Council votes to 'send a message'
By LARRY HILLIARD Ledger Staff Writer larry@gaffneyledger.com

Saying Cherokee County Council needed to send a message, council voted 4-3 to delay third reading Tuesday on transferring a tax incentive to the new owner of the Romeo Rim building in the Cherokee Corporate Park.

Former owner Johnson Development sold the building to real estate holding company C.B. Richard Ellis.

Under its agreement with the county, Johnson Development would begin construction on a new building once a building was bought or leased.

Councilman Bailey Humphries expressed concern that the change of ownership was a way to circumvent Johnson Development's agreement with the county.

Councilman Charles Mathis agreed with Humphries, saying the county would retain leverage against Johnson Development by delaying the tax incentive transfer.

But councilman Quay Little argued that council's fight was with Johnson Development, not the new owner or Romeo Rim.

"It's two different fights," he said. "It's a slap to the business community."

Cherokee County Development Board Director Jim Cook said C.B. Richard Ellis has no ties to Johnson Development. He added Johnson Development is undergoing some major restructuring and is asking for patience in regard to its agreement with the county.