News Flash

Don’t forget to “spring forward” and turn your clocks ahead one hour this weekend for Daylight Saving Time on Sunday, March 8 at 2 a.m.

The Town of Fort Mill, together with the Fort Mill Police Department and in collaboration with the Fort Mill School District, has approved a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing a dedicated Traffic Enforcement Officer Program focused on enhancing student safety and improving traffic flow in and around school zones.

Under the agreement, two sworn officers from the Fort Mill Police Department will be assigned exclusively to school zone traffic enforcement duties during peak periods such as student arrival, dismissal, and major school events. The program is specifically designed to focus on roadway safety, congestion reduction, and crash prevention and is distinct from the School Resource Officer (SRO) program.

“The safety of our children is a shared responsibility,” said Mayor Guynn Savage. “As Fort Mill continues to evolve, we must remain proactive in addressing traffic challenges around our schools. This program strengthens safety while reinforcing the strong collaboration between the Town, our Police Department, and the School District.”

The Fort Mill School District is partnering with the Town of Fort Mill to share in the cost of adding these additional officers to address this issue while other solutions continue to be explored. 

“Safety is our highest priority,” said Superintendent Grey Young. “This partnership allows us to enhance safety during arrival and dismissal while ensuring our administrators and teachers remain focused on instruction and student achievement. We are grateful for the Town’s partnership and collaborative spirit in developing a solution to address traffic safety.”

By leveraging existing budgeted resources and strengthening intergovernmental cooperation, the Traffic Enforcement Officer Program represents a proactive and fiscally responsible approach to enhancing public safety and supporting Fort Mill.

The Town of Fort Mill is now accepting applications for residents to serve on several boards and commissions, including the Fort Mill Planning Commission, Fort Mill Historic Review Board, Fort Mill Board of Zoning Appeals, Keep Fort Mill Beautiful Committee and Stormwater Advisory Committee. In order to serve on the Fort Mill Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals, you must live in the Town limits of Fort Mill (click here to see if you live in the Town limits).  

Please note, these are all volunteer positions and are three-year terms. Applications for all are due by March 18, 2026. Find more information by visiting our Boards & Commissions website or by emailing cobrien@fortmillsc.gov. 

Preserving the history of Fort Mill while also shaping its future.

That was just one of the priorities Mayor Guynn Savage highlighted during the Town of Fort Mill’s ribbon cutting ceremony for its new Town Hall on Feb. 9, 2026.

Speaking to a crowd of local officials and community members in the parking lot outside the front lobby, Savage reminisced about the unique red-brick building at 205 N. White St. that once housed the Springs Executive Office. The structure, which is steeped in aviation lore, has been a well-known landmark in Town for 75 years.

“Winston Churchill said we shape our buildings, thereafter they shape us. That’s what we’re doing. Today we will dedicate this building and my heart is full,” Savage said.

Savage said there were several options for the building prior to the Town’s purchase, but “none provided the unique opportunity to preserve this historic and iconic facility here on White Street.”

“If her walls could talk, they would say that family was here, colonels, mothers, daughters, sons, different last names, but all the same, sharing a passion for togetherness, a sense of community and giving that everyone yearns for,” she said.

She thanked Town Council for recognizing the importance of preserving history.

“I’m grateful that our staff and employees are bringing new life to this building and remembering the gifts of the community,” Savage said. “We’re giving her walls much to talk about as her family, our community. We’ll continue to protect, inspire, create and give together.”

Town Manager Cary Vargo told the crowd that since the building’s dedication in 1952, it has “symbolized innovation, leadership and economic growth.”

“Today, I thank the vision of Town Council and staff, and the dedication of our maintenance, design and construction teams,” Vargo said. “This historic structure has been thoughtfully restored and adapted to serve a new purpose- supporting public service, civic engagement and the future of Fort Mill.”

Watch the ceremony video below.

Fort Mill Town Council has approved the purchase of approximately 50.27 ± acres located off River Crossing Drive as part of the Town’s long-term commitment to land preservation, strategic land banking, and meeting the parks and recreation needs of the community.

The property was purchased for $7.8 million from Novant Health, Inc., which previously identified the site for a proposed Fort Mill hospital.

