A 3-2 vote from Cayce City Council on Monday makes it likely that Cayce will be the first city in South Carolina to have a Thomas Dambo troll.

The statue will likely be built along the Riverwalk, but its exact potential location has not been determined yet. It would be near existing recreational and natural assets, in close proximity to local businesses and dining, to help generate economic impact, according to city leaders.

Dambo, a Danish artist, is expected to visit this fall, and he will work with the city to determine a specific location.

At Monday’s special called meeting, Cayce’s City Attorney James Smith presented details on the project, outlining its costs, which could total over $400,000.

After the presentation, public comment from 16 residents and a brief executive session, council motioned to begin contract negotiations for the art sculpture. Mayor Elise Partin and Councilmembers Tiffany Aull and Alice Rose voted yes while Councilman Byron Thomas and Mayor Pro-Tem Phil Carter voted no.

“This is a transformational moment for Cayce,” Partin said. “We are making a thoughtful and strategic investment using tourism-generated funds to create something truly special—an experience that will draw visitors, support our local economy, and bring our community together. Cayce will lead the state in bringing this world-class installation to South Carolina.”

This troll is estimated to cost Cayce $355,000, but this price does not include some additional project costs estimated between $50,000 and $90,000 discussed at the meeting.

The $50,000 to $90,000 would cover travel, lodging and meals for the team, shipping, insurance, materials, site preparation and installation logistics, according to Smith’s presentation.

The $355,000 cost, meanwhile, would cover artistic design, concept development, fabrication, construction, artist team labor and installation, Smith said.

There would also be an estimated annual maintenance fee between $3,000 to $5,000.

In addition to public funding, Cayce leaders say they are exploring private sector participation and sponsorship opportunities, positioning the project as a public-private partnership that reflects broad community support, according to a press release from the city.

Cayce first approved the use of hospitality and accommodation tax funds in the amount of $355,000 for a troll earlier this year. At the April 7 council meeting, however, council members were set to discuss a contractual agreement during executive session, but councilman Thomas motioned to remove the item from the agenda, and the motion carried.

A special called meeting was then announced for April 27 to discuss details of the potential agreement and to hear questions and comments from the public.

Cities comparable to Cayce in size report park visitation increases of up to 60%, along with estimated economic impacts ranging from $1.5 million to $5 million over a three- to five-year period, according to a press release from Cayce.

In Smith’s Monday presentation, he pointed out other trolls similar in size to Cayce’s proposed troll.

“Little Sally” in High Point, N.C., would be a similar size to Cayce’s. High Point has over 114,000 residents, according to the most recent Census data.

Smith also mentioned “Mama Rosa” in Wauwatosa, Wis., because it was 100% funded by tourism tax. “Mama Rosa” cost around $365,000 and in its first month received over 60,000 visitors from 32 states generating more than $4 million in revenue. Wauwatosa has a population of around 48,000 which is larger than Cayce. Cayce’s latest Census data puts the city at over 13,000 residents.

Project timeline

Dambo is looking to start soon, with a design phase planned to start this fall when he visits.

In the early part of next year, pre-production and fabrication is estimated to start, and an installation period is expected in April 2027. A projected completion date would be Nov. 1, 2027, according to Smith’s presentation.

The city anticipates a phased payment structure tied to project milestones, according to the press release.

Public input

Sixteen residents commented during the public forum of the meeting, some expressing concerns over its cost.

President of the Cayce Arts Guild Renea Eshleman expressed support for the project and said the troll would bring “a spurring of other things.”

Others were against bringing the troll to the city because of the use of tax dollars on the project. Some said visitors the troll might attract would likely spend money on lodging and restaurants in nearby cities rather than in Cayce.

Council input

With a 3-2 vote, council voiced their opinions at the meeting as well as on Facebook.

Carter said he has heard “loud and clear from the public” regarding the project. He raised concerns about the exchange rates from euros to dollars and inflation rates.

Thomas raised concerns about how the project would be funded, saying in a Facebook post, “Right now, we do not have a major private donation secured to offset the cost.”

Thomas said he is for bringing a Dambo troll to the city, but he wants to secure “strong, private partnerships, reduce the burden on taxpayers” and follow a model used by other cities such as “Benny the Beard Fisher” in Michigan or “Big Rusty” in Hainesport, N.J.

Aull said at the meeting, “I have heard everyone and I respect everyone’s views. I believe in taking chances and I believe in Cayce. I am hoping this troll will bring us together.”

Rose said at the meeting that she heard from many residents and said the city is “seeking grants, private donations and sponsorships.”

“I’ve heard a lot of you say we should use the money on other things,” she said. “I think the troll has already made a huge positive impact in our city and nothing’s been assembled yet. I heard someone say we shouldn’t spend money on art in hard times but during hard times, we should have something joyful.”