the same as Amendment 2 except it applies to local governments’ post-employment benefits (instead of the state government’s post-employment benefits)

Countywide Question The vote was Yes, In favor of the question (55,302)(63.21%)

York County Amendment for the November 4, 2008 General Election

Shall the South Carolina Department of Revenue be authorized to issue temporary permits in this county for period not to exceed twenty-four hours to allow the possession, sale, and consumption of alcoholic liquors by the drink to bona fide nonprofit organizations and business establishments otherwise authorized to be licensed for consumption-on-premises sales?

City of Tega Cay Question The vote was Yes, In favor of the question (3,244)(80.94%)

Shall the Department of Revenue be authorized to issue temporary permits in this municipality for a period not to exceed twenty-four hours to allow the sale of beer and wine at permitted off-premises location without regard to the days or hours of sale?

A link to the York County SC Registration and Elections results webpage

It is tax time and you should be receiving your York County, SC property tax bill for tax year 2008. (here is 2009 Milage rate Chart) I know Carmen occasionally receives property tax questions from home buyers so I thought this would be a good time to pass on local property tax information.

So how are home property taxes assessed and calculated in York County SC? Basically your taxes are calculated by multiplying three items which are:

1. An appraised value of your home.
2. An assessment ratio.
3. A city/county millage rate.

The sum of these three items equals what you owe in home property taxes.

The county re-assesses home values every 5 years. If you purchased your home recently the county may assess the value of your home based on the current sale or transaction value. But if no changes have occurred on your property like a sale or deed change the next re-assessment will be 2010.

Here is good news with bad. In 2007, the state passed a tax swap bill that cut the school taxes assessed on home property taxes but increased the states sales tax to make up the loss. Click here to see my tax swap post last December. Many of you had a property tax reduction on your tax bill last year that continues this year. But many cities in York County increased millage rates this year. Here is a quick millage rate increase comparison.

Below I took the info from the York County Tax Assessors website and slightly modified the explanation and updated the example calculations. Pay special attention to the assement ratio information. Many new home owners do not apply for the special assessment ratio and end up paying too much tax.

How to Estimate Real Estate Taxes
Assessment Ratio Information:
1. If you live in the home you own, the assessment ratio is 4%. You will not receive the special assessment ratio under “Primary Residence” unless you apply with York County. You can call the Assessor’s Office to obtain an application form or download the form on the county web site www.yorkcountygov.com.

2. All other properties will be assessed at 6%, except for manufacturing properties which are assessed at 10.5%.

Millage Rates are determined yearly by various taxing authorities, such as the County Government, the City Government, the School Districts and all Fire Districts. (See 2008 millage rate chart.) (see York County 2009 milage rates)

Tax Amount is the final dollar amount that appears on your real estate tax bill.

The formula to calculate your Home’s Property Taxes is:
Appraised Value x Assessment Ratio x Millage Rate = Taxes

Following are examples of how to estimate taxes:
(A) All properties that qualify for the 4% owner occupied/legal residence rate. Multiply the appraised value by 4% to determine the assessment. Then multiply the assessment by the millage rate for total taxes.

Example: $100,000 property in the City of Fort Mill
$100,000 x 4% x 0.2016 = $806.40

Example: $100,000 property in the City of Tega Cay
$100,000 x 4% x 0.2036 = $814.40

Example: $100,000 property in the City of Rock Hill
$100,000 x 4% x 0.2175 = $870.00

(B) All other properties (except manufacturing). Multiply the appraised value by 6% to determine the assessment. Then multiply the assessment by the millage rate for total taxes.

Example: $100,000 property in the City of Fort Mill
$100,000 x 6% x 0.365 = $2190.00

Example: $100,000 property in the City of Tega Cay
$100,000 x 6% x 0.367 = $2202.00

Example: $100,000 property in the City of Rock Hill
$100,000 x 6% x 0.3794 = $2276.00

Home property taxes are due beginning September 30th. You have until January 15th to pay your taxes without penaties.  To get more infomation go to the York County SC webste.

Link to the Assessors webpage

Link to the Tax Collectors webpage

On September 18th I wrote a post contemplating whether cities within York County like Rock Hill, Fort Mill, Tega Cay will ease water restrictions with the recent rain activity (Will Recent Rains Lift Tega Cay and Fort Mill SC Water Restrictions?). Although the Catawba-Wateree Drought Management Advisory Group has not posted online a news release easing the water restriction, the Rock Hill Herald reported today the advisory group did give the ok. This is good news to landscapers and those of us seeding our lawns for the fall.

Tuesday the Rock Hill city council passed a temporary amendment to the current restrictions allowing landscape watering to occur twice a week until November 30th 2008. Rock Hill water customers with odd numbered addresses can water on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Even numbered addresses can water on Thursdays and Sundays. The change applies to lawn watering, car washing, and pool/fountain filling. Rock Hill has not yet updated their website information.

If you live in non incorporated areas of York County, your water restrictions are similar to Rock Hill’s temporary plan. Here is a link to York County’s website water restriction info.  New water restrictions York County

Fort Mill’s website indicates a similar ease of restrictions now through November 30th accept the two day allowed watering days are Wednesday and Saturday for all Fort Mill addresses. Pool filling is only allowed on Saturdays. Here is the Fort Mill water restriction link. Fort Mill Water Restrictions.

I called the city of Tega Cay today. Tega Cay has not yet changed to the new two day a week plan. The administration office employee was not sure if the council would discuss the matter in tonight’s public hearing schedule to discuss the alcohol referendum. The council must vote on the change before the restrictions can be changed.

Update as of Decemeber 12, 2008.

I checked both Rock Hill and Fort Mill city websites and the twice per week restirction that was to end Novemebr 30th has been extended until further notice by both cities.