SCAC Hosts 2020 Annual Conference, a ‘Hybrid Conference,’ Aug

Volume 31 Number 3

SCAC Hosts 2020 Annual Conference, a ‘Hybrid Conference,’ Aug. 1 – 3

SCAC Elects Johnnie Wright Sr. President

2019–20 SCAC President Dwight L. Stewart Jr. Presents President’s Cup to Clarendon County Administrator David W. Epperson

On Aug. 26 at SCETV, SCAC Hosts 2020 Awards Program and COVID-19 Response and Resiliency Showcase THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT

6JGNGCFGTUQH5QWVJ%CTQNKPC UEQWPVKGU KPURKTGWUVQHKPFUQNWVKQPUUQYGECPRTQXKFGVJGGPGTI[CPFUCXKPIUQWT UVCVGPGGFU$GKPIC6QWEJUVQPG'PGTI[EQQRGTCVKXGOGCPUYGķTGCNYC[UNKUVGPKPIVQOCMGQWTEQOOWPKVKGUC DGVVGTRNCEG6QWEJUVQPG'PGTI[%QQRGTCVKXGUKUCPCNNKCPEGQHNQECNKPFGRGPFGPVOGODGTQYPGFGNGEVTKEEQQRU VJCVYQTMVQIGVJGTVQFGNKXGTGPGTI[UQNWVKQPUCPFUWRRQTVHQTVJGKTEQOOWPKVKGU

9JCVķUJGTGVQFC[JCUPGXGTDGGPDGVVGT6QNGCTPOQTGHQNNQYWUQP6YKVVGT"5%EQQRGTCVKXGU Local Leaders. Statewide Strength.® CONTENTS 2020–21 SCAC OFFICERS Date of Issue: November 2020

President 2 SCAC Elects Johnnie Wright Sr. President Johnnie Wright Sr. Orangeburg County Council Chairman 3 SCAC Elects Other Officers 10 SCAC’s 2020 Awards Competition and COVID-19 Response and First Vice President Resiliency Showcase Paul A. Cain Oconee County Council Vice Chairman 29 What Is Driving Your County’s Claims? By Robert Benfield, ARM, AINS, SCAC Director of Risk Management Second Vice President Services, and Van Henson, CPM, SCAC Risk Manager Debra B. Summers Lexington County Council Member 32 SCAC Hosts 2020 Annual Conference, a ‘Hybrid Conference,’ Aug. 1 – 3

Third Vice President 40 David W. Epperson Receives President’s Cup Roy Costner III Pickens County Council Chairman 42 Twenty-Nine County Officials Graduate from the Institute of Government for County Officials Immediate Past President Dwight L. Stewart Jr. 43 2020 President’s Report Executive Summary Clarendon County Council Chairman 64 COVID-19 and the Phishing Revolution By Courtney Mauge, Willis Towers Watson Secretary Steve Willis 66 Pandemic Management: Options for Dealing with Financial Lancaster County Administrator Responsibilities in the Age of COVID-19 By Lawrence Flynn, Public Finance Attorney, Pope Flynn Group Treasurer Belinda D. Copeland 69 A Roadside Guide to Colleton County: Darlington County The County’s Role in the American War for Independence By Alexia Jones Helsley

SCAC Board of Directors 76 County Update P. 25

COVER: SCAC Elects Johnnie Wright Sr. President (P. 2); SCAC Hosts 2020 Annual Confer- SCAC STAFF ence, a “Hybrid Conference,” Aug. 1- 3 (P. 32); 2019–20 SCAC President Dwight L. Stewart Jr. Presents President’s Cup to Clarendon County Administrator David W. Epperson (P. Executive Director 40); On Aug. 26 at SCETV, SCAC Hosts 2020 Awards Program and COVID-19 Response Timothy C. Winslow and Resiliency Showcase (P. 10)

Deputy Executive Director and General Counsel County Focus Magazine is published quarterly by the SOUTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES Joshua C. Rhodes 1919 Thurmond Mall 803-252-7255 Senior Director of Operations Columbia, SC 29201 Fax: 803-252-0379 PO Box 8207 Anna B. Berger Columbia, SC 29202-8207 W. Stuart Morgan III, Editor SCCounties.org SCAC Staff Members Copyright is by the South Carolina Association of Counties. All rights reserved. No portion of the P. 27 contents may be published or reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. SCAC Elects Johnnie Wright Sr. President

SCAC elected officers for leadership for more than two decades. 2020–21 and re-elected board members “Chairman Wright is a remarkable at its 2020 Annual Conference, held man and is always generous with his time August 1 ï 3. and advice,” Winslow added. ‘The entire Elected PRESIDENT was Johnnie SCAC staff is excited to have him guide Wright Sr. (Orangeburg County Council the Association into the next year.” Chairman), who succeeds Clarendon Wright has served for 25 years on County Council Chairman Dwight L. Orangeburg County Council since he Stewart Jr., who served as 2019ï20 was elected to Council District 1 in SCAC President. 1994. He has served as Council Chair- “I am humbled and deeply grateful man since 2009, and was re-elected in to be elected to serve as SCAC president 2019 to serve another two-year term as this year,” Johnnie Wright said. “I look chairman. forward to serving you and working A native of Eutawville, Wright together as we strive to serve our citi- graduated from Roberts High School zens in these challenging times. I also in 1964. He received an Associate De- encourage each of you to be active in gree in Business Management and a our Association and to call on me or the diploma in Radio and Television from SCAC staff if there are ways the Associa- Trident Technical College. Wright also tion can be of service to your county. completed a four-year apprenticeship “Our successes since the SCAC’s SCAC President Presidentn Johnnie Wright Sr. Sr program in Electric/Electronic Technol- inception in 1967 are the result of county ogy at the Charleston Naval Shipyard. officials from across South Carolina col- “Our successes since the He is a small business owner, a laborating to create a united voice for SCAC’s inception in 1967 Vietnam veteran and a life member of county government at the State House,” the NAACP. Wright is also a member of he added. “In the coming months, I will are the result of county gov- many other organizations and boards. be calling on you as we develop our ernments from across South He and his wife, Vernell, have six legislative agenda for the 2021 legisla- Carolina collaborating to cre- children and 14 grandchildren. tive session. I encourage you to stay ate a united voice for county Winslow said SCAC’s immediate informed by reading SCAC’s Friday government at the State House. past president, Dwight Stewart, proved Reports and Legislative Alerts, and to to be a remarkable leader during the make timely contact with members of In the comming months, I will past year. the General Assembly. I look forward be calling on you as we develop “Thanks to his steady direction as to your participation and support!” our legislative agenda for the SCAC President,” Winslow added, “the SCAC Executive Director Tim 2021 legislative session.” Association was able to thrive and suc- Winslow said Orangeburg County has — SCAC President Johnnie Wright Sr. ceed despite numerous national crises.” benefitted from Orangeburg County (Orangeburg County Council Chairman) Council Chairman Johnnie Wright’s (See SCAC President, P. 4)

2 Volume 31, Number 3 SCAC Elects Other Officers

First Second Third Immediate Vice President Vice President Vice President Past President Secretaryy Treasurer

Paul A. Cain Debra B. Summers RoyRoy CostnerCostner IIIIII Dwightwight LL. StStewartewart JrJr. Steve Willis Belindaelinda DD. Copeland Oconee County Lexington County Pickens County Clarendon County Lancaster County Darlington County Council Vice Chairman Council Member Council Chairman Council Chairman Administrator

SCAC elected other officers as follows: FIRST VICE Chairman; SECRETARY—Steve Willis, Lancaster County PRESIDENT—Paul A. Cain, Oconee County Council Vice Administrator; and TREASURER—Belinda D. Copeland, Chairman; SECOND VICE PRESIDENT—Debra B. Sum- Darlington County. Q mers, Lexington County Council Member; THIRD VICE PRESIDENT—Roy Costner III, Pickens County Council

SCAC 2004 Barrett S. Lawrimore 1986 O.V. Player Jr. Charleston County Sumter County Presidents 2003 Gonza L. Bryant 1985 Sue H. Roe Greenwood County Aiken County 2020 Jonnie Wright Sr. 2002 James A. Coleman 1984 Charlie I. Crews Orangeburg County Laurens County Hampton County 2019 Dwight L. Stewart Jr. 2001 Steve S. Kelly Jr. 1983 James P. Whitlock Clarendon County Kershaw County Pickens County 2018 Charles T. Jennings 2000 James H. Rozier Jr. 1982 Lonnie Hamilton III McCormick County Berkeley County Charleston County 2017 Henry H. Livingston III 1999 Polly C. Jackson 1981 Alfred B. Schooler Newberry County Lancaster County Georgetown County 2016 Julie J. Armstrong 1998 Robert R. Nash Sr. 1980 Howard A. Taylor Charleston County Pickens County Charleston County 2015 John Q. Atkinson Jr. 1997 Alzena Robinson 1979 Marjorie H. Sharpe Marion County Bamberg County Lexington County 2014 James R. Frazier 1996 Betty T. Roper 1978 Berry L. Mobley Horry County Clarendon County Lancaster County 2013 Joseph R. Branham 1995 George E. Bomar 1977 E.E. Johnson Chester County Greenville County Hampton County 2012 Charles T. Edens 1994 Raymond C. Eubanks Jr. 1976 Harold L. King Sumter County Spartanburg County Darlington County 2011 Joseph B. Dill 1993 William L. McBride 1975 Jack Q. Gerrald Greenville County Beaufort County Horry County 2010 R. Carlisle Roddey 1992 Belle J. Kennette 1974 Arthur H. Burton Chester County Greenwood County Charleston County 2009 Diane B. Anderson 1991 James R. McGee 1973 James O. Thomason Laurens County Orangeburg County Spartanburg County 2008 L. Gregory Pearce Jr. 1990 Kenneth R. Huckaby 1972 J. Hugh McCutchen Richland County Spartanburg County Williamsburg County 2007 K.G. “Rusty” Smith Jr. 1989 Lowell C. (Butch) Spires 1971 John L. Greer Florence County Lexington County Union County 2006 Belinda D. Copeland 1988 David K. Summers Jr. 1969-70 J. Mitchell Graham Darlington County Calhoun County Charleston County 2004-05 Waymon Mumford 1987 Danny E. Allen 1967-68 Charles W. Lawrimore Florence County Spartanburg County Georgetown County

County Focus 3 SCAC RE-ELECTS SCAC President ... BOARD MEMBERS (Continued from P. 2) SCAC re-elected five board mem- SCAC ELECTS OTHER OFFICERS bers to four-year terms (to expire 2024): Mary D. Anderson, Chesterfield County SCAC elected other officers as Council Member; John Q. Atkinson follows: FIRST VICE PRESIDENT— Jr., Marion County Council Member; Paul A. Cain, Oconee County Council Alphonso Bradley, Florence County Vice Chairman; SECOND VICE Council Member; J. Clay Killian, Aiken Purpose PRESIDENT—Debra B. Summers, County Administrator; and Henry H. Lexington County Council Member; Livingston III, Newberry County Coun- of the SCAC THIRD VICE PRESIDENT—Roy cil Chairman. SCAC voted for Charles Costner III, Pickens County Council T. Jennings (McCormick County Coun- OTo promote more efficient county Chairman; SECRETARY—Steve Wil- cil Chairman), SCAC’s Immediate Past governments lis, Lancaster County Administrator; President for 2019ï20, to serve the and TREASURER—Belinda D. Co- unexpired term (to expire in 2022) of OTo study, discuss and recommend peland, Darlington County. SCAC Third Vice President Roy Cost- ner. improvements in government

OTo investigate and provide means for the exchange of ideas and ex- Excellence is what we do. periences between county officials

OTo promote and encourage education of county officials

OTo collect, analyze and distribute information about county government

OTo cooperate with other organizations

OTo promote legislation which supports efficient administration of local government in South Caro- lina

* For more information about the SCAC, please contact: Excellence is what you expect. At PrintSouth Printing, our specialization is offset and digital printing. However, South Carolina we offer so much more; including mailing, large format, ad specialty, Association of Counties and marketing. We also provide graphic and web design. PO Box 8207 Working hard to bring you the best solutions 1919 Thurmond Mall for your project all under one roof. Columbia, SC 29202-8207 Call today at 803-796-2619 or visit us online at myprintsouth.com 803-252-7255 Corinne Alford 1114 Silstar Road [email protected] Sales Representative West Columbia, SC 29170 C 803-665-0023 P 803-796-2619 SCCounties.org [email protected] online: myprintsouth.com

4 Volume 31, Number 3 THANK YOU

Thank you county employees and elected officials for all you are doing in this time of crisis — and everyday — for all you do to serve and protect your communities. You are the Local Leaders who create Statewide Strength. Advertise in SCAC’s

See advertisement on next page ...

2021 Directory of County Officials

6 Volume 31, Number 3 Advertise in SCAC’s 2021 Directory of County Officials South Carolina’s 2021 Directory of County Ofﬁcials

2021 Directory of County Officials

South Carolina’s 2021 Directory of County Officials is scheduled to be published and distributed in February. So, order a copy if you want to know “Who’s Who” in South Carolina county government. The Directory identifies all elected and appointed county officials in theThe state.historic 13This star popular,U.S. flag, known award-winning as the Betsy Ross publicationFlag also identifies SCAC’s Officers, Board of Directors and Cor- South Carolina Association of porate Partners; Regional Councils of Government; Federal Counties (SCAC) publishes a Direc- tory of County Officials in February each and State Officials; and State Senators and Representatives. year. (See advertisement at right) Addresses and telephone numbers are included for all county To advertise in SCAC’s 2021 Direc- officials, state officials and members of the S.C. General As- tory of County Officials, please contact sembly. South Carolina’s Moultrie Flag, also knowm the SCAC and request a purchase order. as the “Moultrie Flag.” Used by South Caro- Cost: $25.00 perlina troopscopy during(including the American tax, postage,Revolution- shipping A purchase order, including detailed in- and handling). structions for placing an ad in the up- ary War. The Palmetto was added in 1861. coming edition of the Directory, will be e-mailed to you. OTo order your copy of the 2021 Directory of County Officials, please contact: South Carolina Association of Counties P.O. Box 8207 Columbia, S.C. 29202-8207

(803) 252-7255 PO Box 8207 [email protected] (803) 252-7255 Columbia, SC 29202-8207

: Your purchase order, check 803-252-7255 or money order and advertisement must E-mail: [email protected] be received at the SCAC Office by 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020. (NO EXCEP- TIONS)

County Focus 7 Here. For you.

At Synovus, we truly understand what matters to you; that’s why we’re doing all we can to help you grow. Not just a bank, we’re your neighbors and friends. People from here who understand here. And we’re here. For you.

1-888-SYNOVUS | synovus.com

Synovus Bank, Member FDIC. A New Standard of Quality and Service in South Carolina

• Industrial Park Master Planning & Design • Site Certification • Solid Waste Management • Stormwater Management • Recreational Facilities • Land Planning & Site Design • Roadway Design • Railway Design • Water & Wastewater Planning & Design • Grant Application/Administrative Assistance • Construction Management

www.allianceCE.com “Developing“Deve alliances one county at a time.” — DeDeepal Eliatamby, P.E.

Bluffton, SC | Charleston, SC | Charlotte, NC | Columbia, SC | Greenville, SC SCAC’s 2020 Awards Competition and COVID-19 Response and Resiliency Showcase

SCAC hosted its 2020 Awards Competition South Carolina Counties and COVID-19 Response Entering This Year’s Competition and Resiliency Showcase

onWednesday, August 26 COVID-19 Response and Resiliency Showcase at the S.C. Educational Television (SCETV) in Columbia. The competition Spartanburg- Pickens County was livestreamed on County Union Lancaster County Facebook and on SCAC’s County Kershaw website at www.SCCounties. County Horry org/livestream. County Five counties com- Calhoun Williamsburg County County peted in the J. Mitchell Georgetown County Graham Memorial Award Berkeley County competition, and five Dorchester competed in the Barrett County

Lawrimore Memorial Re- Charleston County gional Cooperation Award competition. Ten counties also participated in the COVID-19 Response and SeeS SSouth th CCarolina li Resiliency Showcase, which during the event. County Map, was not adjudicated. Lancaster County Page 79 won the 2020 J. Winners Announcedncced Mitchell Graham Memorial Berkeley, Pickens and Union coun- on October 1 Award for its EMS Boot Camp, ties won Honorable Mention awards. an innovative program that has Berkeley County won the 2020 Winners of the J.. MMitchellitchell helped the fast-growing county Barrett Lawrimore Memorial Regional Graham and Barrett address a continuing short- Cooperation Award for its collaborative Lawrimore Memorialorial age of qualified emer- effort with the local school district that awards were announceded gency medical techni- provides teens and young adults with on October 1 duringg a cians. Now, Lancaster special needs internship opportunities livestreamed Virtual County is fully staffed in county government to develop skills Watch Party. Coun- with EMS personnel they will need for future employment. ties that participated who are committed In-depth articles on the award- in the COVID-19 Response and Resil- to providing high quality pre-hospital winning programs and projects will be iency Showcase were also celebrated care for residents and visitors. (See 2020 Awards, P. 12)

10 Volume 31, Number 3 10 Counties Present 20 Entries County officials representing 10 counties presented 20 entries at SCAC’s 2020 Awards Compe- tition and COVID-10 Response and Resiliency Showcase, held on August 26 at SCETV in Colum- bia.

COVID-19 Response and Resiliency Showcase

SCETV staff records and livestreams the competition on Facebook and Main entrance to the SCETV in Columbia at SCCcounties.org/livestream.

