Tega Cay City Council Approves Deer Culling and Continues Infrastructure Initiative at Community Meeting

Tega Cay City Council Meeting Brings Key Decisions and Community Spirit

In the lovely city of Tega Cay, residents gathered on September 16, 2024, for the city’s regular council meeting, where several important decisions were made. The council addressed a range of topics, showcasing community growth and concern, while also prioritizing public safety and infrastructure.

Deer Culling Program Approved

One of the standout moments of the evening was the approval of a deer culling program. The council voted to establish a contract with Low Country Wildlife Specialist LLC to cull 80 deer within city limits as part of a larger wildlife management program. This decision stems from growing concerns over the increasing deer population and its impact on road safety and other community issues.

While Councilman Carter voiced his opposition to the culling, the majority favored proceeding with the initiative. The council emphasized that the venison harvested from the culled deer would be donated to the Catawba Indian Nation, who will shoulder the processing costs.

Pennies for Progress Initiative Continues

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the continuation of the Pennies for Progress initiative. David Buist presented the goals of the program, now in its fifth iteration, which focuses on enhancing road safety, connectivity, and infrastructure throughout York County. The initiative will be on the ballot this coming November 2024 and carries a value of $410 million over seven years.

Buist reassured residents that a “yes” vote does not raise taxes, as it simply extends an existing program. This round of funding will include $80 million for resurfacing 76 miles of road and significant projects for Tega Cay, such as the resurfacing of Dam Road and Stonecrest Boulevard, alongside major upgrades to U.S. 21 and the widening of Fort Mill Parkway.

Proclamations and Community Engagement

During the meeting, the council took a moment to recognize two important observances. September 17, 2024, was declared Constitution Day, and the week of September 17-23 is celebrated as Constitution Week, marking the 237th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution. Additionally, the week of October 6-12 was named Fire Prevention Week, focusing on the vital role of smoke alarms in homes. Residents were encouraged to join the Tega Cay Fire Department’s open house on October 13.

New Municipal Attorney Appointed and Budget Approved

In other news, Chaplan Spencer of Spencer and Spencer Law Firm has officially been appointed as the new municipal attorney after serving in an interim role. The council unanimously applauded Spencer’s expertise and professionalism, ensuring a solid legal foundation for the city moving forward.

Furthermore, the council approved the second reading of the fiscal year 2024-2025 budget, ensuring that the city’s financial plans are aligned with community needs.

Upcoming Community Events

As the meeting wrapped up, council members invited residents to get involved in various upcoming events, including National Night Out on October 1, Catawba Fest on October 12, and Pumpkin Palooza on October 28. Those interested in participating in the pumpkin carving contest should note that registration is open until October 18.

Amid discussions of policies and programs, council members took time to appreciate the hard work of city staff, particularly following recent storms, and to celebrate the strong, close-knit community spirit that makes Tega Cay truly unique.