The decision to acquire the property was guided by the Town’s Comprehensive Plan, Parks and Recreation Master Plan, and extensive public feedback gathered through surveys and community engagement efforts. These planning initiatives consistently highlighted the importance of preserving land and proactively acquiring property to support future recreational opportunities, green space, and community connectivity.

“This purchase reflects our commitment to listening to the community and acting thoughtfully on what residents have told us matters most,” said Mayor Guynn Savage. “Preserving land, expanding parks and trails, and protecting the character of Fort Mill are priorities for our residents. This acquisition allows us to do all three while maintaining the charm and sense of place that make Fort Mill such a special community.”

Town leadership emphasized that the acquisition was the result of thorough evaluation and deliberate planning.

By securing the property now, the Town is taking a proactive approach to long-term planning, ensuring opportunities remain available for future recreational facilities, trails, open space, and other community-focused uses as Fort Mill continues to evolve.

This acquisition reflects Fort Mill’s ongoing commitment to responsible stewardship, fiscal responsibility, and intentional planning that balances progress with preservation.

The Town of Fort Mill is moving forward with major Water & Sewer Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) to upgrade critical underground infrastructure throughout Town. These projects will improve service reliability, enhance system capacity and support long-term community needs. 

Work will occur in several areas beginning in December 2025. Below is the updated project timeline based on the current construction schedule.

🔧 Project Timeline (Dec 2025 – August 2026)

Mobilization: Dec 8–12, 2025Pine Knoll Road – Water Improvements: Dec. 12, 2025 – Feb. 10, 2026Calhoun Street – Water Improvements: Feb. 10 – March 11, 2026Monroe White Street – Water Install: March 11 – April 23, 2026Monroe White Street – Water Tie-in & Abandonment: April 23 – June 1, 2026Looms Way – Water Improvements: June 1– July 7, 2026Calhoun Street – Sewer Improvements: March 11 – April 9, 2026Monroe White Street – Sewer Improvements: April 2 – May 15, 2026Cleanup & Demobilization: July 7 – Aug. 5, 2026Project Completion: Aug. 5, 2026

🚨 What Residents Can Expect

Construction will require some temporary impacts as crews work to replace and upgrade Town-owned utility systems. Residents may experience:

• Temporary road closures or detours • Periods where road surfaces may be gravel before resurfacing • Midday water outages (up to four hours) when tie-ins are required

➡️ Important: The Town will provide direct communication to customers who will be specifically affected ahead of any work in their area. Notifications will include more precise dates, times and project details.

🛠️ Who Will Be Doing the Work?

Residents may see several contractors working across Town throughout the project period. The following companies have been selected to complete the improvements:

• Utilities (Water & Sewer): CK Contractors and North American Pipe • Paving: AAPPCO • Stormwater Work: PDC

These partners are experienced in utility and infrastructure upgrades and will be working closely with the Town to ensure projects are completed safely and efficiently.

📲 Stay Informed!

We encourage all residents to:✔️ Sign up for the Town’s Emergency Alert Notification System by clicking here. 

✔️ Monitor the Town’s webpage for maps, timelines and updates by visiting here. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to strengthen Fort Mill’s infrastructure. These improvements are essential to ensuring a reliable, resilient and sustainable future for our community—pardon our progress!

The Town of Fort Mill’s new solicitation ordinance, which goes into effect on Nov. 1, 2025, wis designed to promote privacy, safety and transparency for those who live and work in Town. It is designed to:

• Protect residents from unwanted or unsafe visits.
• Prevent fraud and other unwanted or criminal activities.
• Clarify procedures for anyone wishing to solicit in the Town.
• Respect constitutional rights by allowing both commercial and non-commercial solicitation within reasonable limits.

See below for a review of the Town’s new ordinance and how it impacts both solicitors and residents. 

For Individuals Who Wish to Solicit

1. Who Needs a Permit

• Anyone conducting commercial solicitation — meaning selling goods, services, or requesting donations for business purposes — must first obtain a Door-to-Door Solicitation Permit from the Town.
• Non-commercial solicitation (like religious, charitable, political, or nonprofit causes) does not require a permit, but must still follow the same general rules about respectful behavior and timing.

2. Permit Process

Applicants must:

• Complete an official Town application form.
• Provide identification, background checks, business details, and proof of a valid Fort Mill business license.
• Pay a $100 permit fee (as of fiscal year 2025–26).
• List all individuals who will be soliciting under the permit.