Everyone—county officials presenting entries, members of the audience and judges evaluating the presentations—wore masks and practiced social distancing at the J. Mitchell Graham/Barrett Lawrimore and COVID-19 Response and Resiliency Showcase. 2020 Awards ... by creating the building blocks for fu- impacts include economic development, ture emergency situations. The library workforce challenges, and increasing (Continued from P. 10) now has a strong operating model for levels of poverty. Education and techni- continuation of service during future cal training are key factors in improving published in the next issue of County closures—whether from a resurgence opportunity and quality of life. Union Focus Magazine (Winter Issue, Vol. 31, of COVID-19, hurricanes, flooding, or County partnered with local industry, No. 4). other natural and public health disasters. the school district, and area colleges to expand access to post-secondary training J. Mitchell Graham Lancaster County for residents. Memorial Award Entries Lancaster County’s EMS Depart- ment responded to the statewide short- Barrett Lawrimore Memorial Counties competed equally for the age of qualified EMTs by developing the Regional Cooperation Award J. Mitchell Graham Memorial Award, first-of-its-kind in South Carolina EMS and were grouped in the following Boot Camp program. EMS Boot Camp The Barrett Lawrimore Memorial population categories: is a 12-week program of classroom, self- Regional Cooperation Award OUnder 50,000 study, skills lab, and direct observation highlights the critical need for regional O50,000 to 150,000 and on an ambulance that prepares qualified partnerships, strategies and solutions. O Over 150,000. applicants to care for victims of sudden Competition for this award is open The J. Mitchell Graham Memorial illness or injury. Upon successful com- to two or more political subdivisions Award recognizes counties that address pletion, students are eligible for national (counties or county partnerships formed community challenges, implement and state certification exams. Once with city, town, district or regional operational improvements, or enhance required certifications are obtained, government organizations) that work their citizens’ quality of life in a unique part-time employment is guaranteed. together to complete an innovative way. The award, first presented in project. The award is named in memory 1972, honors the memory of J. Mitchell Pickens County of Barrett S. Lawrimore who served as Graham who served as SCAC’s president Honorable Mention Winner SCAC’s president in 2004. from 1969 to 1970. (50,000 to 150,000 Population Category) The following entries were The following entries were pre- To save as many animals as possible, presented: sented: the Pickens County Animal Shelter successfully transitioned from an animal Berkeley County Berkeley County control facility whose sole purpose was Project SEARCH prepares teens Honorable Mention Winner removal of stray animals to a county- and young adults with special needs for (Over 150,000 Population Category) operated adoption facility. The adoption success in employment opportunities. The ManuFirstSC™ initiative was program enhances the quality of life for Throughout the school year, special developed to support Berkeley County county citizens by matching them with needs students and interns work in manufacturing industries by providing pets that provide companionship and a various Berkeley County departments residents with an innovative pathway to sense of security, as well as better mental developing skills and training to prepare a long-term career. The program is the and physical health. This year, the proj- them for future jobs. The county works first-of-its-kind, pioneered in Berkeley ect achieved a 100 percent “save rate.” with Berkeley County School District to County in 2017. Berkeley County contin- make this program possible in Berkeley ues to expand the program by bringing Union County County. it into communities and high schools. To Honorable Mention Winner date, 1,090 people have been trained for (Under 50,000 Population Category) Charleston County manufacturing positions in the Charles- Yearly census estimates show a In 2019, Charleston County’s ton area, including approximately 100 trend of de- Criminal Justice Coordinating Coun- high school students and 400 other clining popu- cil (CJCC) launched the Dialogue to Berkeley County citizens. lation across Change (DLC) project to expand com- rural South munity engagement to better inform Charleston County Carolina. and involve the public in improving the Charleston County Public Library, These nega- local criminal justice system. This project like many organizations, closed its doors tive trends can is an example of facilitating meaning- and sent its workforce home as the CO- be attributed ful collaboration between community VID-19 virus spread. What happened to quality of members and system leaders in justice in the following weeks displayed the life challenges reform. The DLC project identified organization’s innovation, responsive- and lack of community priorities, raised awareness ness, and dedication to the community opportunity.opportunity LLongong tetermrm community (See 2020 Awards, P. 14)

12 Volume 31, Number 3 Winners of the J. Mitchell Graham Memorial Award

Dorchester County 2019 Aiken Countyt 1998 Richland County 1977 Charleston County 2018 Georgetown County 1997 Beaufort County and Charleston County 2017 Berkeley County 1996 Greenwood County 1976 Colleton County 2016 Florence County 1995 Edgeﬁeld County 1975 Barnwell County 2015 Richland County 1994 Lexington County 1974 Abbeville County 2014 Charleston County 1993 Charleston County 1973 Newberry County 2013 York County 1992 Colleton County 2012 Greenwood County 1991 Horry County 2011 Beaufort County 1990 Orangeburg County 2010 Charleston County 1989 Georgetown County 2009 Spartanburg County 1988 Lexington County 2008 Beaufort County 1987 Greenwood County 2007 Aiken County 1986 Newberry County 2006 Greenwood County 1985 Georgetown County 2005 Union County 1984 Lexington County 2004 Greenville County 1983 Orangeburg County 2003 Chester County 1982 Anderson County 2002 Chesterﬁeld County 1981 Anderson County 2001 York County 1980 Horry County 2000 Beaufort County 1979 York County 1999 Oconee County 1978

Winners of the Barrett Lawrimore Memorial Regional Cooperation Award

CharlestonCh l CCounty 2019 Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun and Orangeburg Counties 2018 Greenville County 2017 Spartanburg County 2016 Spartanburg County 2015 Abbeville, Anderson, Barnwell and Jasper Counties 2014 Lexington and Richland Counties 2012 Beaufort and Jasper Counties 2011 Western Piedmont Regional Emergency Management Task Force 2010 (Abbeville, Anderson, Greenwood, Oconee and Pickens Counties) Greenwood County and GLEAMNS 2009 Western Piedmont Regional Emergency Management Task Force 2008 (Abbeville, Anderson, Greenwood, Oconee and Pickens Counties) Beaufort/Hampton/Jasper Counties 2007 Western Piedmont Regional Emergency Management Task Force 2006 Berkeley/Charleston/Dorchester Counties 2005 Florence/Georgetown/Horry Counties 2004 Sumter/Lee Counties 2003 Anderson County Partnership 2002 Three Rivers Solid Waste Authority 1999

County Focus 13 2020 Awards ... residents without access to primary care. and parents teaching from home. The To alleviate the issue, Union County museum provided non-stop service (Continued from P. 12) partnered with the SC DHEC and Re- through Facebook, Zoom, its website, Genesis Healthcare to recruit a federal and telephone. Citizens from 20 South of critical challenges, and brought the qualified health clinic to provide primary Carolina counties and 20 states con- community together to find solutions. care to the underserved citizens of the nected to the museum and its historical The results of this collaboration will community. information, genealogy, and audio-video help shape the county’s criminal justice presentations. system to best meet the needs of the COVID-19 Response and citizens. Resiliency Showcase Entries Charleston County To help contain the spread of Dorchester County A new COVID-19 Response and COVID-19 in Charleston County, staff Dorchester County worked in part- Resiliency Showcase was added to this launched a comprehensive mobile test- nership with the Lake Marion Regional year’s J. Mitchell Graham/Barrett Law- ing strategy. The measure focused on Water Agency, Santee Cooper, and the rimore Memorial Awards Competition under served areas with limited travel Army Corps of Engineers to construct to allow counties to showcase their re- capabilities and internet access. The the Dorchester Reach, a critical water sponse to the Coronavirus Pandemic and testing sites assisted both pre-registered transmission line. The completion of COVID-19 respiratory disease caused patients and walk-up clients. The county the Reach provides a great opportunity by the pandemic that has affected every collaborated with Fetter Health Care to improve the quality of life for resi- county in South Carolina. Network and completed more than dents with the provision of clean, safe The global pandemic, which 1,000 citizen tests for COVID-19 in its drinking water; reduction in the cost of emerged in Wuhan, China, in late 2019, first week of mobile testing. Eventually, insurance due to an improved ISO rat- and continues to spread worldwide. The more testing sites were added and more ing; job creation; and economic growth pandemic is unique because the emer- than 4,000 people have been tested. and prosperity in western Dorchester gency it has created affects every county County. in the state. Dorchester County The following entries were pre- Dorchester County’s response to Pickens County sented: COVID-19 began with the formation Pickens County collaborated with of a COVID-19 Task Force. The group municipalities and nonprofits to estab- Berkeley County worked tirelessly with county council, lish the Community Crisis Task Force. From acquisition of protective elected and appointed officials, and The task force can be activated at any equipment to continual communications department heads to develop mitigation time for a swift response to threats to coordination with other agencies for strategies, including public messaging towards the health and well-being of testing sites and blood drives, Berkeley and contingency plans for COVID-19. county residents. The task force was County took early action to ensure citi- The county’s priority was protecting first deployed in response to a series zens and staff were prepared, informed, employees and citizens through safety of weather events and the COVID-19 and safe. The county formed a task and sanitation measures and effective pandemic, allowing the county to meet force, advanced remote access capabil- public messaging. Team Dorchester the public’s immediate needs for public ity, enhanced safety to address pandemic County continues to use innovative information, financial assistance, and concerns, and continues to monitor and ways to ensure continuity of government food. mitigate the spread of the virus. Leaders operations. worked with staff to develop plans and Union County methods to ensure businesses could Georgetown County Union County, like much of operate through the pandemic in a When COVID-19 hit South Caro- rural South Carolina, has strug- safe way. lina, Georgetown County was in the gled to maintain access to pri- difficult position of not having a county mary healthcare. In Calhoun County administrator. Still, the county’s staff 2015, the financially COVID-19 Response and The Calhoun and the new administrator (who came fragile county hospi- Resiliency Showcase County Museum pro- on board in April) have handled the tal district declared vided vital emotional pandemic and all the challenges it pre- bankruptcy. Union County support during the restric- sented in a way it is proud of, working negotiated a deal for the Spar- tion and isolation of the CO- diligently—and at times creatively—to tanburg Regional Healthcare Sys- VID-19 crisis by bringing the protect the health and safety of resi- tem to assume operation of the county museum and other county programs dents. hospital, but many long-term primary into citizens’ homes. The program was care physicians retired leaving many especially important to older residents

14 Volume 31, Number 3 Horry County Like counties across our state and country, Horry County experienced significant impacts due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With challenges unique to a rapidly growing community and tourist destination, strategic operational plan- South Carolina’s ning and communication were critical to maintaining the local economy while keeping the community healthy and safe. 2021 Directory Horry County implemented technology improvements, new programs, and updated standards to meet the challenges of of the pandemic.

Kershaw County County Officials On March 7, 2020, the first patient in Kershaw County and the State of South Carolina tested positive for CO- VID-19, followed two weeks later by the first death from the virus. Immediately, Kershaw County became the epicenter South Carolina’s 2021 Directory of County Officials is sched- and the face of the virus within the state. uled to be published and distributed in February. So, order Within a matter of days, the county became one of the most impacted in a copy if you want to know “Who’s Who” in South Carolina America. The professional response to county government. this pandemic is a testament to the Ker- The Directory identifies all elected and appointed county shaw County staff and the community officials in theThe state.historic 13This star popular,U.S. flag, known award-winning as the Betsy Ross publicationFlag they serve. also identifies SCAC’s Officers, Board of Directors and Cor- porate Partners; Regional Councils of Government; Federal (See 2020 Awards, P. 16) and State Officials; and State Senators and Representatives. Addresses and telephone numbers are included for all county Lost Columbia: Bygone Images officials, state officials and members of the S.C. General As- of South Carolina’s Capital City sembly. South Carolina’s Moultrie Flag, also knowm (Charleston: the History Press, 2008) as the “Moultrie Flag.” Used by South Caro- Cost: $25.00 perlina troopscopy during(including the American tax, postage,Revolution- shipping and handling). Lost Columbia combines an overview of ary War. The Palmetto was added in 1861. the turbulent history of Columbia with rare and little seen images of the city’s OTo order your copy of the 2021 Directory of County destruction in Officials, please contact: 1865, the Assem- bly Street farm- COLUMBIA ers’ market, the changing face of 5#+*!%)#!/".+)/+10$ .+(%*Y/ ,%0( Main Street and lost institutions and neighbor- PO Box 8207 hoods. Columbia, SC 29202-8207

ALEXIA JONES HELSLEY 803-252-7255 Lost Columbia is available in bookstores such as Barnes & Noble, from Amazon. E-mail: [email protected] com, or by mail from AJH Historical Enterprises, P.O. Box 3683, Irmo, SC 29063.

County Focus 15 2020 Awards ... (Continued from P. 15)

When it comes to architecture Lancaster County and construction for municipal COVID-19 impacted every employee and government service in Lancaster buildings and community County. The unprecedented nature of the pandemic, concern for the safety of spaces, integrated DESIGN employees and their families, the over- whelming amount of information from BUILD is the way to go. Bobbitt federal and state agencies, and the rapid spread of the virus mandated a deliber- has delivered state-of-the-art ate, focused, and proactive approach to the crisis. County employees shouldered facilities for municipalities unique COVID-19 challenges and across the Carolinas. View our served the public by performing their duties with extraordinary professional- portfolio on our website and ism, teamwork, compassion, energy, and resiliency. contact us to learn more. Pickens County KickStart Pickens County was the county’s three-phase COVID-19 revitalization plan to ensure a gradual, intentional approach to reopening with consideration for public health and the Turn to the experts to BUILD local economy. As restrictions were eased to get back to a “new normal” your community facility, where after closures to the public, the county’s careful plan allowed the county offices government and people connect. time to assess the needs to keep the public and staff safe as various facilities opened. bobbitt.com Spartanburg County To meet the challenges of the CO- VID-19 pandemic, Spartanburg County took a “OneSpartanburg” approach and benefitted from the teamwork and syn- ergy that is created when a community and county unite for a common cause. This approach brought together community partners and subject matter experts from diverse backgrounds to respond to COVID-19.

Judging this year’s competition THINK. DESIGN. BUILD. were: William E. Tomes, Fellow, Jo- seph P. Riley Jr. Center for Livable Communities, College of Charleston; a builder J. Milton Pope, Principal, Parker Poe Consulting; and Paula E. Sanford, Ph.D., Public Service and Outreach Faculty Member, Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia.

16 Volume 31, Number 3 The more energy you need, the more you need an energy company like us.

More companies with energy-intensive needs are choosing to call South Carolina home. Why? Because we are delivering affordable energy with unmatched reliability. What’s more, they also enjoy easy, streamlined connections and a strong business climate. Find out how we can help power your business too. SC ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES IS NOW ON SOCIAL MEDIA ABOUT US

SCAC is pleased to announce its new engagement and communications tool on social media. For more than 50 years, SCAC has helped Local Leaders create Statewide Strength through advocacy, education, and collaboration. By connecting county officials and employees to tools and resources, our county leaders can affect statewide change and build stronger communities. Follow us on the social media platforms below to learn what’s happening at the State House and how SCAC’s programs and services can benefit your county. Share what’s happening in your county. Let’s promote the many ways our counties are making a positive difference for our citizens across the state.

PLATFORMS

FACEBOOK TWITTER LINKEDIN Like and follow us Follow @SCCounties Find us on LinkedIn on Facebook to learn on Twitter for to find out about training what’s happening at up-to-the-moment opportunities and to SCAC and in counties news on legislation network with colleagues across the state that affects counties

#SCCounties #LocalLeaders #StatewideStrength ON TIME. ON BUDGET. ON YOUR SIDE.

rom the hills in the Upstate to the sands of the Lowcountry, F Alliance Consulting Engineers, Inc., assists South Carolina counties by listening to their needs and delivering a product that exceeds expectations. At Alliance Consulting Engineers, Inc., our clients are our highest priority. Through innovative project delivery methods, focus on quality, and unparalleled responsiveness, we help bring vision into reality. www.allianceCE.com

• Industrial Park Master Planning & Design • Land Planning & Site Design • Water & Wastewater Planning & Design • Roadway Design • Solid Waste Management • Railway Design • Stormwater Management • Site Certiﬁcation • Recreational Facilities • Grant Application • Construction Management

Bluffton, SC | Charleston, SC | Charlotte, NC | Columbia, SC | Greenville, SC Being great at something takes time. At PrintSouth Printing, our team of specialist use their years of experience to produce the best product, personalized just for you. From custom designed banners, websites, offset and digital printing to our newest product, ad specialty items, we work hard to bring you the highest quality selection with every order.

Offset & Digital Large Format Mailing Ad Specialty Web & Marketing Printing Printing Services Products Services

1114 Silstar Road phone: 803-796-2619 online: myprintsouth.com West Columbia, SC 29170 fax: 803-796-2744 myprintsouth.espwebsite.com

Available Services County Assessors Right of Way Services Tax Appeal Appraisal ROW Scoping & Appraisal Review Litigation/Mediation Support Value Engineering/Quantifying Impacts Surplus Property Disposition Providing Alternative Strategies Cost Estimates/Appraisal Management

Rick Callaham Debi Wilcox, MAI, CCIM Greenville, South Carolina Murrells Inlet, South Carolina 803/457-5009 866/429-8931 Toll Free [email protected] 843/685-9180 Local [email protected]

20 Volume 31, Number 3 SCAC ANNOUNCES NEW CORPORATE PARTNER PROGRAM! Effective Jan. 1, 2021

NEW OPPORTUNITIES … The South Carolina Association of Counties (SCAC) announces a NEW way to market your company, both efficiently and cost-effectively, to South Carolina’s 46 counties! The new SCAC Corporate Partner Program provides a comprehensive marketing opportunity to showcase your products and services directly to county leaders. The program also offers companies year-round exposure to county officials and employees at multiple SCAC events and in the Association’s quarterly magazine and annual directory.

ACCESS … If you are looking for ways to build and strengthen relationships with county governments, this new program is for you. As an SCAC Corporate Partner, you will be able to maintain contact with county officials throughout the year. You will also be updated on trends in county government and legislative initiatives.

COST EFFECTIVE … This new “one stop shop” approach will minimize costs and make it easier for you to budget because you will be able to support the SCAC as a partner at one of the levels for the entire calendar year. Still, “a la carte” options will remain available if you choose to purchase exhibit space at SCAC’s Annual Conference and/or advertise.

BENEFITS OVERVIEW … z Four levels of partnership — $1,500, $3,000, $5,000, or $10,000 z Complimentary/discounted rates to attend (including premier exposure) three SCAC events — Mid-Year Confer- ence (February), Annual Conference (August), and County Council Coalition Fall Meeting (October). z Advertising in County Focus Magazine and annual Directory of County Officialswill be included in the top levels and discounted advertising may be purchased at the lower levels. z Complimentary/discounted rates to attend and exhibit at SCAC’s Annual Conference. z Complimentary promotion on SCAC’s website and Annual Conference app. z Exclusive benefits and exposure at the top levels. z Complimentary subscription(s) to County Focus Magazine and copies of the annual Directory of County Officials. z Benefits will be available on a calendar year basis, and z Much more!

To learn more about the new SCAC Corporate Partner Program, please visit: www.sccounties.org/corporate-partner-program SCAC Staff Contacts:

Tish Anderson Stuart Morgan [email protected] [email protected] (803)252-7255, Ext. 333 (803)252-7255, Ext. 316 County Focus 21 SCAC’s 2020 Corporate Supporters SCAC appreciatesi iits corporate supporters! ! On O Jan. J 1, 2021, the h Association A i i will ill launch l a new Corporate Partners Program. For more information, please contact the SCAC Ofﬁce at (803) 252-7255.

PATRONS

ABM Building Solutions, LLC Kozlarek Law LLC Alpharetta, GA Greenville, SC

BB&T Governmental Finance NextEra Energy Capital Holdings Inc. Columbia, S Juno Beach, FL

Brownstone Pope Flynn Group Columbia, SC Columbia, Charleston and Spartanburg, SC; Charlotte, NC

Dominion Energy Santee Cooper Cayce, SC Moncks Corner, SC

Duke Energy South Carolina Power Team South Carolina Columbia, SC

Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina Southeast Cement Promotion Association, Inc. Cayce, SC Duluth, GA

Fleettalk by Rock Communications, LLC SynTerra Fort Mill, SC Greenville, SC

Keck & Wood, Inc. THC, Inc. Rock Hill, SC Columbia, SC

SPONSORS

ADC Engineering Celebrate Freedom Foundation GOODWYN|MILLS|CAWOOD Hanahan, SC West Columbia, SC Greenville, SC

Alliance Consulting Engineers, Inc. Clemson University GovDeals, Inc. Bluffton, Columbia and Greenville, SC; Cooperative Extension Montgomery, AL Charlotte, NC Clemson, SC Gov World Auctions, LLC Analog Digital Solutions, Inc. Coastal Electric Cooperative, Inc. Greelyville, SC Fuquay-Varina, NC Walterboro, SC Greene Finney, LLP Archer Company, LLC Code Consulting & Inspection Services, LLC Mauldin, SC Rock Hill, SC Roebuck, SC Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, PA AT&T Compass Municipal Advisors, LLC Charleston, Columbia, Florence, Greenville and Columbia, SC Columbia, SC Myrtle Beach, SC

Avenu Insights & Analytics, Inc. Davis & Floyd, Inc. Holt Consulting Company, LLC Birmingham, AL Charleston, SC Columbia, SC

Bamberg Board of Public Works Dennis Corporation Horry County Solid Waste Authority Bamberg, SC Columbia, SC Conway, SC

Beaufort County Channel Enterprise Fleet Management Horry Electric Cooperative, Inc. Beaufort, SC Columbia, SC Conway, SC

Blanchard Machinery Fairﬁeld Electric Cooperative, Inc. Howell Linkous & Nettles, LLC Columbia, SC Winnsboro, SC Charleston, SC

Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative, Inc. Five Star Computing, Inc. Infrastructure Consulting & Pickens, SC Columbia, SC Engineering, PLLC Columbia, SC Burr & Forman McNair Gannett Fleming d/b/a Burr Forman McNair Sumter, SC LaBella Associates Bluffton, Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Hilton Richmond, VA Head and Myrtle Beach; Charlotte, NC

22 Volume 31, Number 3 Joyce Thompson Turner Construction Richmond, VA Sumter, SC

K&K Systems, Inc. Thorne Ambulance Service Tupelo, MS Greenville, SC

KeyMark, Inc. Upstate South Carolina Alliance Liberty, SC Greenville, SC

Kueper North America, LLC Vaughn & Melton Consulting Engineers, Inc. Charleston, SC North Charleston, SC

J.M. Wood Auction Company, Inc. Columbia, SC and Montgomery, AL SCAC ANNOUNCES Mashburn Construction Company Columbia, SC NEW CORPORATE PARTNERS Purpose M. B. Kahn Construction Co., Inc. PROGRAM! Columbia, SC of the SCAC Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative, Inc. Effective Jan. 1, 2021 Lexington, SC OTo promote more efficient county Moseley Architects The South Carolina Association of Charlotte, NC Counties (SCAC) announces a NEW governments Motorola Solutions – Palmetto 800 way to market your company, both ef- Columbia, SC ficiently and cost-effectively, to South OTo study, discuss and recommend Municode/Municipal Code Corporation Tallahassee, FL Carolina’s 46 counties! improvements in government The new SCAC Corporate Part- Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, LLP Charleston, Columbia, Greenville and ners Program provides a comprehensive Myrtle Beach, SC; Washington, DC OTo investigate and provide means marketing opportunity to showcase your for the exchange of ideas and ex- Newberry Electric Cooperative, Inc. products and services directly to county Newberry, SC leaders. The program periences between county officials Palmetto Electric Cooperative, Inc. SCAC Hilton Head Island, SC also offers companies CORPORATE year-round exposure PARTNER OTo promote and encourage educa- PalmettoPride PROGRAM Columbia, SC to county officials and tion of county officials

Pike McFarland Hall Associates employees at multiple Myrtle Beach, SC SCAC events and in the OTo collect, analyze and distribute PROVAL Property Valuation & Analytics Association’s quarterly information about county govern- ® magazine and annual directory. PUBLIQ Software ment Spartanburg, SC Enrollment is now open for the S&L King & Associates SCAC Corporate Partner Program Atlanta, GA at: www.SCCounties.org/corporate- OTo cooperate with other organiza- Schneider Electric partner-program tions Greenville, SC For more information, please call Schneider Geospatial Indianapolis, IN Tish Anderson or Stuart Morgan at (803) OTo promote legislation which sup- 252-7255. Or, e-mail Tish at tanderson@ Segra ports efficient administration of Columbia, SC scac.sc or Stuart at [email protected]. local government in South Caro- Sharp Business Systems lina Greenville, SC

Siemens Corporation, Inc. Irmo, SC * For more information about S.L. King & Associates, Inc. the SCAC, please contact: Atlanta, GA To Receive Sponsorship and

South Carolina Farm Bureau Federation, Inc. Advertising Information, Columbia, SC South Carolina contact: Association of Counties South Eastern Road Treatment, Inc. Evans, GA PO Box 8207 1919 Thurmond Mall Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. North Charleston, SC Columbia, SC 29202-8207

Stewart · Cooper · Newell Architects PO Box 8207 803-252-7255 Columbia, SC, and Gastonia, NC Columbia, SC 29202-8207 [email protected] (803) 252-7255 Synovus Columbia, SC E-mail: [email protected] SCCounties.org Thomas & Hutton Columbia and Mount Pleasant, SC

County Focus 23 SCCOUNTIES.ORG

S.C. ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES

SCCounties.org is the Visitors to the site will find primary resource for conference schedules, information about South legislative initiatives, and Carolina's counties and numerous Association issues affecting county publications, including the government. Friday Report and Legislative Alerts.

PO Box 8207, Columbia SC 29202-8207 | [email protected] 803.252.7255 | 800.922.6081 SCAC Ofﬁcers PRESIDENT &

Board Members Johnnieohnnie Wright Sr. Sr Orangeburg County Council Chairman

First Second Third Immediate Vice President Vice President Vice President Past President Treasurer

Paul A. Cain Debra B. Summers Royy CostnerCoC stneer IIIIII Dwight L. Stewart Jr. SteveSteve WillisWillisli Belinda D. Copeland Oconee County Lexington County Pickens County Clarendon County Lancaster County Darlington County Council Vice Chairman Council Member Council Chairman Council Chairman Administrator

NACo S.C. Counties Workers’ Board Member CompensationC Trust and Property and Liability Trust Chairman

WaymonWaymon MumfordMumford Davidavid K. SummersSummerrs Jr.Jr.r Florence County Local Leaders. Statewide Strength.® Calhoun County Council Member Council Chairman

MaryMary D. Anderson Julie J. Armstrong John Q. Atkinson Jr. AlphonsoAlphonnsos BradleyBradleey Joseph R. Branham CC. David CChinnishinnis CamCam CrawfordCrawford Chesterfield County Charleston County Marion County Florence County Chester County Dorchester County Horry County Council Member Clerk of Court Council Member Council Member Council Vice Chairman Council Vice Chairman Council Member

JJosephoseph B. DilDilll Charles T. Edens Ray Graham J. Frank Hart Charles T. Jennings J. ClayClay KilliKillianan Greenville County Sumter County Anderson County Union County McCormick County Aiken County Council Member Council Member Council Member Supervisor/Chairman Council Chairman Administrator

Henry H. Livingston III JJosephoseph G. MergoMergo IIIIII WilliamWilliam EE.. RobinsonRobinson R. Archie Scott D. Paul Sommerville CecilCecil M. Thornton Jr. RobertRobert WinklerWinkler Newberry County Lexington County Allendale County Dillon County Beaufort County Calhoun County York County Council Chairman Administrator Council Member Council Member Council Vice Chair- Council Member Council Member Local Leaders. Statewide Strength.®

South Carolina Association of Counties, char- Q SCAC provides many opportunities for Q The Association, in cooperation with the tered on June 22, 1967, is the only organization county officials to meet and learn, among them: Joseph P. Riley Jr. Center for Livable Communi- dedicated to statewide representation of county ties at the College of Charleston, conducts the government in South Carolina. A nonpartisan, 0 Mid-Year Conference — Held in late winter Institute of Government for County Officials nonprofit organiza- in Columbia, this conference enables all county (Level I, Level II, and Advanced levels). tion with a full-time officials to become better informed about the Clemson University’s Master of Public Ad- staff in Columbia, Association’s legislative program. The Association ministration program is a sponsor of the Institute. SCAC is governed by also hosts a reception for all members of the S.C. This certificate program helps county of- a 29-member Board of General Assembly during this conference. ficials enhance their skills and abilities. Courses Directors selected by 0 Annual Conference — Held in August, this are offered at the Annual and Mid-Year Con- county officials at the conference is open to all elected and appointed ferences and at the County Council Coalition Association’s Annual officials. The conference includes a business ses- Meeting in the fall. Conference. sion, general session, workshops, group meetings, SCAC also sponsors a number of continu- Counties have and exhibits of county products and services. ing education webcasts and webinars for county made tremendous progress since the enactment 0 Legislative Conference — Held in December, officials and employees throughout the year at no of the Home Rule Act in 1975. County govern- this conference allows members of the Legislative charge to counties. Within a few weeks after the ment has also become more diverse in order to Committee to discuss and adopt a legislative live broadcast, county officials and employees are meet the increasing needs of its citizens. SCAC program for the upcoming year. The committee able to access the session as a video on demand is dedicated to providing programs and services is composed of each council chairman along with via SCCounties.org. that equip county officials with the tools to gov- the Association’s Board of Directors. ern effectively.

Q SCAC offers a number of financial services Q SCAC provides legal assistance to county Q South Carolina counties are able to collect to its member counties. The Association spon- governments by rendering legal opinions, prepar- delinquent emergency medical services debts, sors two self-funded insurance trusts to provide ing amicus curiae briefs, drafting ordinances, and magistrate and family court fines, hospital debts, workers’ compensation and property and liability consulting with other county officials. as well as other fees owed to the counties through coverage. The trusts are designed specifically to The Association provides support to coun- SCAC’s Setoff Debt Collection Program. meet the unique needs of local governments. ties involved in litigation that might affect other Debts are submitted through the Associa- counties. It also sponsors the Local Government tion to the S.C. Department of Revenue to be SCAC also offers the following services Attorneys’ Institute, which provides six hours of matched with income tax refunds. The debt is through affiliate organizations: GovDeals inter- continuing legal education for local government deducted from a refund and returned through net auction of surplus assets; and competitive attorneys. SCAC to the claimant. purchasing discounts through Forms and Sup- ply, Inc. and the U.S. Communities purchasing cooperative.

Q The S.C. General Assembly Q SCAC publishes an annual Q SCAC provides research and in South Carolina, and Case Law Af- convenes each January in Columbia Directory of County Officials listing technical assistance in many areas to fecting Local Government are made and adjourns sine die in May. One in addresses and telephone numbers of those counties that request it. The available to county officials. every four bills introduced affects county offices and their elected and Association staff annually responds county governments. appointed officials. The Association to hundreds of inquiries from SCAC’s website address is: SCAC monitors each bill as it also publishes Carolina Counties county officials ranging from simple is introduced and keeps its members Newsletter five times a year to keep requests for a sample ordinance to SCCounties.org up-to-date on all legislative activity the Association’s membership in- more complex questions requiring with a weekly Friday Report. The As- formed about legislation and various considerable research. The Associa- The site provides county of- sociation also dispatches Legislative county news. County Focus Magazine tion also develops technical research ficials with the latest information Alerts and publishes Acts That Affect is published four times a year and bulletins and conducts surveys on a on SCAC programs, services, and Counties each year. features articles on county trends, variety of subjects. Regular publica- meetings as well as legislative infor- innovations, and other subjects of tions such as the Wage and Salary mation, research and survey results, interest to county officials—includ- Report, Home Rule Handbook, A and links to other local government ing a “County Update” section. Handbook for County Government resources. Advocacy. Education. Collaboration.

• SCAC • 1919 Thurmond Mall • PO Box 8207 • Columbia, SC 29202-8207 • • (803) 252-7255 • Toll-Free: 1-800-922-6081 • Fax (803) 252-0379 • E-mail: [email protected] •

26 Volume 31, Number 3 SCAC Staff Timothy C. Winslow Executive Director [email protected] Joshua C. Rhodes Deputy Executive Director and 1919 Thurmond Mall General Counsel Columbia, SC 29201 [email protected] PO Box 8207 Anna B. Berger Columbia, SC 29202-8207 Senior Director of Operations [email protected] 803-252-7255 Fax: 803-252-0379 [email protected] www.SCCounties.org

Tish F. Anderson Dana T. Homesley Daina M. Riley Deputy Director of Administrative Services Administrative Assistant Staff Attorney [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Robert E. Benfield, ARM, AINS Kim P. Hudson Beth A. Segars Director of Risk Management Services Senior Claims Adjuster, SCCWCT Claims Adjuster, SCCWCT [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Kelly H. Benson, AIC Lang C. Kelly, ARM, AIC Pam N. Selkinghaus, ARM Senior Claims Adjuster, SCCWCT Claims Manager, SCCWCT Insurance Trusts’ Program Coordinator [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Sharon D. Berkowitz Pearlena A. Khalif-Govan Ann B. Shealy Program Coordinator Administrative Assistant Recovery Specialist, SCCWCT [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Amber L. Brazell Cindy J. King Leslie M. Simpson Program Coordinator Accounting Manager, SCCWCT Staff Attorney [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Janet L. Cook N. Taylor Lee Alexander W. Smith Senior Claims Adjuster, SCCWCT Administrative Specialist, SCCWCT Staff Attorney [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

H. Warren Counts Jr., CPA M. Kent Lesesne John J. Snelling Controller Director of Governmental Affairs Senior Claims Adjuster, SCCWCT [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Caroline Deevey, CIC, AAI, CISR, CRIS, INS Robert J. Lyon, CPM, CPPB Rachael P. Stephenson Insurance Trusts’ Assistant Coordinator IT/Procurement Director Claims Supervisor, SCCWCT [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

John K. DeLoache Owen A. McBride Ryan C. Tooley Senior Staff Attorney Assistant Director of Governmental Affairs Special Projects Coordinator [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Jennifer M. Haworth Mark A. McKinney Susan B. Turkopuls Member Services Coordinator Claims Manager, SCCP< Director of Research and Training [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Crystal D. Hayden-Jeffcoat Burdetta M. Miller Rick K. Ucinski Claims Adjuster II, SCCWCT Claims Adjuster, SCCWCT Field Representative [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

John D. Henderson, ARM, ALCM W. Stuart Morgan III John O. Wienges Director of Insurance Services Public Information Director Governmental Affairs Liaison [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Van Henson, CPM Colleen Motley Mary E. Williams Risk Manager Senior Claims Adjuster, SCCWCT Administrative Assistant [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Chris W. Hinson Nilda A. Padgett Senior Adjuster, SCCP< Director of Administrative Services [email protected] [email protected] County Focus 27 History of the Trusts

The S.C. Counties Workers’ Compensation Trust (SCCWCT) was formed in 1984 with only 11 counties. Today, the membership consists of 41 of South Carolina’s 46 counties and an additional 47 county-related entities. SCCWCT is approved as a self-insured trust by the S.C. Workers’ Compensation Commission in accordance with South Carolina statutes. It provides statutory workers’ compensation coverage for its members. The S.C. Counties Property & Liability Trust (SCCP<) was formed in 1995 due largely to the success of the Workers’ Compensation Trust. SCCP< started with only four members and now has 24 members, including 16 counties. Boards of Trustees

The Trusts were designed by and for county government with the goal of providing insurance to counties at the lowest rates possible, while providing services uniquely tailored to the needs of county governments. The Boards of Trustees are made up of county ofﬁcials who are elected by the SCAC’s Board of Directors. Although not a requirement, both boards currently share the same membership. Risk Management

Because member contributions (premiums) are based both on the accident histories of the individual counties (experience modiﬁers) and on the membership as a whole, both Trusts employ very aggressive risk management strategies. The philosophy adopted by the Trusts is that, if accidents are caused, they can be prevented. Risk Management services are provided by the SCAC staff. The payoff is lower premiums and a safer working environment. Claims Administration

SCAC’s staff administers the S.C. Counties Workers’ Compensation Trust and S.C. Counties Property & Liability Trust. Q

BOARDS OF TRUSTEES for South Carolina Counties Workers’ Compensation Trust and Property & Liability Trust CHAIRMANCCHAAIRMAAN VICEVICE CHAIRMANCHAIRMAN Joseph R. Branham David K. Summers Jr. Waymon Mumford Chester County Calhoun County Florence County Council Vice Chairman Council Chairman Council Member

28 Volume 31, Numbers 3 Robert Benfield, ARM, AINS, SCAC Director of Risk Management Services, and Van Henson, CPM, SCAC Risk Manager The goal of a county’s risk management program is to keep bad in tort law and can hold an employer legally accountable for stuff from happening and protecting the county’s assets. Since the negligent employee actions if the employee was acting within most valuable asset a county has is its employees, it only makes the scope of his or her employment at the time of the incident. sense to mitigate the exposures impacting their safety. This is an important concept in distracted driving cases and why Motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) account for over 10 you should have in place and enforce a policy that bans percent of all member counties’ workers’ compen- all use of hand held and hands-free mobile phone sation claims and over 54 percent of their total devices while driving during the course and scope incurred cost. MVAs also account for over 63 of employment. percent of property and liability claims within During evidentiary discovery, a good at- the S.C. Counties Property & Liability Trust. torney will likely request private and county The National Safety Council’s most recent owned mobile device records, as well as national statistics state that in 2019 there additional documents in an attempt to es- were 38,800 traffic related fatalities and tablish that an employee was acting within 4.4 million traffic related injuries serious the scope of employment at the time of the enough to require medical attention. incident. The attorney will also try to prove To further support the importance of that a culture of negligence exists within your safe driving habits by employees, the most organization and will also exploit the facts if you recent figures released from the Bureau of La- have no policies, procedures or training in place to bor and Statistics show that transportation related prohibit such behavior, or that your policies are inef- incidents are still the number one cause of work-related fective and/or not enforced. fatalities at 40 percent. To put that into perspective, the second You will have some protections granted pursuant to the South leading cause of work-related fatalities is falls, trips and slips in Carolina Tort Claims Act. However, it’s worth noting that federal at 17 percent. This is indisputable evidence that we should be actions can be brought against an employer if it can be shown focusing on creating a culture of safe driving within our county that there is training or procedural lapses in certain cases. There departments. also has been recent discussions in congress to consider liability Preventing a motor vehicle accident can eliminate three reforms to hold entities more responsible for certain employee types of claims—workers’ compensation, property, and liability. torts under federal law. You are likely paying more in annual insurance premiums than Written and enforced policies and procedures, and appropri- you would be if there were an effective safe driving program in ate training provide just one layer of prevention and assistance place for your county. in being able to build a stronger defense against a tort claim. The common law doctrine of respondeat superior is some- County leaders should lead by example and should support all thing that all should be aware of too. This doctrine is common (Continued on next page)

Henry H. Livingston III GaryGary M. MixoMixonn Debra B. Summers Steve Willis SECRETARY/SECRETARY/ Newberry County Sumter County Lexington County Lancaster County TREASURER Council Chairman Administrator Council Member Administrator Timothy C. Winslow Executive Director, SCAC County Focus 29 initiatives throughout every department. Technology can recipro- drive those vehicles impacts public perception and your county’s cally be utilized to protect us against the same technology in the budget. form of cell phone blocking apps. SCAC Staff can provide you with examples of written VARB Many of these apps are offered by cell phone providers or policies. These examples will provide you with guidance on de- can be downloaded for free. They operate by blocking the use veloping the scope of your VARB, makeup of the review panel, of the phone when the unit’s GPS detects that it is in motion review procedures, employees’ rights to defend their actions, and exceeding 10 mph. Employee’s voicemail prompts should sanctions and penalties. The Association also offer a variety of also indicate that they are a phone-free driver and that they will defensive driving classes that can be taught in your county for respond back as soon as it is safe to do so. a minimum fee to cover the costs of the workbooks needed for Another vital component of a successful risk management each student. program is the use of a vehicle accident review board (VARB). The purpose of this board is to review all employee-involved Defensive Driving 4 Course—a four-hour, National Safety Coun- motor vehicle accidents and determine if the accident could cil course designed for operators of non-emergency or mainte- have been avoided and if the employee’s actions or inactions nance vehicles. Training certificates are issued, and many insurers contributed to or caused the accident. will redeem them for discounts on personal auto insurance. Not all accidents can be avoided, but many accidents oc- cur due to distractions, driving too fast for conditions and poor Coaching the Emergency Vehicle Operator (CEVO) Police—a driving habits. One of the first steps in creating a culture of safe four-hour, National Safety Council course designed for sheriff’s driving within your organization is to hold your employees ac- deputies. The course covers backing, running with lights and countable for their actions. It is also critical that you hold your sirens, pulling offenders and legal rulings of accidents involving department managers and supervisors accountable for enforcing law enforcement vehicles. This course has been approved by your policies. the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy for four hours of The makeup of the VARB can vary depending on your Continuing Law Enforcement Education credits. county organization and political makeup. In some counties a representative of each department sits on the VARB. In other Coaching the Emergency Vehicle Operator (CEVO) EMS—a counties, there is a VARB for county departments and a separate four-hour, National Safety Council course designed for EMS. VARB for law enforcement. Either way, VARBs can help reduce accidents and injuries. The VARB can also be expanded to cover Coaching the Emergency Vehicle Operator (CEVO) Fire—a four- heavy equipment, and any wheeled or powered conveyance ac- hour, National Safety Council course designed for the fire service. cidents. Ultimately, it is left up to each county to determine the best makeup and procedures for their VARB. Coaching the Maintenance Vehicle Operator—a four-hour, In addition to reviewing MVAs and determining if the National Safety Council course designed for public works em- employee did or did not contribute to or cause the accident, ployees. the VARB can also assign sanctions and penalties based on its philosophy. Some examples of sanctions and penalties are as If you would like additional information on VARBs, follows, but not limited to: sample policies and procedures, or to schedule defensive z Driving privileges revoked driver training please contact Van Henson, Vhenson@ z Require enrollment and completion of a driver improvement scac.sc, or Robert Benfield, [email protected]. program or defensive driving class SCAC looks forward to working with you on your risk z Required to pay for repairs (full amount or a percentage not management and safety programs. to exceed set amount) z Required to pay a percentage or full amount of the deduct- ible z Revoke take home privileges of county vehicles (if applicable) z Days off without pay z Termination for egregious violations There are some guidelines that need to be followed when setting your sanctions and penalties to ensure you operate within labor laws and applicable wage and hours laws. SCAC can provide you with a memorandum written by a labor attorney that gives guidance in this area. The Association recommends that you conduct annual motor vehicle record checks on all employees who drive county vehicles. You should also require employees to report to you as soon as possible if their state driving privileges have been revoked or suspended by the SCDMV. Your marked county vehicles are a moving billboard for your county and how your employees