The Town must issue or deny the permit within five business days of receiving a complete application.

3. Restrictions on Soliciting

• Allowed only between 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
• Solicitors must leave immediately if asked.
• No more than two solicitors may visit a home at the same time.
• Solicitors must wear and display their permit visibly.
• They must introduce themselves and state their purpose right away.

4. Reasons for Denial or Revocation

A permit may be denied or revoked if the applicant:

• Lies on the application.
• Employs someone with a felony, fraud, or violent crime conviction.
• Fails to follow the ordinance or Town business license rules.
• Engages in unsafe, misleading, or illegal practices.

5. Penalties

Violating the ordinance can result in:

• A fine of up to $750 (plus court costs).
• Possible revocation of the solicitation permit.

For Town Residents

1. Your Right to Say No

Residents can refuse any solicitation by:

• Posting a “No Solicitors” or “No Commercial Solicitors”sign at or near their front door or on a mailbox:
  • “No Solicitors” stops all types (commercial, nonprofit, political, religious).
  • “No Commercial Solicitors” stops only for-profit solicitations.
• Asking solicitors to leave — and they must comply immediately.

2. Protection from Unwanted or Unsafe Activity

• The Town screens commercial solicitors through background checks.
• Permitted solicitors must carry identification and proof of authorization.
• Solicitation after 7:00 p.m., at posted “No Solicitation” homes, or by unpermitted individuals can be reported to Town authorities or law enforcement.

3. Respecting Lawful Non-Commercial Activity

Non-commercial solicitors — such as local candidates, charities, or religious organizations — do not need permits, but they must still follow:

• The same restricted hours.
• “No Solicitation” signs.
• Requests to leave.

This ensures residents’ rights are respected while still allowing free expression and community outreach.

For more information, click here to visit the Solicitation Ordinance website. 

The Town of Fort Mill is pleased to announce the launch of a new emergency alert and mass notification system designed to help residents stay safe, informed and connected. 

Through this new system, community members can sign up to receive real-time updates on a wide range of topics — including boil water advisories, severe weather alerts, Town Council meeting reminders and Town event updates. 

Powered by CivicPlus, the current host of the Town’s website, the system seamlessly integrates existing alert subscribers while allowing for unlimited new sign-ups. This enhanced platform will enable the Town to quickly share important information about hazardous conditions, utility notices such as power or water outages and other urgent updates. 

Residents can also personalize their experience by selecting which types of alerts they wish to receive and how they’d like to receive them — whether by phone call, text message, email or through the CivicReady app. 

To register, visit the Mass Notification Dashboard at https://public.alertsense.com/SignUp/?regionid=2328. Complete the sign-up form, confirm your email and customize your alert preferences to begin receiving notifications.

“Keeping our residents informed is one of the most important parts of keeping them safe,” said Fort Mill Town Manager Cary Vargo. “This new system gives our community another reliable way to receive critical information quickly, whether it’s an emergency situation or an important Town update.” 

Please note, if you've previously created an account on the Town's CivicPlus website and currently receive some alerts, you already have access to the mass notification Dashboard. Just visit www.fortmillsc.gov and click "Website Sign In" in the top right corner. Enter your email and password and then you can customize your alert settings on the Dashboard page.

See the graphic below for instructions on how to subscribe. 

Did you know Fort Mill’s Public Works Department collects leaves with its fully automated vacuum truck from Oct. 15 through March 15 each year on normal garbage collection days? 

Leaves can be collected in a pile and left curbside, but must not be placed on roads or near storm drains. Leaves can clog storm drains causing flooding or other serious stormwater issues. 

Place sticks and branches in a separate pile to avoid clogging the collection truck’s vacuum tube. These items will be collected separately. 

Another option for leaf collection is to bag leaves and place curbside on regular trash pick-up days. For specific questions, contact Public Works at (803) 547-7158 or visit the Public Works website by clicking here. 

Want to stay updated with everything happening in the Town of Fort Mill? Interested in learning more about upcoming events at our Town Amphitheater?  Need more info about the Town's various services? Then sign up here to receive our monthly Town newsletter, Fort Mill Connections! Each month the newsletter will be delivered straight to your email inbox. Be the first to know about what's going on in your community!