30 Volume 31, Numbers 3

SCAC hosted its 2020 Annual Conference—a “hybrid” measures, including one person per six-foot area, were imple- conference—on a condensed schedule in Hilton Head on Augustg mented. The hotel followed Hospitality Industry guidelines for 1 – 3, designed to maximize safety due to the coronavirus reopening. pandemic. The Insti- Workshops were designed to help county leaders lead tute of Govern- and serve more effectively, and the ment for County general session was streamed live Officials was for anyone unable to attend. held on August New SCAC officers and 1 and August 2. board members were elect- The following ed. courses were The SCAC staff worked offered: Public closely with hotel staff to Budgeting; De- ensure recommended sani- veloping Good tizing procedures were fol- Leadership lowed and social distancing Skills; Planning

SCAC’s Newly-Elected President for 2020–21 Johnnie Wright Sr. Orangeburg County Council Chairman

General Session, SCASCAC’sC’s 20202020 Annual Conference, August 3

32 Volume 31, Number 3 and Land Use; Current Issues: Moving Forward from the CO- Political Environment. Many of these courses are available online VID-19; Building an Effective Team; and Decision-Making in a on the Association’s website for anyone who was unable to attend the conference. SCAC’s 2020 Annual Awards Program was hosted on August 26 at SCETV in Columbia. Presenters presented in person, and the event was streamed live for all county officials to view. This year’s Awards Program included a COVID-19 Response and Resiliency Showcase. The new segment was added to this year’s program so counties could describe their efforts when working with communities during the coronavirus pandemic. SCAC then livestreamed a “watch party” at SCETV on October 1 to announce the competition’s winning projects, and to recognize counties that participated in the showcase.

(More photos, Pp. 34 to 36)

Dwight L. Stewart Jr. Clarendon County Council Chairman

³ A county official completes a form affirming that has not been exposed to COVID-19 and that he is symptom-free when picking up his conference registration packet. To help ensure social distancing, SCAC set up multiple registration desks.

³ SCAC Staff Member Dana Homesley shows the poster promoting SCAC’s conference app, which can be downloaded from Apple iPhone

or the Google Play Store for android phones. ³ Gina Smith (at left) teaches the Public Budgeting class at the Institute of Government, shown above.a

County Focus 33 ³ Participating on the panel for the Institute of Government’s discussion on Current Issues: Moving Forward from the COVID-19 are: (right to left) Josh Rhodes, SCAC Deputy Executive Director and General Counsel; Michael Kozlarek of Kozlarek Law LLC; Vic Carpenter, Kershaw County Administrator; and Frank Rainwater, Executive Director, S.C. Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office.

Photos by

Stuart Morgan ³ SCAC Senior Staff Attorney John DeLoache (inset above-left), a panelist, speaks at the Institute of Government’s Planning and Land Use class. Two other panelists participated: Michael Conley, Planning and Zoning Director, Kershaw County; and Alison Simmons, Planning and Zoning Director, Berkeley County.

³ 2019–20 SCAC President Dwight Stewart presents a small replica of the J. Mitchell Graham Memorial Award to David Chinnis, Dorchester County Council Vice Chairman, who accepts the memento for Dorchester County. Dorchester County won last year’s award for its Online Newsroom, an innovative approach that tells the county’s story by improving information communicated to the public and reducing the spread of misinformation.

34 Volume 31, No. 3 ³ SCAC’s newly-elected president, Johnnie Wright Sr. presents a plaque to Immediate Past President Dwight Stewart recognizing his dedication and hard work as president of the SCAC from 2019 to 2020.

³ Participating on the panel (right to left) at the Building Connections Between Enforcement and the Community workshop are: Anna Berger (moderator), SCAC Senior Director of Operations; Waymon Mumford, Florence County Council Member; Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott; Lancaster Sheriff Barry Faile; and Chief Greg Mullen, Clemson University. During the workshop, law enforcement and county leaders shared their experiences working with a broad range of community members to build a foundation of trust.

³2019–20 SCAC President Dwight Stewart presents the President’s Cup to David W. Epperson, Clarendon County Administrator. Each year, SCAC honors the county official who has merited special recognition for service to county governments and assistance to the Association’s president during the past year.

County Focus 35 ³ SCAC Immediate Past President Dwight Stewart (left) passes the president’s gavel to the Association’s new president, Johnnie Wright Sr.

³ SCACSCCAAC SStaffttaff MMembereme ber PearlPeP arl Khalif-GovanKhhalif Govan showsshowsw thethe signsiggn recognizingreecognnizing the many businesses that supported the Association’s 53rd Annual Conference as Conference Sponsors.

SCAC’s 2020 Awards Competition and COVID-19 Response and Resiliency Showcase was held on August 26 at SCETV in Columbia. On October 1, SCAC livestreamed a Virtual Watch Party to announce the competition’s award winners and to recognize counties that participated in the Showcase.

³ Presenting Georgetown County’s entry at the J. Mitchell Graham/Barrett Lawrimore Memorial Awards Competition are: Brandon Ellis, Georgetown Emergency Preparedness Manager; and Jackie Broach-Akers, Public Information Officer.

³ JUDGES—Judging this year’s competition are: (right to left) William E. Tomes, Fellow, Joseph P. Riley Jr. Center for Livable Communities, College of Charleston; J. Milton Pope, Principal, Parker Poe Consulting; and Paula E. Sanford, Ph. D., Public Service and Outreach Faculty Member,

³ On August 26 at SCETV in Columbia, a cameraman records presentations made at the J. Mitchell Graham/ Carl Vinson Institute of Barrett Lawrimore Memorial Awards Competition. The three-judge panel (inset above-right) asked each of the Government, University of presenters questions immediately following their 10 minute presentations. Georgia.

36 Volume 31, No. 3 SCAC 2020 Annual Conference SPONSORS

DIAMOND

PLATINUM

GOLD

AT&T Compass Municipal Advisors Corporate Pharmacy Services, Inc. Howell Linkous & Nettles, LLC Keck & Wood, Inc. Kozlarek Law LLC McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture Moseley Architects Motorola Solutions – Palmetto 800 Parker Poe Synovus Securities, Inc. – South Carolina Power Team SynTerra Corporation Thomas & Hutton

SILVER

The Brick Industry Association Greene Finney, LLP Municode PUBLIQ Software Schneider Electric Segra Southeast Cement Pavement Association Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. Stewart–Cooper–Newell Architects, P.A. County Focus 37 Excellence is When it comes to architecture what we do. and construction for municipal buildings and community spaces, integrated DESIGN BUILD is the way to go. Bobbitt has delivered state-of-the-art facilities for municipalities across the Carolinas. View our portfolio on our website and Excellence is contact us to learn more. what you expect. At PrintSouth Printing, our specialization is offset and digital printing. However, we offer so much more; including mailing, large Turn to the experts to BUILD format, ad specialty, and marketing. We also provide your community facility, where graphic and web design. Working hard government and people connect. to bring you the best solutions for your project all under one roof. bobbitt.com Call today at 803-796-2619 or visit us online at myprintsouth.com

PRINTING • DIGITAL MARKETING • MAILING

Corinne Alford THINK. DESIGN. BUILD. Sales Representative C 803-665-0023 a builder [email protected]

1114 Silstar Road West Columbia, SC 29170 P 803-796-2619 online: myprintsouth.com

38 Volume 31, Number 3 Lancaster County Courthouse Lancaster, South Carolina

At Stevens & Wilkinson we create sustainable environments that are culturally and ÃV>ÞÃ}wV>Ì]«ÀiVÌÃÌ >Ì >Ûi>>ÃÌ}>`«ÃÌÛi«>VÌÕÀVÕÌiÃ°

1501 Main Street, Suite 730, Columbia, SC 29201 - stevens-wilkinson.com - #smartdesignsolutions David W. Epperson Receives President’s Cup

SCAC President Dwight L. Stewart Jr. (Clarendon County Council Chairman) presented the President’s Cup—one of the Association’s highest honors—to Clarendon County Ad- ministrator David W. Epperson at the Association’s 2020 Annual Conference, held August 1 – 3. Each year, SCAC honors the county official who has merited special recognition for service to county governments and assistance to Association’s president during the past year.

“This year’s recipient of the President’s Cup—my good friend, David Epperson—has contributed countless hours to the betterment of his com- SCAC President for 2019–20, Dwight L. Stewart Jr. (left), presents the President’s Cup to munity where he was born and David W. Epperson on August 3 during SCAC’s 2020 Annual Conference. (Photo by Stuart raised. ... He is a tremendous Morgan) asset to Clarendon County and 2006, this gentleman has helped guide of Manning and a doting father who county council.” our county through historic flooding enjoys spending time with his family and —Dwight L. Stewart events and the Coronavirus pandemic. supporting his children in their hobbies. SCAC President for 2019–20 He is a tremendous asset to Clarendon David is blessed with a loving and sup- County and county council. portive wife, Bridgett, and two children, “This year’s recipient of the Presi- “Recognized by his peers as a Harper and Maggie.” dent’s Cup—my good friend, David leader, David served as the 2018ï19 Epperson received his bachelor’s Epperson—has contributed countless President of the South Carolina County degree from the University of South hours to the betterment of his commu- Managers, Administrators and Super- Carolina (USC) and his Juris Doctor nity where he was born and raised,” said visors’ Association,” Stewart added. degree from the USC School of Law. He SCAC President Stewart when present- “This gentleman is active in the South is also a graduate of SCAC’s Institute of ing the prestigious award to Epperson Carolina Association of County Attor- Government for County Officials. at the conference’s general session on neys and serves as a member of SCAC’s August 3. “Having served in a leadership legislative tracking groups. He is also position with Clarendon County since an Elder at The Presbyterian Church

40 Volume 31, Number 3 Recipients of the SCAC President’s Cup

2020—David W. Epperson, Clarendon County 2019—Columbus Stephens, McCormick County 2018—Wayne Adams, Newberry County 2017—Belinda D. Copeland, Darlington County 2016—K.G. “Rusty” Smith Jr., Florence County 2015—Patricia S. Hartley, Horry County 2014—R. Carlisle Roddey, Chester County 2013—William T. Noonan, Sumter County 2012—Willis H. Meadows, Greenville County 2011—David K. Summers, Jr., Calhoun County 2010—James A. Coleman, Laurens County Commercial Sheetfed, 2009—Steve S. Kelly, Jr., Kershaw County 2008—Waymon Mumford, Florence County Web & Digital Printing 2007—Waymon Mumford, Florence County 2006—K.G. “Rusty” Smith, Jr., Florence County 2005—Ed Favor, Charleston County 2004—David K. Summers, Jr., Calhoun County Promotional Products 2003—Roland H. Windham, Charleston County 2002—O.V. Player, Jr., Sumter County 2001—Judith Spooner, Berkeley County Online Storefronts 2000—Gonza L. Bryant, Greenwood County 1999—Polly C. Jackson, Lancaster County 1998—William L. McBride, Beaufort County 1997—James H. Rozier, Jr., Berkeley County Storage & Fulfillment 1996—Betty T. Roper, Clarendon County 1995—R. Carlisle Roddey, Chester County 1994—O.V. Player, Jr., Sumter County 1993—Betty T. Roper, Clarendon County Kitting & Mailing 1992—Lonnie Hamilton III, Charleston County 1991—David K. Summers, Jr., Calhoun County 1990—Lachlan H. Hyatt, Spartanburg County 1989—James R. McGee, Orangeburg County For more information, contact: 1988—O.V. Player, Jr., Sumter County 1987—Howard A. “Buck” Taylor, Charleston County 1986—Howard C. “Butch” Spires, Lexington County Bill Reagan 1985—Mary L. Barry, Lancaster County 1984—Johnnie Flynn, Berkeley County 803-888-3253 1983—Candy Y. Waites, Richland County 1982—Robert W. Ragin, Charleston County 1981—James R. Barber III, Richland County 1980—Charles W. Lawrimore, Georgetown County 1979—L.H. “Sonny” Siau, Georgetown County 1978—James O. Thomason, Spartanburg County 1977—Oren L. Brady, Jr., Spartanburg County 1976—J. Eugene Klugh, York County 1975—Richard L. Black, Charleston County

County Focus 41 Twenty-Nine County Officials Graduate from the Institute of Government for County Officials

Twenty-nine county officials gradu- LEVEL II ated on August 3 from Levels I and II of the Institute of Government for County Graduating from Level II were: AI- Officials at SCAC’s 2020 Annual Con- KEN COUNTY—Brian Sanders, Dep- ference, held August 1 ï 3. uty County Administrator; CHESTER- “It is an honor for me to recognize FIELD COUNTY—C. Heath Ruff- members of the class of 2020,” said ner, County Attorney; EDGEFIELD 2019-20 SCAC President Dwight L. COUNTY—Scott Cooper, Council Stewart Jr. (Clarendon County Council Chairman; FAIRFIELD COUNTY— Chairman) when recognizing graduates Cornelius Robinson, Council Chair- at the conference’s general session on man; Patti L. Davis, Clerk to Council; August 3. “Your commitment to county HAMPTON COUNTY—Jennifer G. government is admirable, and your suc- Youmans, Treasurer; LANCASTER cess is well-deserved. Congratulations!” COUNTY—Terry Graham, Council Member; and OCONEE COUNTY— LEVEL I James G. Hart, Council Member.

Graduating from Level I were: The Institute of Government for AIKEN COUNTY—Brian Sanders, County Officials provides county of- Deputy County Administrator; Cynthia ficials the opportunity to enhance their Holland, Registration & Elections Ex- skills and abilities to function more ef- ecutive Director; BAMBERG COUN- fectively. SCAC partners with the Joseph TY—Sharon Hammond, Council Chair- COUNTY—Melissa Spencer, Council P. Riley Jr. Center for Livable Communi- man; BEAUFORT COUNTY—Jo- Member; Susan L. McIntyre, Clerk ties, College of Charleston, to offer the seph Passiment, Council Chairman; to Council; HAMPTON COUNTY— Institute of Government three times per CALHOUN COUNTY—Denise M. Ronald G. Winn, Council Member; year. Clemson University’s Master of Christmas, Deputy Administrator/CFO; LANCASTER COUNTY—Allen Public Administration program sponsors CHARLESTON COUNTY—Kristen Blackmon and Terry Graham, Council the Institute. Hess, Deputy Clerk to Council; Kristen Members; LEE COUNTY—Johnette County officials must complete 27 L. Salisbury, Clerk to Council; CHERO- M. Caughman, Council Member; hours of instruction to graduate from KEE COUNTY—Stephen L. Bratton, OCONEE COUNTY—David A. Root, Level I, and 18 hours of instruction to County Administrator; EDGEFIELD County Attorney; PICKENS COUN- graduate from Level II. COUNTY—Scott Cooper, Council TY—Michael Hayes, Risk Manager; Chairman; FAIRFIELD COUNTY— SPARTANBURG COUNTY—Jack Moses W. Bell and Clarence Gilbert, A. Mabry, Council Member; SUMTER Council Members; GREENVILLE COUNTY—Christopher F. Sumpter II, COUNTY—Jessica Stone, Deputy Council Member; and YORK COUN- Clerk to Council; GREENWOOD TY—Robert Winkler, Council Member.

42 Volume 31, Number 3 2020 PRESIDENT’S REPORT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

LOCAL LEADERS. STATEWIDE STRENGTH.®

DWIGHT L. STEWART JR., president SOUTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES South Carolina Counties

Photos from left to right: Union County Courthouse (photo courtesy of Bill Segars) | Marion County Archives Building | Laurens County Courthouse (photo courtesy of Bill Segars) A Letter from the 2019-2020 President

DWIGHT L. STEWART JR., PRESIDENT

Dear County Officials,

I am honored to share this year’s President’s Report, which reflects SCAC's steadfast commitment to our counties as we face unprecedented and challenging times. Your active involvement and the strong leadership of the SCAC Board of Directors and staff are the reasons our Association is immensely successful each year.

This year, SCAC’s legislative advocacy team represented our interests on the Governor’s accelerateSC task force and continues to work closely with our counties and the Executive Budget Office to ensure we receive reimbursement from the state’s Coronavirus Relief Fund. Additionally, SCAC staff amplified our concerns and interests by fighting for our first responders and other county employees as the health crisis began to unfold in our state.

The Association has worked tirelessly to provide timely information to help us on the front lines of this health pandemic. SCAC staff has equipped our counties with invaluable resources regarding virtual council meetings, county operations and finances, the Governor’s Executive Orders, and federal relief packages. This information has proven essential for us to make informed and sound decisions for our counties. Equally important, as we work collaboratively for social justice, the Association is committed to sharing information on successful programs that build relationships among law enforcement and our communities.

For more than 50 years, SCAC’s legislative, educational, and financial resources have helped us gain the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to be effective leaders for our citizens. As you read this year’s report, I encourage you to learn more about SCAC’s diverse service package and ways you can access these resources. Our Association stands ready to assist you and your county.

As I reflect on my term as SCAC President, I would like to express my deepest gratitude for your support. It has truly been a privilege to serve as your president and work side-by-side with you. I look forward to continuing our partnership as we work for the betterment of our counties and our citizens.

Sincerely,

Dwight L. Stewart Jr., President South Carolina Association of Counties Clarendon County Council Chairman and debt collection programs help help programs collection debt and , the Association and county officials are officials are county and , the Association . SCAC is honored to be of service be to of is honored South to . SCAC Provided technical bulletins, survey technical bulletins, survey Provided on virtual council reports, & FAQs operations meetings and county and finances Local Leaders Statewide Strength Hosted webinars and virtual meetings on HR implications of federal relief packages and re-opening county offices, and state revenue projections SCAC’s educational programs foster close connections between newcomers newcomers between close connections foster programs educational SCAC’s a fundamental them with equipping by leaders seasoned county and make sharpening the skills needed to and local government of understanding keep publications and research The Association's ethical decisions. sound, issues. SCAC's emerging and trends of abreast employees officials and county services, trusts, riskinsurance management efficiently serve and effectively communities. our counties our together bringing By able to create create to able the this which covers report, of the pages Please explore 46 counties. Carolina’s the Association’s about learn more 2020, to August 2019 to period August from progress. and programs amicus Represented county Represented government on accelerateSC Committee SCAC 2019-2020 Program Highlights Highlights Program 2019-2020 SCAC l relief packages and webinars led by led by webinars and packages l relief Published multiple resources explaining COVID-19 federal relief packages, S.C. Governor's Executive Orders, funding resources for counties, and COVID-19 implications for S.C. detention centers (friend of the court) in cases with statewide impact. (friend impact. the in cases court) statewide with of SCAC's 2019-20 Legislative Priorities and COVID-19 DWIGHT L. STEWART JR., PRESIDENT DWIGHT L. STEWART SCAC 2020 Executive Summary (SCAC) Counties of Association Carolina the South 50 years, than more For and education, advocacy, officials through county empower to has worked our helping to commitment the Association's of proud I am collaboration. on guidance From times this year. faced unprecedented have as we counties federa of summaries to meetings virtual information real-time share to strives the Association attorneys, employment and residents, employees, our protect to decisions informed us make help to community. business leaders to state and county with has a rich history working of The Association a legal advocate, As goals. specific achieve legislative and Rule Home safeguard as an appears and advice, sound provides research, conducts SCAC curiae 2020 PRESIDENT’S REPORT PRESIDENT’S 2020

46 Volume 31, Number 3 are sent or individual individual or sent are SC ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES OF ASSOCIATION SC Legislative Alerts Legislative one-time income tax credit. While the While tax credit. income one-time The success of the legislative program is the result of program is the result of the legislative The success of the relentless efforts staff SCAC of and the work of county officialshundreds of who remain informed and the General timely contact with the members of make or amendment introduced and requesting input from county officials. county from input When requesting and introduced amendment or special occurs quickly, action legislative telephone calls are made. During the 2020 legislative session, SCAC monitored monitored SCAC session, the 2020 legislative During made. calls are telephone 497 bills. The budget bill includes an increase of over $1,500 to the salary supplement the salary $1,500 to over supplement of increase an includes bill The budget sheriff, as well and court, of clerk judge, probate coroner, each county for (COGs). Finally, Governments the Councils of for as a $550,000 increase a will be provide used$128 million to the from funding of the levels at operate to will continue the state of majority the Local $11,687,035 to appropriates plan the Senate fiscal year, previous per the This is full Fund the Local of funding Fund. Government Government new statutory formula . Friday Friday is prepared and distributed weekly during the legislative session to to session the legislative during weekly distributed and is prepared Policy Positions for the 2020 Session of the South Carolina General Assembly General Carolina South the of 2020 Session the for Positions Policy SCAC 2019-2020 Legislative Priorities Bill (H.5201). Local Appropriations State (LGF) and Government Fund passed the budget the House the General Assembly, of the shutdown to Prior $10.2 billion. of budget (H. 5202), a total Reserve bill Fund Capital and bill Die the Sine Under Committee. Finance in the Senate now Both are bills the While in September. will reconvene the General Assembly Resolution, pass is to the plan resolution, under a continuing operating is currently state when they reconvene. the budget additional is funded an the LGF with the House, passed by the budget Under an also bill earmarks The budget amount. last year’s $11,687,035 over policy Offices, Affairs SCAC an Veterans’ County $250,000 for additional employees. state merit-based for raise a 2 percent for provides and position, Advocates for County Government Advocacy Legislative 99 policy positions adopted Committee Legislative December 2019, SCAC’s In published were These positions year. the 2020 Legislative set for to the course in Their development spanned five months and included input from more than than more from input included and months five spanned Their development employees. officials and county 1,200 officials in the legislative county involve to resources provides The Association The actions. the General Assembly’s of them informed keep and process Report affecting officials all legislation county of ensure aware their operations. are meetings, committee and staffSCAC subcommittee numerous attend members or bill each monitor and session, of day each both chambers of the actions track affects each bill reviewing that This includes amendment government. county

County Focus 47 House passed this bill prior to May 14, 2020, the Senate may still consider this still consider may 14, 2020, the Senate May to passed this prior bill House Die Resolution. Sine this year’s to pursuant bill (S. 156). Cell in Jails Phones unauthorized of in the elimination aid which would this bill, supports SCAC to Because passed the prior Senate this inmates. bill use by telecommunication Sine this to year’s pursuant this bill still consider may 14, 2020, the House May Die Resolution. (S. 545). Property Assessment the auditors county grants that provision a statutory repealing opposes SCAC as This bill, property. personal certain assess business on to taxes authority use to a standardized auditor a county require would the Senate, by amended Because taxes. the property personal when assessing certain business form this still consider may 14, 2020, the House May to passed prior thisSenate bill Die Resolution. Sine this year’s to pursuant bill (H. 3596). Rollback Taxes when agricultural due taxes rollback of the amount reduce would This bill Because the years. three to years five use from another to is changed property this still consider may 14, 2020, the Senate May to passed this prior bill House Die Resolution. Sine this year’s to pursuant bill (H. 4504). Regulations Tire Waste tire waste violating the criminal penalties for increasing supports SCAC Environmental and Health of the Department authorizing and regulations Because the House regulations. additional promulgate to (DHEC) Control bill this consider still may Senate 14, 2020, the May to prior bill this passed Die Resolution. Sine this year’s to pursuant

Absentee Ballots (Act No. 133). No. Ballots (Act Absentee In an effort to address voting safely during COVID-19, the General Assembly effort the General an Assembly COVID-19, In during safely voting address to changes implement quickly to this bill signed, the Governor passed, and December 31, 2021. Beginning on will sunset that ballots absentee regarding ballots absentee 133 allows 7:00 a.m., Act 1, 2020, at November Sunday, on allows and witnessed, signed and properly they are ensure to beto examined 9:00 Beginning at be to removed. envelope sealed return-addressed the outer the of Results be tabulated. may ballots absentee the Day, Election a.m. on the polls close. until be reported not may tabulation allows 31, 2020, that July which sunsets on also has a provision, This Act emergency of be to in a state has been declared that area in an living anyone absentee by vote to the election before 46 days than less with the Governor by to excuse an as use COVID-19 to voters allows which provision, This ballot. runoffs any and primaries June the to applies only ballot, absentee by vote the primaries. from Affordable No.137). (Act Housing Senior Affordable and Act,” Housing enacts the “Workforce This legislation those who develop for a tax credit provides policy This Act position. SCAC an housing. low-income Armed Service 139). No. and Spouses (Act Members licenses professional policy regarding position enacts SCAC’s This legislation duty active allowing supports SCAC their spouses. military and personnel for occupational state from be their spousesmilitary to exempt and personnel in another license a valid occupational if they maintain requirements licensing state. LicensesBusiness (H. 4431). policy to position enact SCAC’s which would this bill, supports SCAC is This bill taxes. license business of collection and the imposition standardize license a business impose to ability a county’s inhibit does not neutral, revenue portal. Because the payment online an the use of for allow would tax, and 2020 PRESIDENT’S REPORT PRESIDENT’S 2020

48 Volume 31, Number 3 amicus ons; conducting in-depth in-depth conducting ons; band infrastructure plan. Under taff involved also assists counties al agencies, SC ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES OF ASSOCIATION SC and universities, $40 million for . The court's dismissal means that . The court's dismissal that means Staff was authorized to receive up ities must submit are receiving, grant of certiorari of grant . county property is not protected from takings by the state. takings by from protected is not property county Georgetown County v. S.C. Department Transportation of Georgetown v. County agency take the property can whether a state of the issue This case involves the by required compensation just paying without government county of were because counties held that The S.C. Court Appeals of constitution. state be taken without could the counties of property any the state, of a creation and appeal Court the county's accepted The S.C. Supreme compensation. 3, 2020, June on however, video conference; by arguments oral scheduled the court dismissed the (friend of the court). This year, legal staff filed and (friend the This year, court). of legal research with assisted Acts That AffectActs That Counties s llion for state and local governments independent colleges mburse expenditures from the federal CARES Act to state and loc mburse expenditures from the federal CARES thorized to receive $270 million, and the Office of Regulatory nistrator to identify other COVID-19 related funding that they e broadband county-by-county mapping plan and a statewide broad how the funding is being used. fits. ated expenses. As part of the reimbursement requests, these ent ated expenses. amicus curiae amicus al. v. Calhoun County Council County Calhoun v. al. briefs before the state appellate courts in the following cases: in the courts following appellate the state before briefs $50 million to secure vendors for the development of a statewid minority and small business relief, $25 million for non-pro Act No.142 will be included in SCAC’ more thorough summary of A regardless of the source, and provide a detailed accounting As part of Phase I funding, state and local governments were au mi Assembly authorized an additional $115 Phase II, the General sufficient information to the EBO and appointed grants admi institutions of higher learning, and hospitals for COVID-19 rel CARES Act (Act No. 142). CARES Act No. 142 authorizes the Executive Budget Office (EBO) to rei SCAC’s legal staff, working through the county attorney, spends hundreds of hours each year providing informal phone consultati phone informal providing each year hours of spends hundreds legal staff, attorney, the county through working SCAC’s legal s SCAC advisory informal opinions. preparing and opinions; general attorney and case law, pertinent statutes, on research as appearing including interest, statewide of in litigation curiae curiae Legal Advocacy Legal S.C. Public Interest Foundation et Foundation Interest S.C. Public imposition the county’s halt to efforts the Foundation’s This case involves to related actions limits law sales State tax (CPST). project a capital of The the referendum. of the certification after 30 days to referendums CPST of the certification after months three until file action to its failed Foundation the of court dismissed the case The circuit as outside results. the referendum the case. The of the merits consider did not thus and limitations, of statute are Court. Oral arguments the S.C. Supreme with filed appeal an Foundation October 15, 2020. for scheduled

County Focus 49 fers a strong portfolio of of portfolio a strong fers training 220 participated in webinars & met state-mandated planning & zoning 90 Institute advanced 545+ graduates participate in Institute classes The primary curriculum includes two levels of certification and offers offers and certification of The primary levels two curriculum includes issues current of apprised stay to permit graduates to courses advanced required are hours contact Twenty-seven government. county impacting Level for required are 18 hours additional an and Level I certification for Level II Level I and officials attended 267 county This year, II certification. courses. in the advanced 89 participated classes, and education continuing provide courses Government’s of the Institute of Four of Institute employees. officials and local planning/zoning for credit Council the S.C. Clerks to of also a component are courses Government Certification Program. 230+ implications for & state revenue sessions on HR attended virtual ugh advocacy, education, and collaboration. The Association of The Association collaboration. and education, ugh advocacy, county operations ○ Institute 240+ Attorneys' participated in al issues, meet the daily needs of their needs of al issues, meet the daily 44 completed successfully online courses Orientation I & II educational programs with opportunities for orientation, certification, e-learning, and collaboration. and e-learning, certification, orientation, for opportunities with programs educational of Officials County (Institute for Government of Institute SCAC’s policymakers and skills that and the knowledge provides Government) critic staff address need to executive performance. the county’s monitor and communities, Riley P. the Joseph with in cooperation is offered Government of The Institute Clemson Charleston. the of College at Communities Livable for Center Jr. sponsor. is a program Program Administration Public of Master University’s enhancements make to is able the Association these partnerships, of a result As used to curriculumthe instructors pool of and Government of the Institute to the courses. teach Education and Collaboration thro leaders county informed skillful and develop to strives SCAC The Institute of Government for County Officials 2020 PRESIDENT’S REPORT PRESIDENT’S 2020

50 Volume 31, Number 3 now available online and is and online available now n hosts training via webinars and and via webinars n hosts training SC ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES OF ASSOCIATION SC the participant is granted three three is granted participant the SCAC’s online library. The webinars The webinars library. online SCAC’s ty Government I. The course takes I. The course ty Government . SCCounties.org — Institute of Government Participant Participants learn strategies for running effective meetings; the importance the importance running effective meetings; for learn strategies Participants building of The value law. becomes state a bill how and rules procedure; of of council members, local with delegation relationships effective working officer is administrative chief the elected county other officials, and members, also addressed. "Instructors were very knowledgeable and engaging. The legal expert practitioner perspectives they shared were the perfect blend for this topic. The program helped me gain more clarity and understanding of practical realistic ethical situations we face as county officials." Training for Council Officers Training vice chairmen and chairmen council for a workshop offers SCAC February, In provides The workshop Government. of the Institute with in conjunction both leadership of responsibilities and powers, the duties, about information positions. E-learning the Associatio Today, programs. education via distance employees officials and county to training has provided 1996, SCAC Since offers online courses that provide Institute of Government credit. Webinar sessions are made available online for streaming via streaming for online made available are sessions Webinar credit. Government of Institute provide that courses online offers the counties. no cost to at education providing for tool invaluable an are II is Government County to Orientation Government. of the Institute as part of this year course second online its launched SCAC Coun to in Orientation covered the topics upon builds officials. This course county appointed elected and no cost to at offered completion, the user's Upon learning. reinforce to several quizzes includes and complete to a half hours and one approximately at website SCAC’s visit information, additional For credit. Government of Level I Institute of hours County Focus 51 ral ral ember ember

olina olina during during the ability to ficials ls to take advantage of the ls to take advantage of the Each year, SCAC hosts the Local Government Attorneys’ Institute (the Institute Attorneys’ hosts the Local Government SCAC Each year, with attorneys government state local and provides The Institute Institute). sector attorneys 240 public than More legal information. important and timely the and Ethics included: 22. Topics November on the 2019 Institute attended Case Update; Federal Law in the Workplace; Marijuana Disciplinary Process; and Act; Rule Resilience; The Home Build and Space Create Help to Resources Case Update. Law and S.C. Legislative on April 1; and “Preventing Workplace Violence” webinar on Dec on April 1; and “Preventing Workplace getary Implications" GoToMeeting on April 9; “New COVID-19 Fede on April 9; “New COVID-19 getary Implications" GoToMeeting ts with the implications of COVID-19 and the 2020 Census Count. ts with the implications of COVID-19 fficials and employees from 35 local governments participated. ” was offered on June 9, and “Growth Implications for South Car s through June 30, 2020, to allow planning and zoning of virtual programs: “HR Implications of Reopening County Offices virtual programs: “HR Implications of Reopening ations from county participants for these events. ations from county participants for these events. conducted two webinars in June for planning and zoning officia SCAC’s 2019-20 Continuing Education Programs SCAC’s waived certain training requirement the SCPEAC Due to COVID-19, continue their education remotely. SCAC SCPEAC changes. The topics were crafted to help local governmen SCPEAC in Planning & Zoning Virtual Meetings Online Services “Trends Counties” was offered June 18. Nearly 290 planning and zoning o During the past year, Association also hosted following Projections and Bud Revenue webinar on June 8; "State COVID-19“ and HR Implications for Counties” webinar Supplemental Packages 4. Collectively, the Association received more than 250 registr Legal Training Legal and legal staff presentations SCAC provide to regularly is called upon of as the Freedom such officials topics county on for training employees and council of functions and duties and updates; legislative (FOIA); Act Information officer administrative chief government. of the county and forms in the various or sites county at be provided can and free-of-charge is provided This training Officethe SCAC in Columbia. 2020 PRESIDENT’S REPORT PRESIDENT’S 2020

52 Volume 31, Number 3 to upcoming upcoming to Association enhanced its search search its enhanced Association cuments, and county codes of codes of county and cuments, re county-related information. information. county-related re nt requests to more complex complex more to requests nt SC ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES OF ASSOCIATION SC nd state officials make informed officials informed make nd state ction connects county officials county connects ction Collectors; the S.C. Association of of the S.C. Association Collectors; 32K profile views of information online county views of 5,900+ resources online COVID-19 1,000+ newsletter county & state officials receive county officials, allowing them to post questions and sha and post them to questions officials, allowing county SCAC magazine & ○ 50 average monthly requests research 1,600+ What's New county officials stay informed via Monthly Email monthly email message informs county officials on new or updated information available via SCAC’s website. Links are provided provided Links are website. via SCAC’s available information updated new officials or on county informs message email monthly What’s New What’s Connecting Counties to Resources & Information Assistance Technical Research and docume simple from officials ranging state and county from inquiries of hundreds to staff responds the Association’s Each year, a county help to resources data and topics other of abreast staff stays The research research. considerable requiring questions decisions. Online Research Resources the Last year, website. via SCAC’s resources and information of abundance access an to able are employees officials and County fun type. This search resource and topic, title, by publications and documents access easily and quickly users to allow to tool do zoning and policies, personnel planning rules procedure, council financial documents, statistics, of county to employees and also available. are Updates Regulations State and allocations, Fund Local Government estimated caps, rate Millage ordinances. New What’s The interest. of topics timely and publications, updated new and opportunities, training and events Online Discussion Forums of distinct five groups for discussion forums online administers SCAC Tax and Treasurers Auditors, of officers; the S.C. Association administrative chief hosts listservs county The Association for directors. personnel county finance officers; and Officials; county Assessing County Focus 53 Numbers 1 & 2 ounty officials,ounty Directory of County or more As of April 30, 2020 Count (Sum) 1.00 or less 174.00 Volume 31 Volume . https://www.linkedin.com/company/south- magazine, and magazine, South annual Carolina’s is published five times a year and informs local leaders of local leaders of informs and times a year five is published County Focus County carolina-association-of-counties Follow SCAC on Facebook and Twitter: @SCCounties. Or, visit the visit Or, @SCCounties. Twitter: and Facebook on SCAC Follow page: LinkedIn Association’s Carolina Counties newsletter, newsletter, counties and calendars for SCAC and NACo events, including including events, NACo and SCAC for calendars and counties Carolina Counties since 1973. The directory provides contact information for elected and elected and for information contact since 1973. The directory provides ues and successful county programs and projects. The magazine is distributed The magazine is distributed projects. and programs successful county ues and . g the signal for organizations like like organizations g the signal for SCCounties.org Directory of County Officials County of Directory newsletter, the Association’s oldest publication, has a circulation of more than South to more is distributed of c 1,000, and Carolina has a circulation publication, oldest the newsletter, Association’s magazine focuses on legislative iss magazine focuses legislative on . All are available via available . All are Officials SCAC launched its social media presence in February 2020. The Association 2020. The Association in February social its media presence launched SCAC counties: with new connections develop help to is focused platforms three on Social effective media is an for tool Twitter. and LinkedIn, Facebook, the S.C. General of members officials, county employees, reaching county award- issues, highlighting legislative on public the general and Assembly, boostin and programs, county winning Publications and Other Resources three publications— publishes award-winning SCAC NACo and the U.S. Census Bureau. Census Bureau. the U.S. and NACo Carolina Counties regional councils of governments (COGs), and SCAC’s corporate supporters. supporters. corporate (COGs), SCAC’s and governments of councils regional important issues affecting county government and announces upcoming events. events. upcoming announces and issues affecting government important county Focus County officials, corporate 1,300 county than other more officials,to state COGs, the of members SCAC’s S.C. General and Assembly, Thesupporters. local news magazine publishes submitted by webinars. SCAC the has published SCAC are officials. federal Copies and state other and officials, COGs, the S.C. General Assembly, of county members appointed nationwide. parishes and boroughs, counties, representing associations officials, COGs, all state all county and to distributed Social Media 2020 PRESIDENT’S REPORT PRESIDENT’S 2020

54 Volume 31, Number 3 he he th th SC ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES OF ASSOCIATION SC The Association also awards four Board of Directors Scholarships to to Scholarships Directors Board of four also awards The Association by chosen counties of residents who high are school seniors graduating were counties Jasper and Darlington, Colleton, Anderson, This year, lot. these awards. selected for ising tool by posting more than 164 positions, which garnered ising tool by posting more than 164 positions, which garnered his is a complimentary service provided to all counties. Over t should visit when looking for local government positions in Sou

Career Center Association's Career Center is the first place job seekers The Carolina. Job openings are categorized and easily searchable. T Carolina. Job openings are categorized and easily searchable. past year, 30 counties took advantage of this employment advert past year, nearly 12,500 views. SCAC Scholarship Program since 73 students to $170,000 in scholarships than more has awarded SCAC the Association in 1998. This year, program scholarship its establishing high school outstanding five to $2,500 scholarships awarded proudly school technical or university, college, in-state an who will attend seniors fall. in the high a graduating to Scholarship a Presidential awards SCAC Each year, current as the Association’s county in the same school who resides senior president.

County Focus 55

e trust e trust t in the field in the field ions. Both the Both the ions. agement services agement and ectors. All trustees are All trustees are ectors. pating member counties. member pating ensure the pools are the pools are ensure mized risk management mized risk management ed in 1984 by the SCAC Board of Directors in response ed in 1984 by the SCAC Board of Directors response faced by counties as evidenced by its custo its as evidenced by counties faced by well as general administration and risk management are handled in response to rapidly rising liability insurance premiums. Th in response to rapidly rising liability insurance premiums. ntly has 79 members, including 41 counties. All aspects of trus ntly has 79 members, including 41 counties. ternally by SCAC insurance staff. surance professionals. SCAC employs two risk managers who work risk managers two employs SCAC professionals. surance e implementation of strong risk management programs by partici by programs risk management strong of e implementation fficers. The trusts employ independent auditors and actuaries to to actuaries and auditors independent fficers. The trusts employ

The insurance staff the risks understands The insurance THE S.C. COUNTIES PROPERTY & LIABILITY TRUST & LIABILITY THE S.C. COUNTIES PROPERTY was formed in 1995 Trust The S.C. Counties Property & Liability has 26 members, including 16 counties. Claims administration as in-house by SCAC insurance staff. administration, including claims are handled in to a crisis in the commercial insurance market. The trust curre to a crisis in the commercial insurance market. THE S.C. COUNTIES WORKERS' COMPENSATION TRUST THE S.C. COUNTIES WORKERS' COMPENSATION (SCCWCT) was form Trust Compensation The S.C. Counties Workers’ Financial Service Programs Self-Funded Insurance Programs funct government-related county with agencies to and pools, counties member to self-insurance open two sponsors The Association Dir Board of the SCAC by trustees appointed of boards by governed trusts are & liability the property and compensation workers’ o administrative chief county or members council county either is th both programs the success of to The key strong. financially solutions. supplementing the county’s risk management efforts through inspections, training, and mentoring. SCAC staff provides claims man claims staff provides SCAC mentoring. and training, inspections, efforts through risk management the county’s supplementing underwriting. in-house of the flexibility Trust Management Trust 20 highly experienced of in staff is comprised insurance The SCAC 2020 PRESIDENT’S REPORT PRESIDENT’S 2020

56 Volume 31, Number 3 SC ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES OF ASSOCIATION SC 285+ employees educated on OSHA laws and regulations SCAC insurance staff is committed to staying abreast of COVID-19 implications on county operations and sharing resources with counties. potential to reduce three types of claims—auto liability, auto physical physical auto liability, claims—auto types three of reduce to potential the frequency address To claims. compensation workers’ and damage, 559 trained risk managers SCAC accidents, vehicle motor severity of and the past year. classes over driving 29 defensive during employees county and Safety the 2019-2020 policyDuring period, seven Occupational 287 with held, classes were training (OSHA) Administration Health The regulations. and laws evolving OSHA’s on updated being employees Office Voluntary of Regulation’s and Licensing Labor, of S.C. Department this training. for instructors provides Programs the throughout conducted classes were training onsite of A variety Basics, Employee as: Risk Management such topics covered and year Confined Recycling Spaces, Bloodborne Pathogens, Issues, Harassment member-specific issues. other and Exposures, Silica Exposures, Center videos varying 700 online in over access to free also members have Trust duration. and topic

700+ Members have access to more than 700 streaming risk management training videos 550+ More than 550 county completed employees driving defensive classes. Risk Management Education and Training Risk Management Education and the on importance great placed always trustees have of The boards the risks control to techniques risk sound management of application government the county trusts of incur of members in the course operations. (CCRM) the Certified first offered Risk Manager County 2000, SCAC In risk of in the concepts employees county educate to program training efforts in their counties. so they lead risk could management management been trained personnel have county of hundreds Over the past 20 years, very effectively with worked have and risk management of in the concepts costs. The current lower risks and staff reduce to insurance the SCAC evolved Principles, Risk Management program, training risk management at the year throughout is conducted and the CCRM program from locations. member services risk management of a variety staff provides The insurance accidents surveys. and vehicle training Because motor on-site including staff consistently insurance SCAC claims, types all other of outweigh far has the accidents vehicle motor on focusing that members reminds

County Focus 57 han 80 risk managers 80 risk managers han as through a reduction a reduction as through emy for continuing law law continuing for emy speakers on a variety of risk of a variety speakers on ty and security for employees and and employees security for ty and county councils in the shared in the shared councils county . The collections for counties have grown significantly from $29 million in in $29 million from significantly grown have counties for The collections has entities participating of in 2019. The number $100 million over 2002 to debt the Association’s 300 in 2020. Since over 81 in 2002 to increased from to $1 billion over has returned in 1992, SCAC began programs collection participants. program including participants, services assist program to numerous provides SCAC potential for searches data their data; manage counties help to software free data all submitted for totals verification and reports error and errors; to tax returns income state from addresses current provides files. SCAC security controls. stringent using electronically sends all data and counties, transfer, funds via electronic receive choose to may participants Finally, quickly. funds more receive to counties allowing on be found can programs collection the debt on information Additional SCCounties.org Management and Liability Issues", and "Inmate Supervision Supervision "Inmate and Issues", Liability and Management asses. Funding has been provided for online training for law law for training online for has been provided asses. Funding unique exposures of law enforcement including "Law Enforcement Enforcement "Law including enforcement law of exposures unique and engage risk managers, county chief administrative officers, administrative chief county risk managers, engage and and bt collection programs administered administered programs collection bt ents, to collect the unpaid debt. debt. the unpaid collect to ents,

SCAC has developed several training classes to address the classesaddress to has developed several training SCAC Risk Center "Detention Issues", Liability and Risk Management in these cl participated have 800 employees than More Issues." Acad the S.C. Criminal Justice by Approved officers program. Duty" the center Line of the "In through detention and enforcement as well costs travel and training reduced through money members saves training this complimentary credit, education enforcement this training. receive Over to 5,000 officersin officer registered litigation. and are injuries t More coordinators. claims compensation workers’ and risk managers for is held annually seminar education continuing A one-day the 2019 seminar. attended coordinators claims compensation workers’ and county The 96 from officials heard year this attendance January. in in annually is held Meeting Membership Trusts’ Insurance The purposeto educate The is of this meeting topics. management Setoff Debt de in two entities assists county SCAC (DOR): the Setoff Revenue of Collection the S.C. Department Debt by Program Receivable Accounts Enterprise the Government and Program liabilities unpaid recover entities county help (GEAR). These programs otherwise likely uncollected. go which would income state debtor’s individual an redirecting by collected Owed funds are uncollected the previously for as payment entity a county to tax refund methods, as such DOR use to additional allows The GEAR program debt. garnishm wage and plans payment successful highly in proven have programs collection debt SCAC’s as emergency medical such operations county for monies returning drug and alcohol services, hospitals, taxes, delinquent fees, fines court and sewer services, and water license fees, and business centers, treatment services.housing challenge of building and maintaining an effective risk management program, which protects a county’s assets and maximizes safe assets and effective a county’s an which protects maintaining and program, building of risk management challenge residents. 2020 PRESIDENT’S REPORT PRESIDENT’S 2020

58 Volume 31, Number 3 rs vide cards ilable

ly by gs for a broad nt forms, ercent for . rs that have SC ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES OF ASSOCIATION SC those who need them. are accepted by more than 57,000 pharmacies nationwide, and pro savings of up to 35 percent at local pharmacies, and 50 p mail-order purchases. Citizens do not have to complete enrollme and cards can be distributed with a brochure and used immediate uninsured and underinsured county residents. Theuninsured and underinsured county residents. program is ava without charge to NACo member counties and theirThe residents. U.S. COMMUNITIES GOVERNMENT PURCHASING U.S. COMMUNITIES GOVERNMENT PURCHASING ALLIANCE Association of Counties (NACo) are sponso SCAC and the National NACO PRESCRIPTION DRUG PROGRAM The NACo Prescription Discount Program offers significant savin of U.S. Communities, the leading national government purchasing cooperative. U.S. Communities provides counties with access to line of competitively solicited contracts with national supplie committed to providing their best overall public agency pricing Forms supplies on encies in ncreased sell non- than $1.6 ional online e generated ice supplies. for more than 20 GovDeals.com essential equipment, vehicles, and other surplus assets via nat Theauctions. primary benefits to counties using GovDeals are i revenue, and reduced asset depreciation storage costs. GovDeals is currently working with 42 counties and 442 other ag the South Carolina counties nettedThis state. more past year, million in revenue. Since the inception, counties hav program’s nearly $37 million in revenue. Cooperative Service Programs SURPLUS EQUIPMENT – GOVDEALS GovDeals has provided South Carolina counties an internet aucti years. GovDeals provides an electronic platform for counties to FSI OFFICE SUPPLIES PURCHASING PROGRAM SCAC sponsors a discount purchasing program for routine office program for surplus equipment through Thisand forms. program was created by SCAC in cooperation with Inc. (FSI), and offersand Supply, substantial discounts on off

County Focus 59 g knowledge and and g knowledge will enhance its educational educational its will enhance ion, all 46 counties, county elected county all 46 counties, ion, continue to work with state and and state with work to continue nd county leaders. nd county lf-insurance pools, risk management pools, risklf-insurance management ed in any manner without manner writtened in any research and educational tools related to emerging issues, and emerging to related tools educational and research keep counties safe, healthy, prosperous, and resilient. SCAC will SCAC resilient. and prosperous, healthy, safe, counties keep vering essential programs and services for 21st century counties a services and counties 21st century for programs essential vering rams designed to help counties serve their counties help designed to rams citizens. © 2020 by the South Carolina Association of Counties. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduc used this or may of part the reserved. No All rights © 2020 by publication Counties. of South Association Carolina 2020 President’s Report 2020 President’s county officials to improve South Carolina’s strength by deli by strength officials Carolina’s South county improve to offerings e-learning. through serve their counties se help to citizens—including affordable solutions offer to The innovative, will also continue Association service cooperative programs. and services, programs, collection debt issues to emerging to adapt and anticipate Local must leaders SCAC has a rich history of providing quality programs and services to counties and county officials. county services and and the of members counties to As programs Associat quality providing history has a rich of SCAC officials, and employees have access to SCAC’s prog SCAC’s to access officials, have employees and committed buildin to remains SCAC demographics, changing and pandemic the COVID-19 from face challenges to continue counties As will provide officials SCAC county for competency employees. and Tools for 21st Century Leaders Tools 2020 PRESIDENT’S REPORT PRESIDENT’S 2020 permission from the publisher. permission the from publisher. SC. Manning, Society, Trail Murals Fox the Swamp SC. Courtesy of Pleasant, Mount of Beauchene Jeffers Sarah by cover on Mural SCAC SCAC 60 Volume 31, Number 3 South Carolina Counties

Photos from left to right: Fairfield County Courthouse (photo courtesy of Bill Segars) | Chester County Transportation Museum | Dorchester County Courthouse (photo courtesy of Bill Segars) 1919 Thurmond Mall | PO Box 8207 | Columbia, SC 29202 Phone: (803) 252-7255 | In-state: (800) 922-6081 | Fax: (803) 252-0379 | [email protected] | www.SCCounties.org Mailboxes Look Like This? It Must Be Tax Season.

Many taxpayers avoid their mailboxes this time of year. While tax season can be intimidating for your customers, it’s also stressful for you. We know you’re working hard year-round to assist them. That’s why we offer multiple applications to ensure you can work as efﬁciently as possible – even on the tough days. PUBLIQ® Software’s solutions include:

Property Tax Management y Collection Management y Print and Mail Services

833.278.2547 | publiqsoftware.com | COVID-19 and the Phishing Revolution

By Courtney Mauge, Willis Towers Watson

COVID-19 and the latest exploitation be critical as the effects of the pandemic given cyber criminals a unique advantage of remote access network structure, pose unfold. in allowing them to prey upon the fears increased cyber risk felt by organiza- of not only small targeted groups, but tions due to the heavy reliance across millions of Americans. placed on VPNs (Virtual Private Further, the sudden move to a Network) and Remote Desktop remote working environment for Protocols to support the grow- many workers arguably has led ing remote workforce.1 This has to increased distractions and the proven to be only one aspect decreased likelihood that such of the heightened cyber risk workers would authenticate the exposure due to the COVID-19 validity of emails with nearby pandemic. colleagues. In fact, it can be According to The State of argued that COVID-19 opens Email Security Report for 2020, up an entire new playground for email continues to be the most cyber criminals. popular attack vector for cyber- Thus, it should be of no criminals.2 Reports regarding surprise that in the first 100 days phishing attacks have tripled since the The Evolution of Phishing Scams in of COVID-19, intelligence data showed concerns about COVID-19 became the Wake of COVID 19 a 30 percent impersonation fraud in- widespread, and most IT companies be- crease.4 By the middle of April, reports lieve that at some point they will become Social Engineering (the use of de- showed cyber criminals had reached a susceptible to a cyber-attack due to an ception to manipulate individuals into peak of sending 1.5 million malicious email compromise.3 According to Willis some desired action) and phishing cam- emails per day relating to concerns stem- Towers Watson’s 2019 Reported Claims paigns continue to be an effective meth- ming from the pandemic. 5 Many experts Data, 63 percent of cyber incidents were od for cyber criminals to access protected declared the large volume of COVID-19 caused directly by human error, and as networks because they feed upon human related scams the largest coalescing of such, understanding phishing scams will psychology and trust. COVID-19 has cyber attacks to exploit a single theme.6

1Barberi, Robert O. 2020, 21 April. COVID-19 and the latest exploitation of remote access network structure. [online] Willis Towers Watson White Paper. Available at: https://www.willistowerswatson.com/en-US/Insights/2020/04/client-alert-remote-access. 2Mimecast. 2020. The State of Email Security 2020. Mimecast.com. Available at: https://www.mimecast.com/globalassets/cyber-resilience content/the_state_ of_email_security_report_2020.pdf?utm_source=pr&utm_medium=pr&utm_campaign=7013l000001N4dRAAS 3 Ibid. 4 Ibid. 5Montalbano, Elizabeth. 2020, 21 April. Cyberattackers Ramp Up to 1.5M COVID-19 Emails Per Day. Available at: https://threatpost.com/cyberattackers- 1-5m-covid-19-emails-per-day/154970/ 6Scroxton, Alex. 2020, 18 March. Coronavirus now possibly largest ever cyber security threat. Available at: https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252480238/ Coronavirus-now-possibly-largest-ever-cyber-security-threat 7National Cyber Awareness System Alerts. 2020, 8 April. COVID-19 Exploited by Malicious Cyber Actors. Available at https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/ aa20-099a

64 Volume 31, Number 3 The spike in COVID-19 related To make matters worse, COVID-19 COVID-19. phishing campaigns prompted the U.S. related phishing emails can be very hard Department of Homeland Security’s for an employee to spot. One study Conclusions as the Cyber Security Infrastructure Agency pointed out that most of the COVID-19 Economy Reopens (CISA) to issue a report describing the related phishing campaigns discovered different type of phishing campaigns appeared to come from IP addresses Threat actors continue to become companies should be on high alert for. from within the United States. While it is more sophisticated in their tactics and The report warns companies to remain possible that the IP Addresses could have will continue to exploit trends and global diligent regarding emails containing been manipulated, it points to a more events to conduct phishing campaigns. Coronavirus in the subject line, CO- concerning reality: when phishing cam- While COVID-19 email subject lines VID-19 related website links and CO- paigns stem from the same geographic will inevitably decrease as lockdowns are VID-19 related emails containing file region, it is easier to mimic the culture lifted, companies should continue to take attachments.7 These warnings proved and language. risk mitigation, addressing the pandemic, critical as security reports began to unveil In other words, phishing campaigns seriously. Further, as new global events successful COVID-19 related phishing are more likely to sound, look, and feel take storm, companies should implement attacks. like they come from legitimate sources. the lessons learned from COVID- 19 into For example, in early April, one Not to mention, these emails may be routine employee trainings and mock observed campaign used socially en- more prone to bypass firewalls, meant phishing campaigns. Employee under- gineered emails (example—an email to only block foreign IP addresses, and standing of how to spot and report email purporting to contain information on find its way into an employee’s inbox. scams is critical to a company’s success COVID-19 but the attachment contains Additionally, the same study found that in preventing cybercrime. malware) promising access to important many of the emails contained company Nevertheless, organizations should information about cases of COVID-19 logos, trademarks and copyrights, mak- operate under the assumption that in the receiver’s local area. The emails ing them look almost identical to legiti- a social engineering attack may be evaded top email-detection software mate company emails. successful and should be prepared to to spread malware stealing the user’s Finally, amid growing cyber risk respond appropriately. Business conti- Microsoft log-in credentials. A later concerns, a Google search result review nuity plans, as well as adequate crime analysis revealed cyber criminals were during the core months of the U.S. and cyber insurance, will be key in the targeting individuals with emails appear- pandemic, showed an increased interest event of a successful social engineering ing to come from the U.S. Department of individuals to commit cybercrimes. attack. Companies should consult with of Labor regarding changes to the Family With more individuals facing financial a knowledgeable broker to understand Medical Leave Act, containing attach- uncertainty, searches related to hacking, available social engineering coverages ments deploying Trickbot Malware. scamming, and other forms of cyber- and potential pre-breach services avail- Further studies uncovered creative crime spiked. able within their policy. campaigns related to bonus reports, CO- Breakout search terms such as Willis Towers Watson in conjunction VID-19 disaster relief, pandemic food “hacking course” and “ethical hacking with the South Carolina Association of distribution, office shutdowns, FedEx course” reached record highs. The study Counties offers various CyberCrime Risk packages, quarantine protocols, changes leaves the ominous omen that the surge Solutions, as well as coverage expertise to to insurance plans, and canceled industry in cybercrimes has yet to hit its peak. prepare companies during these unprec- events. Lastly, campaigns that appear to In short, COVID-19 has only ex- edented times. Please reach out to John come from trusted government sources acerbated cyber criminals’ ability and Henderson, SCAC Director of Insurance such as the White House, Centers for desire to take advantage of the human Services, for further information on miti- Disease Control, the World Health element of cyber risk. As the fallout gating cyber risk in the remote workspace Organization and the Department of lingers, companies must remain vigilant environment. Health and Human Services continue and continue to inform employees of the to trend. increased social engineering risks tied to

8Lemos, Robert. 2020, 8 April. After Adopting COVID-19 Lures, Sophisticated Groups Target Remote Workers. Available at: https://www.darkreading. com/threat-intelligence/after-adopting-covid-19-lures-sophisticated-groups-target-remote-workers/d/d-id/1337523 9Montalbano, Elizabth. 2020,1 May. TrickBot Attack Exploits COVID-19 Fears with DocuSign-Themed Ploy. Available at: https://threatpost.com/trickbot- attack-covid-19docusign-themed-malw/155391/ 10INKY. 2020. Around the World in 34 Phish: COVID-19 Phising Examples. Available at: https://www.inky.com/around-the-world-in-34-phish-covid- 19-phishing-examples 11Beazley Insights. 2020 9, June. The enduring threat of ransomware. COVID-19 related phishing scams likely to dominate Q2. Available at: https://www. beazley.com/news/2020/beazley_breach_insights_june_2020.html 12Ibid. 12Mikalauskas, Edvardas. 2020, 2 June. Data suggest unprecedented interest in hacking and cybercrime during pandemic. Cybernews.com. Available at: https://cybernews.com/security/data-suggests-unprecedented-interest-in-cybercrime-during-pandemic/?web_view=true

County Focus 65 Pandemic Management: Options for Dealing with Financial Responsiblities in the Age of COVID-19

Lawrence Flynn, Public Finance Attorney, Pope Flynn Group

For South Carolina counties, spring- provides financial forecasts to the South state aid are, by their nature, trailing time marks the beginning of the annual Carolina General Assembly for budget- indicators for counties. For property budget process, a routine that identi- ing purposes, reduced projections of taxes, the January 15, 2020 ad valorem fies priorities and allocates resources property tax deadline occurred prior for the fiscal year ahead. However, to the full effect of the pandemic this year, the traditional cadence of being known; similarly, state income this process was hijacked by the CO- tax collections were deferred until VID-19 pandemic, with its haphazard July 15, 2020. The true impact of the mix of virtual meetings, gallons of hand pandemic on these collection sources sanitizer, fist bumps, and shots in the is just coming to fruition with respect dark. As the time of COVID-19 ap- to state income taxes and likely will not proaches the end of its first year, we be known until the January 15, 2021 tax are all beginning to see deadline for ad valorem and feel the financial real property taxes. impacts of those budget Outside taxes and projections. state assistance, bud- geted revenues for County Revenue items like sales-tax- Sources and the based revenues (lo- Impact of the cal option sales taxes, Pandemic hospitality fees, local and state accommoda- For many, the meat tions fees), enterprise and potatoes portion of revenues (utilities, county budgets—prop- stormwater, and other erty taxes and state aid fees), and, to the extent to subdivisions—has they are collected (and not been materially af- contingent on timing), fected in the fiscal year 2020/21 budget the State’s gross general fund revenues business license taxes would reflect cycle. This is not to say that these for both fiscal year 2020 and 2021 to 4 more near-term effects resulting from revenue sources are not or will not percent and negative 3 percent growth, the pandemic. be affected by the pandemic. To the respectively. This will impact the State’s contrary, Moody’s Analytics estimates annual budget and may result in flat or Addressing Revenue Losses that state and local governments (na- reduced funding to counties. Statutorily, and Delays tionwide) face a combined revenue if the state’s budget is less than the prior loss of $500 billion through the end of year, state appropriations to counties Regardless of the source, losses of 2022. Furthermore, the South Carolina will be reduced. or delays in revenues create cashflow Board of Economic Advisors, which Real property tax collections and shortages, and drawing on fund balance

66 Volume 31, Number 3 and limited cash reserves creates struc- must qualify under the provisions of Sec- Carolina Constitution only requires tural imbalances and can only take you tion 6-1-330 of the South Carolina Code, the purpose be a “public purpose” and so far. To avoid fiscal strain, many coun- and revenues raised by any new fee must a “corporate purpose” of the county, ties have implemented or will imple- be used for the particular governmental which would include current operations ment the fail safe remedy of reshaping service for which the charge is imposed. and contingency funding. Additionally, operations, cutting labor, and reducing some counties have determined to issue expenses. However, it may be difficult to Lease Financing general obligation bonds in lieu of, or to address cashflow issues solely through If your county faces immediate otherwise redeem, lease purchase obli- expense reductions. To the extent ex- capital needs, lease financing of per- gations to provide or preserve capacity pense reduction proves insufficient, a sonal property (equipment) may be a under the Millage Limitation applicable county may explore several options for useful tool in lieu of up-front general to the County’s levy for operations. The raising new revenues. fund capital expenditures. Through a Millage Limitation under Act 388 does lease-financing structure, an expense not apply to debt service millage. Raising Taxes/Fees/Charges that would otherwise be immediately Assuming the political will exists, payable can be extended over several Refunding/Restructuring the easiest way to relieve budget pres- years as needed to improve cashflows. Existing Debt sure is to raise new revenue through Additionally, some government entities We are living in a period of histori- taxes or fees. made arrangements to lease-finance cally low interest rates. The same ben- By state law (Section 6-1-320 of existing capital assets—essentially tak- efits that many homeowners see from re- the Code of Laws of South Carolina ing a loan against existing equipment financing their mortgages in the current 1976, as amended (the “South Carolina in order to generate an immediate cash borrowing environment are available Code”), commonly known as “Act 388”), infusion and paying the asset back in to the local government debt market. a county’s authorization to increase its future budget years on the expectation Counties should consult their financial millage rate year-over-year is limited to of a return to normalcy. advisors and bond counsel to determine (a) the increase in the Consumer Price if debt service may be reduced through Index, plus (b) the percentage increase Tax Anticipation Notes refunding existing debt. These savings in the population of the county in the A tax anticipation note (“TAN”) is can reduce debt service millage levies, previous calendar year (the “Millage a short-term borrowing option available savings which can be captured and offset Limitation”). In addition to the Mill- to counties. A TAN is a note issued by by increases in operating millage (sub- age Limitation, the county may further the county and secured by a pledge of ject to the Millage Limitation). In addi- avail itself of a “look-back” provision future tax revenues and the full faith, tion to savings-related refundings, some that is commonly referred to as “mill- credit and taxing power of the county. issuers may seek to restructure existing age banking.” Millage banking allows TANs are structured to mature in less debt. In a restructuring, debt payments the county to increase its millage rate in than one-year and generally mature by may be adjusted and deferred, creating the upcoming fiscal year by any millage April 15 of the upcoming tax year. While immediate relief from debt payments. increase “allowed but not previously a TAN can provide short-term cashflow The foregoing catalogues a sample imposed for the three property tax years relief, it does not increase revenues or of the tools available to counties seek- preceding the year to which the current taxes. It simply allows you to front-load ing to address fiscal challenges and limit applies.” your future tax collections, and pay them unknowns during the balance of fiscal To the extent the Millage Limita- back, with interest, once tax collections year 2020/2021 and into the fiscal year tion is too restrictive or does not raise are received. Any decision to issue a 2021/2022 budget cycle. Successfully sufficient funds, there are some excep- TAN should be carefully considered; and proactively addressing cash flow tions to Act 388 to additionally consider, because once you start the cycle of rely- challenges now will well-position your including the emergency millage excep- ing on TANs, that cycle can be very hard county in the months and years to come, tion in Section 6-1-320(B) (catastrophic to escape in future budget years. and help to put it back on the path to events, for which the pandemic arguably post-pandemic prosperity. qualifies) and the exemption in Section General Obligation Bonds 6-1-320(D) for reserve accounts, which General obligation bonds provide a could be levied to replenish depleted powerful and flexible tool to offset gen- general fund balance. eral fund capital expenditures. As these In addition to operating taxes, coun- borrowings are subject to debt limit ties may choose to institute user service considerations (limited to 8 percent of charges as needed to pay for county ser- each county’s respective taxable assessed vices. New fees can generate additional value), they should be pursued only revenues and relieve pressure on the after due consideration, but offer fewer general fund. Any new fee imposition strings than most alternatives. The South

County Focus 67 Helping SC counties clean up since 1999.

By Alexia Jones Helsley See South Carolina County Map, www.historyismybag.com P. 79

Historic Colleton County bears the name of one of South Carolina’s first S C counties, named for Sir Peter Colleton, Colleton County’s one of the second-generation Lords Role in the American War Proprietors. Its close proximity to for Independence Charlestown, the capital of the province, made Colleton a center of Revolution- ary activity throughout the war. Skir- confiscation and amercement to punish land should be confiscated, proposed mishes involving Patriot forces began known Loyalists and Loyalist sympathiz- enlisting slaves from the confiscated as early as May 1779 when Major Pierce ers in the state. estates in the Continental Army. Butler encountered foraging parties of The delegates to the House of While, according to Gregory D. Major General Augustine Prevost. Representatives included such notable Massey, “legislators fought a ‘hard Most of the Revolutionary engage- South Carolinians as Aedanus Burke, Battle on the Subject of arming the ments in Colleton County were often Christopher Gadsden, Edward Rut- Blacks,’” Laurens’ proposal failed. small inconclusive affairs involving ledge, Andrew Pickens, Henry and John troops commanded by Colonel William Laurens, Thomas Brandon, and Thomas Revolutionary Engagements: Harden and his officers. Nevertheless, Heyward. Members of the South Caro- Horse Shoe (Ford’s Plantation) other engagements, such as Horse Shoe, lina Senate included Francis Marion, July 7–8, 1781 Godfrey’s Savannah, Parker’s Ferry and William Harden, Thomas Sumter and Combahee Ferry, had important rami- William “Danger” Thomson. These The engagement at Horse Shoe fications for the war in South Carolina. senators were all Patriot officers who left was a successful British surprise attack. In addition to the Revolutionary the field in order to conduct the state’s The Colleton County Regiment, com- battles and skirmishes, Colleton County business. manded by Colonel Isaac Hayne and Lt. is also significant as the site of South A number who attended, includ- Col. Thomas McLaughlin, were camped Carolina’s first governmental assembly ing Aedanus Burke and Christopher on the plantation of Mary Ford. Major since the fall of Charlestown on May 12, Gadsden, opposed punitive laws to pun- Thomas Fraser with his British dragoons 1780. ish Loyalists. Nevertheless, the majority surprised the camp, killed McLaughlin present voted to confiscate the estates and others, and captured Isaac Hayne, Jacksonborough Assembly of 237 individuals (including British the object of the attack. subjects, those who had accepted British Isaac Hayne, a native of Colleton After two years as a government commissions and those who had con- County owned a 900-acre plantation in in exile, the South Carolina General gratulated the British on their victory St. Bartholomew Parish and represented Assembly convened in January 1782 when Charlestown fell) and to amerce the parish in the Commons House of at Jacksonborough, a small town on or fine the estates of 47 others who had Assembly from 1770 to 1771, and later the Edisto River, only 30 miles from taken British protection. in the state Senate from 1779 to 1780. Charlestown—still occupied by the The debate over confiscation took With the outbreak of hostilities, British. The Jacksonborough Assembly an unexpected turn when John Laurens, Hayne enlisted in the Patriot militia. is best-known for its passage of acts of chair of the committee to identify whose (Continued on next page)

County Focus 69 Captured following the fall of Charles- ment, he led a daringly successful raid Revolutionary Engagements: town, he accepted British parole and on July 8, 1781, and captured Andrew Godfrey’s Savannah and Parker’s returned home. Later, threatened Williamson, a former Patriot com- Ferry (August 1781) with imprisonment, Hayne reluctantly mander who had defected to the British. took an oath of allegiance with the Unfortunately, Colonel Nisbet Balfour The Battles of Godfrey’s Savan- understanding that he would not have detailed Fraser and his dragoons to find nah and Parker’s Ferry in August 1781 to fight against the Patriots. When the Hayne and bring him to Charlestown. are important for the role of Brigadier British reneged on their agreement and There, the British charged Hayne with General Francis Marion and for the demanded that he serve in the British treason and imprisoned him in the dun- unrealized possibilities. army, Hayne considered this a breach of geon of the Old Exchange Building in By August 1781, Patriot successes his agreement and he returned to Patriot Charleston. inland had forced hundreds of British service. Hayne’s status was in doubt (was he sympathizers to flee to Charlestown. As colonel of the Colleton Regi- a prisoner of war on parole or a British This sudden increase in population cre- subject?). As the former, he should be ated food shortages in the capital. As a Lost Columbia: Bygone Images released and as the latter, he should have result, British commander Colonel Nis- of South Carolina’s Capital City his day in court. Nevertheless, the British bet Balfour organized foraging parties (Charleston: the History Press, 2008) denied Hayne a trial, condemned him to to scour the countryside and dispatched death by hanging, rather than by firing Lt. Col. Ernst Leopold von Borck to ex- Lost Columbia combines an overview of squad. Lord Rawdon, the British com- propriate rice from the Combahee rice the turbulent history of Columbia with mander, decided to make an example plantations. rare and little seen images of the city’s of Hayne in an attempt to discourage Colonel William Harden asked Ma- destruction in others from joining the Patriot cause. jor General Greene for reinforcements. 1865, the Assem- Greene shared the situation with Marion bly Street farm- Rawdon refused pleas for mercy from ers’ market, the COLUMBIA clergymen, other prominent leaders and who then planned to ambush von Borck changing face of Hayne’s young children, and hanged at Godfrey’s Savannah on August 17. Main Street and 5#+*!%)#!/".+)/+10$ .+(%*Y/ ,%0( Hayne on August 4, 1781. Unfortunately, despite Marion’s plans, lost institutions General George Washington, Major due to the complexities of coordinating and neighbor- General Nathanael Greene and other with different forces and commanders, hoods. Patriots loudly protested the execu- needed troops were not available, and tion with threats of retaliation. Greene Marion had to cancel the operation. promised “reprisals for all such inhuman After this aborted effort, Marion ALEXIA JONES HELSLEY insults” against British officers. Rather sent Lt. Colonel Peter Horry to inter- Lost Columbia is available in bookstores than discouraging Patriot enlistments, cept British schooners loading rice at such as Barnes & Noble, from Amazon. the death of Hayne inflamed anti- Chehaw. The ships sailed before Horry com, or by mail from AJH Historical British sentiment in South Carolina. A arrived. Marion then considered several Enterprises, P.O. Box 3683, Irmo, SC monument erected in his memory called options before planning an ambush of 29063. Hayne “a noble martyr in behalf of lib- Lt. Colonel von Borck’s men on the erty.” Parker’s Ferry causeway. This time, the

7 well-organized and executed ambush 8334= worked. With major casualties, the

7 British forces withdrew to the safety of B>H>5 8BC>AH Charlestown, and Marion and his prison- ers returned to his base. 6 A44=E8;;4 70E4 H>D 4E4A 740A3 01>DC« Revolutionary Engagements: cWT_Tab^]U^afW^\?PaXb<^d]cPX]fPb]P\TS. cWT\P]fW^Q^dVWccWTc^f]^U?[TPbP]cQdaV. Combahee Ferry (Tar Bluff,

cWTcX\TfWT]6aTT]eX[[TfPbcWT 2 Chehaw) May 25, 1782

RP_XcP[^UB^dcW2Pa^[X]P. >D=CH

istorically, Greenville County owes much to its natural Hadvantages of scenery, location and abundant water, but it JCUCNUQDGPGòVGFHTQOKVUEQNQTHWNEJCTCEVGTUUWEJCU4KEJCTF The battle at Combahee Ferry was Pearis, Vardry McBee and the Earle family. Hidden History of Greenville County details the personalities, places and events that have given Greenville its progressive, diverse environment. Join a tragic end to a promising life. While archivist and history professor Alexia Helsley as she explores some of these individuals and their contributions, as well as little- known events in the area and the ever-fascinating “Dark Corner.” sources differ as to the exact location, From mansions to murders, learn things about Greenville County history that you’ve never encountered before. this late-in-the-war engagement fea- 7

$24.00 Postpaid (Includes tax, 4;B;4H tured the dashing Lt. Col. John Laurens shipping and handling) To order, write: and Patriot efforts to disrupt British for- AJH Historical Enterprises 0;4G809>=4B74;B;4HGG88 0 99>>>===4BB7B74;B;B;4;4HH P.O. Box 3684 aging of the Combahee River rice plan- Irmo, S.C. 29063 tations. While the British would hang on

70 Volume 31, Number 3 to Charlestown into December, the food situation in the city was dire. The capital city was home to thousands of Loyalist sympathizers and Loyalist militia as well as occupying British troops. As a result, Patriot forces played a cat-and-mouse game for many months South Carolina’s in the South Carolina Lowcountry. On May 25, Major General Nathanael Greene detached Laurens with light 2021 Directory infantry troops to assist Brigadier Mor- decai Gist to contain British depreda- tions. Laurens engaged the enemy and of was either forced from his position, or ambushed and mortally wounded. Laurens enlisted in the Continental County Officials Army in 1777, fought at Brandywine, served as aide to General George Wash- ington and early espoused abolitionist views. Among his converts was the Mar- quis de Lafayette. In 1778, Laurens, the son of Henry Laurens (wealthy South South Carolina’s 2021 Directory of County Officials is sched- Carolina plantation owner, president of uled to be published and distributed in February. So, order the Continental Congress, and the only American ever imprisoned in the Tower a copy if you want to know “Who’s Who” in South Carolina of London), proposed that the Continen- county government. tal Congress approve the recruitment of The Directory identifies all elected and appointed county a regiment of black slaves who would be officials in theThe state.historic 13This star popular,U.S. flag, known award-winning as the Betsy Ross publicationFlag freed when their military service ended. also identifies SCAC’s Officers, Board of Directors and Cor- In 1779, Congress approved the plan porate Partners; Regional Councils of Government; Federal with the proviso that the South Carolina and Georgia assemblies had to agree. and State Officials; and State Senators and Representatives. Both states rejected the plan. Addresses and telephone numbers are included for all county In 1781, Laurens served as an em- officials, state officials and members of the S.C. General As- issary to France, returned to military sembly. South Carolina’s Moultrie Flag, also knowm as the “Moultrie Flag.” Used by South Caro- service in 1782 and on Aug. 25, 1782, Cost: $25.00 per copy (including tax, postage, shipping died for American liberty. lina troops during the American Revolution- and handling). ary War. The Palmetto was added in 1861. Conclusion OTo order your copy of the 2021 Directory of County The Revolution in Colleton County Officials, please contact: was a time of unrest, death and instabil- ity. Yet, the tragic death of Isaac Hayne provided needed recruits for Greene’s efforts to free the state from the British occupation, and the convening of the assembly at Jacksonborough heralded the PO Box 8207 return of representative government to Columbia, SC 29202-8207 South Carolina. 803-252-7255 E-mail: [email protected]

County Focus 71 IN A CRISIS, EVERY SECOND COUNTS! So does communication between all county departments. Don’t let anyone tell you there’s only one option, there is a better choice!

803.547.2500

CAN’T AFFORD THE MILLION-DOLLAR TOWER SITES TO COVER YOUR COUNTY’S PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS? DID YOU PAY MORE THAN $4,000 PER RADIO AND STILL DON’T HAVE THE MONEY TO PROVIDE INTEROPERABILITY FOR YOUR COUNTY? WITH FLEETTALK , YOU CAN HAVE AFFORDABLE INTEROPERABILITY FOR YOUR ENTIRE SYSTEM, IN A CRISIS, WHEN EVERY SECOND COUNTS. FOR ANY DEPARTMENT THAT REQUIRES INSTANT, STREAMLINED COMMUNICATION, RELY ON FLEETTALK . FLEETTALK HAS STATEOFTHEART TECHNOLOGY AND THE LARGEST WIDE AREA, TWOWAY RADIO COVERAGE IN THE UNITED STATES.

Fleettalk’s is an affordable, digital, multisite, two-way MISSION CRITICAL radio system. Fleettalk’s guarantees 95 percent portable and mobile coverage in your city or county

Fleettalk’s affordability allows counties to invest in additional radios so each department can be interoperable

Call us NOW at (803) 547-2500 to link up your county communications to unravel/disentangle your current mess, and make your county interoperable.

OUR SYSTEM IS ALREADY OPERATIONAL IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND NORTH CAROLINA WEWE AREARE READYREADY TOTO HELP HELP YOUR YOUR COUNTY COUNTY NOW! NOW! fleettalkbyrock.com 803.547.2500 POWER TO SUCCEED

Thanks to Santee Cooper resources like low-cost, reliable power, creative incentive packages and a wide-ranging property portfolio, South Carolina shatters the standard for business growth.

In fact, since 1988, Santee Cooper has helped generate more than $15 billion in investment and helped bring nearly 80,000 new jobs to our state. It’s how we’re driving Brighter Tomorrows, Today.

www.poweringSC.com The Palmetto Directory

Businesses selling products and services to South Carolina’s counties

Also see advertising index, page 80

• INDUSTRIAL PARKS Educating children, • LAND PLANNING & SITE DESIGN promoting lasting patriotism • WATER & WASTEWATER and honoring the military — • ROADWAYS past, present and future Bluffton, SC | Charleston, SC | Charlotte, NC • RAILWAYS Columbia, SC | Greenville, SC • RECREATIONAL For more information, please Alliance Consulting Engineers, Inc. FACILITIES contact: (803) 822-8812 or • SOLID WASTE [email protected] Bluffton: 843 757-5959 | Charleston: 843 203-1600 MANAGEMENT Charlotte: 704 527-4474 | Columbia: 803 779-2078 • CONSTRUCTION Greenville: 864 284-1740 | Web: www.allianceCE.com MANAGEMENT www.GoCFF.org

There IS an option Now, You Can for affordable, reliable Run Horizontal or statewide coverage. Kueper North America, based in Charleston, is the importer of Kueper plow blades and Kennanmetal grader blades. Kueper is also the Vertical Listings Southeast distributor for the Sharq 300 grader dirt road maintenance system for motor graders. Both Kennametal carbide grader blade sys- Y

on This Page! B tems and the Sharq 300 last many times longer than traditional grader blades. For as little as $76.50 www.kueperblades.com NET per issue, you could [email protected] run a 3 5/8" X 1 3/4" listing here. It’s the most affordable place to advertise in County Focus Magazine. State-of-the-art technology For more formation, please contact SCAC’s plus the largest wide area, Public Information Of- two-way radio coverage Keep it beautiful, keep it clean. in the Southeast! ÀFHDWRU Adopt a highway in your [email protected] FleetTalkByRock.com community today. 803.547.2500 2700 Middleburg Drive | Suite 216 | Columbia, SC 29204 | 877.PAL.PRDE | [email protected] | palmettopride.org

Serving TM South Carolina’s 46 Counties!

See Our Ad on P. 20

Rick Callaham Greenville, South Carolina Available Services 803/457-5009 [email protected] Serving the public for over 50 years. Right of Way Services County Assessors Debi Wilcox, MAI, CCIM Tax Appeal Appraisal ROW Scoping & Appraisal Review Murrells Inlet, South Carolina Litigation/Mediation Support Value Engineering/Quantifying Impacts 866/429-8931 Toll Free publiqsoftware.com Surplus Property Disposition Providing Alternative Strategies 843/685-9180 Local Cost Estimates/Appraisal Management [email protected] 833.2PUBLIQ [email protected]

74 Volume 31, Number 3 ® Motorgrader Blade Wear…

Southeast Dealer for Sharq P300 Problems Solved and Kennemetal Grader Blades

+\HS*HYIPKL)SHKLZ 6\[SHZ[¹Z[LLSNYHKLY ISHKLZ! :JHYPÄLY)SHKLZ 0TWYV]LK)YHaL4VYL>LHY9LZPZ[HU[ Carbide-Tipped Cutting Tools, Blocks, and :[LLS)VK` (JJLZZVYPLZMVY:JHYPÄLY)SHKL:`Z[LTZ

• Easily Cuts and Remixes Even The Hardest Compacted Surfaces

• Breaks Up Compacted Material Without Crushing and Destroying It

• Decreases The Need To Add New Material Saving You Money

Long Life Easily Adjustable Motor Grader 5ECTKƂGT5[UVGOUHQT&KTV4QCF/CKPVGPCPEG

Kueper North America LLC 171 Church Street, Suite 300 (843) 723-7361 Charleston, SC 29401 [email protected] a walk-in freezer that has the capacity to store hundreds of meals. Nikki Haley was born in Bamberg. County Update The Bamberg County Office on Aging, unable to prepare hot meals in their kitchen See South Carolina during the Coronavirus Pandemic, typically feeds nearly 180 seniors each week, but is now County Map, providing meals for 200 seniors every week Page 79 due to the pandemic. The Office on Aging, which ensures that seniors receive meals by KeepingKeK you informed ordering two weeks’ worth of frozen meals delivered to each home, did not have sufficient abouaaboutbout what’s happening in freezer space to store the meals until they were South Carolina’s counties. to be delivered. Charleston County

Bamberg County gency Services Department’s commitment to OCharleston County Acting Administra- ensuring the community has access to accurate tor Bill Tuten became county administrator OBamberg County Emergency Services information about COVID-10, coordinating on July 14. Tuten, who has served as Acting Director Brittany Barnwell was featured free drive-through COVID-19 testing sites, Administrator since January, previously in multiple publications in July for her CO- and responding to crisis situations as they worked as Charleston County’s Special Project VID-19 pandemic response efforts. Barnwell, arise. Liaison. an alumna from Lander University’s Master Barnwell earned her M.S. in Emergency He has more than 25 years of experience of Science in Emergency Management pro- Management from Lander University in 2019 working in government at the local, state and gram, has been coordinating the COVID-19 and has worked for Bamberg County as Emer- federal level. Tuten served in numerous posi- pandemic response for Bamberg County since gency Services Director since 2016. tions with U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and mid-March. O Phoenix Specialty Manufacturing, one Strom Thurmond. Lander University, Laurens County of Bamberg County’s largest manufactur- He received his bachelor’s degree in Buzz, Upstate Biz SC, and Midlands Biz ers, which makes washers and small metal- Political Science and Government from the all included Barnwell in recent online publi- stamped parts for a variety of uses, has become University of South Carolina. He is a member cations describing the statewide influence of an essential employer during the Coronavirus of the S.C. Military Base Task Force, a former Lander University’s Emergency Management Pandemic. Phoenix has been able to keep all member of the MUSC Board of Visitors and a program during the pandemic. The article 125 workers employed because it received a Riley Fellow Graduate of the Riley Institute’s described Barnwell and the county’s Emer- contract to make 2.2 million ventilator parts. Diversity Initiative. The manufacturer has also been manufactur- OThe U.S. Department of Housing and ing parts for hand sanitizer pumps. Urban Development (HUD) is providing +Counties Reporting in According to Phoenex Sales Manager funding to the Charleston County Community This Issue of County Steve Cornforth, the company is making some Development Department from the CARES adjustments to keep employees safe while Act to be used to prevent, prepare for, and Update: working through the pandemic. The main- respond to the coronavirus pandemic (CO- Abbeville Greenwood tenance staff cleans common areas three VID-19). Aiken Hampton times daily, and workers clean their areas The county received $1.09 million in Allendale + Horry twice a day. Employees and machines have Community Development Block Grant Anderson Jasper been moved to ensure social distancing. The (CDBG) funds and $535,900 in Emergency + Bamberg Kershaw company’s management team looks at what’s Solutions Grant (ESG) funds. These funds, Barnwell +Lancaster going on with COVID-19 in the county, state now available, for local residents living outside Beaufort Laurens and country and makes decisions daily to the City of Charleston who need assistance Berkeley Lee keep employees safe. The team also tracks Calhoun Lexington and meet HUD eligibility requirements to + Charleston Marion absenteeism and sickness to make sure noth- receive assistance. The city receives its own Cherokee Marlboro ing starts at the facility. HUD funding. Chester McCormick OJames B. “Pedie” Hiers, the oldest Clerk OOn April 30, Charleston County and the Chesterfield Newberry of Court in South Carolina, announced on City of Charleston each received a $50,000 Clarendon Oconee March 30 that he would not be seeking re- donation for Coronavirus/COVID-19 relief Colleton Orangeburg election and would be retiring instead. Hiers efforts from the State of Qatar Embassy. The Darlington Pickens served as Bamberg County Clerk of Court for county and the city work in partnership with Dillon Richland + Dorchester Saluda almost 30 years. the Doha-Charleston Sister Cities Interna- Edgefield Spartanburg OThanks to a generous $20,000 donation tional program. Charleston County Council + Fairfield Sumter from former U.S. Ambassador and S.C. Gov- Chairman Elliott Summey serves on the Florence Union ernor Nikki Haley and her husband, Michael, Doha-Charleston Sister Cities International +Georgetown Williamsburg Bamberg County senior citizens and other Committee. Greenville York community members in need will benefit from Neita Wiese, President of Charleston

76 Volume 31, Number 3 Sister Cities International, and Chief of Mis- ing Woods Industrial Park near the Town of O On March 6, Dorchester County PIO sion for the State of Qatar Embassy Hamad St. George. Tiffany Norton completed the FBI-LEEDA Almuftah, presented the donations in April. O As part of the county’s ongoing efforts Media and Public Relations Course. The donation from the State of Qatar Embassy to place services at the residents and busi- O On April 13, John Tigert joined Team will be used for the purchase of personal pro- ness owners’ fingertips, Dorchester County Dorchester County as purchasing services tective equipment in relation to Coronavirus/ launched the permits, inspection and licensing manager. COVID-19. portal, Evolve, in March 2020. The Evolve O On April 20, county council unanimously OCharleston County, the College of Portal can be used to submit for building appointed Council Member David Chinnis Charleston and the S.C. Aquarium have permits and inspections, stormwater permits, to serve as the county’s representative on the partnered to create a new center of excellence encroachment permits, zoning appeals and Dorchester Paws Board of Directors. with a focus on community and resilience. variances, sign permits, a business license and O On April 23, Dorchester County an- The Center of Resilience Excellence South to pay hospitality tax. (Continued on next page) Carolina (CORE SC) will collaborate with organizations throughout the state, country Webcasts and Webinars and globe that provide best practices on Webcasts & Webinars resilience. The partnership was formed because of the team’s work with the National S.C. Local Government Attorneys’ Institute Aeronautics and Space Administration. A Nov. 20 recently signed Memorandum of Under- standing formally establishes the partnership among the three founding organiza- For more information, please contact Susan Turkopuls, SCAC, at (803) 252-7255 or [email protected]. Or visit SCAC’s website tions and authorizes them to develop the at: www.SCCounties.org/webcasts-and-webinars Center while expanding their relationship with NASA and other organizations. CORE SC is designed to be the nexus for research, innovation, and collaboration that leads to actionable outcomes to SCAC’s 2020–21 Conference Calendar improve community and societal resiliency. Acting also as a virtual hub, CORE SC sup- Nov. 20 S.C. Local Government Attorneys’ Institute ports, connects, and coordinates state, na- Virtual tional, and international partners engaged in all aspects of the life cycle of resilient Dec. 3 Legislative Conference program development. These aspects may Virtual include ideation, research, data acquisition, policy creation, prototype implementation, 2021 field-testing, deployment, maintenance and commercialization. CORE SC will focus Jan. 5 & 7 Orientation for Newly-Elected County Officials Virtual on five central resiliency sectors: 1) Water 2) Energy 3) Connectivity 4) Agriculture Feb. 10 Mid-Year Conference for County Officials and 5) Natural Hazards. Feb. 11 – 12 Institute of Government for County Officials Embassy Suites, Columbia Dorchester County July 31 – Aug. 1 Institute of Government for County Officials OOn January 21, Melanie Hay was Aug. 1 – 4 Annual Conference Hilton Head Marriott promoted to Budget Officer and oversees the Budget & Revenue Division. O In January, County Council recognized Animal Control Officer Kenny You can register and pay online for SCAC conferences at . Fowler as the Employee of the Quarter. Fowler was recognized for his unwavering commitment to maintaining a high qual- NACo’s 2021 ity of life for the citizens and animals of Dorchester County. Conference Calendar O On February 11, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced $5.12 million in funding for the Lake Marion Regional July 16 – 19 Annual Conference Water Agency. The funding was included Austin Convention Center, Travis County/Austin, Texas with the Corps’ 2020 Work Plan and fully funds the water system’s Winding Woods Feb. 20 – 24 Legislative Conference Marriott Wardman Park, Washington, D.C. Reach, a 7.7-mile water transmission line from the Town of Harleyville to the Wind-

County Focus 77 nounced that both the Davis-Bailey Park and Georgetown County tant solicitor in 1980. In 1993, he was elected to the Ashley River Park are under contract for Georgetown County Council where he served construction. Both parks will open in 2021. OJohnny Morant Sr., 69, a former longtime for 25 years, including as Council Chairman O On April 23, Tammy Thompson was representative of District 7 on Georgetown from 2008 to 2018. Morant founded Morant promoted to Human Resources Director. County Council, died on July 12. and Morant, LLC, a law firm in Georgetown, Morant, born on Dec. 5, 1950 gradu- with his brother and law partner, Louis. Fairfield County ated from Choppee High School in 1969. Morant is survived by his devoted wife, He received a Political Science degree from Janice; two children; two grandchildren; and OFairfield County hosted a groundbreak- Savannah State College and his law degree seven brothers and sisters. ing ceremony on March 27 for the new Fair- from the University of Illinois. OGeorgetown County Emergency Man- field County Government Complex, located Morant worked as assistant solicitor for agement received a $250,000 mobile command at 250 N. Walnut St. in Winnsboro. Richland County for two years before becom- and communications support trailer in June, ing Georgetown County’s first full-time assis- thanks to a grant from the Pee Dee Health Care Coalition. The trailer will serve as a redundant communications asset by providing both backup cellular and satellite backup for phones and internet. On July 31, emergency management staff installed additional equipment and resources and put the newly equipped trailer in service. The project was initiated by previous Emergency Manager Sam Hodge, who retired last fall, and implemented by Brandon Ellis, who replaced him as emergency services director. O Angela Christian, who became George- town County Administrator in March, announced two key staffing changes in July. Wesley Bryant, who has served as county attorney for 13 years, became deputy county administrator. Bryant will oversee the county’s IT department and airport, and will continue to serve as county attorney. He graduated from The Citadel and the University of South Carolina Law School. He, his wife, Katy, and their four children live in Georgetown. Georgetown County Emergency Man- ager Brandon Ellis was promoted to director of emergency services. Ellis will oversee the county’s two fire departments but will continue to serve as emergency manager. A graduate of Francis Marion University, Ellis started his career in emergency services as a part-time and volunteer firefighter in Mullins. He later became the Marion County Director of Emergency Management. Ellis was then hired by the S.C. Emergency Man- agement Division as a regional emergency manager before he was hired as Georgetown County Emergency Manager last fall. ODuring a celebration of National Public Works Week, the Georgetown County Public Services Department presented awards to three outstanding employees. Roselind Snow, a recycling center atten- dant, received the Leadership Award for her exemplary service. Tommy Bracey, a tradesman, received the Team Player Award. Janet Combs, administrative assistant to department director Ray Funnye, received the Green Earth Award.

78 Volume 31, Number 3 Counties and County Seats of South Carolina

Horry County Bluffkin, a regular recycler at the Mount Olive Kylie Nicole Harris, Academy for Technology Recycling Center (August); Ana Hernandez, a & Academics; Alexandra Brooke Hill, Aynor OThe Horry County Solid Waste Authority regular recycler at the Browntown Recycling High School; Shelby Elise Keith, Carolina (SWA) recently announced its latest Spotlight Center (July); Longs area resident William Forest High School; Laura Abigail McNair, on Environmental Awareness (SEA) recipi- Robert Poelker, a regular recycler at Red Conway High Schooll; Marquiez Rae’Quan ents for July— Spokes of Hope, a non-profit Bluff Recycling Center (June); and Loris area Carter, Early College High School; Jordan organization that assists and strives to be a resident Reynaldo Perez, a regular recycler at Grace Elliott, Green Sea Floyds High School; steward, not only to the community, but the the Homewood Recycling Center (May). Logan Nicole Knutson, Loris High School; environment as well. Spokes of Hope is locat- Each month, the SWA recognizes a resi- Lauren Julianne Teal, North Myrtle Beach ed at 1111 SC 9, Longs, S.C. 29566. For more dent of Horry County resident for recycling. High School; Lindsey Michelle Williams, information, visit www.SpokesOfHopeSC. O The Welcome Back Horry County Com- Saint James High School; Evan Daniel Ren- com. mittee announced in June that it had launched shaw; Scholars Academy; Hannah Karen Hall, The SEA program recognizes agencies/ its Greater Grand Strand is Open website at Socastee High School. businesses/companies that practice reducing, https://www.greatergrandstrandisopen.com/. Each year for the past 11 years, the SWA reusing and recycling in their daily operations, OThe SWA recently awarded 12 $1,000 program has awarded $147,000 in scholarships promote the conservation of natural resources Environmental College Scholarships for to high school seniors in the county. and/or utilizes sustainable business practices. 2019–20 to high school seniors, interested in O The Horry County SWA recently recog- protecting the environment, at each of the nized the following as Caught Green Handed county’s high schools: Claire Noelle Carter, recipients: Conway area resident Chris Academy for Arts, Science & Technology; (Continued on next page)

County Focus 79 Lancaster County the EMS North END STAR Team Rehab job if they pass the class. Trailer; one Quick Response Unit; and a County Council agreed to fund the project, OLancaster County held a Ribbon Cutting Backup EMS Unit. because the Boot Camp ensured good usage for new EMS Station 4/9 on July 26. The sta- OThe EMS station’s location was chosen to of taxpayer funds by requiring students to tion, located at 9576 Old Bailes Road in Indian cut down on the response times to the extreme sign contracts agreeing that they would repay Land, will house two front line response units, northern end of Lancaster County and due to the costs of the class if they quit or failed to the high population density become certified. in that area. The station was Stacey Chapman, Compliance Manager, designed so that three full- Lancaster County EMS, was the head in- time units can be added structor for the 12-week class that included without having to expand a program of classroom, self-study, skills lab the facility and creating ad- and direct observation on an ambulance. ditional construction costs. All students, who successfully completed Due to COVID-19, only Boot Camp’s first class, are eligible for Nation- council members and EMS al and State Certification Exams. All students NACo UNITES AMERICA’S 3,069 COUNTIES staff were invited to attend are currently employed by Lancaster County the ribbon cutting; however, EMS. Lexington County’s EMS Department the event was livestreamed is also fully staffed. for the public and an open O Lancaster County has renovationed house for the public will be its historic jail in downtown Lancaster. The planned for a later date. newly-renovated first floor provides office O Lancaster County EMS space for county staff. has initiated a new program The Lancaster County Jail, according to Lancaster County South Carolina PROVIDING ENRICHING called EMS Boot Camp to the book, ADVOCATING EXCHANGING help offset shortages of new Tours by Viola C. Floyd, was designed by solutions for public EMS recruits. Robert Mills and completed in 1823 for $8,000. for counties cost-savings, ideas and awareness before Congress efficiency and building of county EMS Director Clay The jail, listed on the National Register of His- and the quality services new skills government Catoe came up with the idea toric Places, was declared a National Historic Administration of the 12-week Boot Camp Landmark in 1973. 888.407.NACo (6226) | www.NACo.org class, which provides people who are interested in EMS STRONGER COUNTIES. jobs with a “free” education NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of COUNTIES STRONGER AMERICA. and a guaranteed part-time ADVERTISERS Alliance Consulting Engineers, Inc. 9 & 19 Bobbitt Design Build 16 & 38 Dominion Energy 17 Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina Inside-Front Cover Fleettalk by Rock Communications 72 The Palmetto Hidden History of Greenville County 70 Kueper 75 Directory Index Lost Columbia 15 & 70 National Association of Counties 80 (See page 74) PalmettoPride 68 & Inside-Back Cover Professional Printers 41 & 78 LISTINGS: PrintSouth 4, 20 & 38 Alliance Consulting PROVAL Property Valuation and Analytics 20 Engineers, Inc. PUBLIQ Software 63 Celebrate Freedom Foundation Santee Cooper 73 Fleettalk by Rock SCAC’s New Corporate Partner Program 21 Communications SCAC’S Social Media 18 Kueper SCAC’s Website 24 PalmettoPride Stevens & Wilkinson 39 PROVAL Property Valuation Stewart-Cooper-Newell Architects 31 and Analytics Synovus 8 PUBLIQ Software

80 Volume 31, Number 3 Helping SC counties clean up since 1999.