August 2026

COUNTY SPOTLIGHT

Charleston County Unveils Updated Emergency Communications Center

Charleston County recently unveiled its newly renovated Consolidated Emergency Communications Center.

The $2.4 million project expands the capacity of Charleston County Emergency Services and modernizes operations. The renovation takes the center from 38 console positions to 44, allowing the 911 center to grow its staff and handle additional call volume.

"Those calls can continuously increase and climb for us, and so we have to be able to handle the additional call volume that comes in," said Allyson Burrell, the center's deputy director, noting that as the populations of Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester counties continue to increase, so will the number of emergency calls.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

General Assembly Approves State Budget

The General Assembly on Aug. 11 passed the FY 2026-27 state budget. The approved budget did not include community investments (commonly referred to as earmarks), but the budget conference committee set them aside to potentially discuss later. Note: Gov. Henry McMaster this week issued his line item veto announcement.

The FY 2026-27 Appropriations Act included the following SCAC policy positions:

Increased funding to the Local Government Fund by $15,294,812 statewide. The budget also includes $12 million for the Rural Stabilization Fund, the same amount that was allocated last year;
Funding for affordable and workforce housing; and
A minimum grant of $200,000 per county in the Aid to County Libraries.

Read a detailed budget summary, including provisos of interest, in this legislative alert.

NEWS

Fairfield County Firefighters Inducted into 2026 Firefighters Association Hall of Fame

Michael Hollis and Jimmy Walters (center) were recognized for their induction into the State Firefighters Association Hall of Fame Class of 2026 during a recent Fairfield County Council meeting.

Fairfield County firefighters Michael Hollis and Jimmy Walters were recently celebrated for their induction into the State Firefighters Association Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

Hollis has served as a volunteer firefighter for 55 years and is an active member of the Fairfield County Rescue Squad, where he has served in various roles -- including department chaplain -- for more than 50 years.

"Michael Hollis is often known as the silent volunteer, always stepping in when help is needed," said Fairfield County Fire Chief Jamie Webb.

Walters has played a pivotal role in securing more than $750,000 in grant funding for his department. Walters also served as a South Carolina Fire Rescue Conference volunteer for more than 15 years, serving as sergeant-at-arms and logistics staff.

"Jimmy Walters' dedication and determination helped make the fire service what it is today," Webb said.

2026 ANNUAL CONFERENCE RECAP

AI, Data Centers, County Collaboration Take Center Stage During 2026 Annual Conference

The 2026 SCAC Annual Conference and Institute of Government for County Officials was packed with opportunities for county leaders to engage in advocacy, collaboration and education.

Data centers were a hot topic in sessions throughout this year's event, and they were a subject of concern for counties of all sizes. The issue dominated discussion during the Rural Caucus meeting.

"There's no one-size-fits-all for county government, and there's no one-size-fits-all data center. There's data centers the size of this room," said Sumter County Councilman Carlton Washington.

2026 Institute of Government Celebrates 77 Graduates During Annual Conference

Photo by Sam Wolfe

2026 Institute of Government for County Officials Level I graduates pictured with their certificates.

Seated, from left: Alma Sierra, Tammi Green, Ashley Keller, Doris Sumpter, Cheryl English, Kimberly Burgess and John Chaney.

Standing, from left: Andy Hogg, Travis Hooper, Eric Larson, Joey Howell, Tyra Litle, Kendra Dove, Tasha Gardner-Greene, Tish Alleyne, Athena Moorer, York Glover, Randall Nesmith, Angela Christian, Dana Pendry, Clint Elliott, Scott Lang, Brian Moon, and A.D. Holloway.

More than 75 county officials celebrated a milestone in their education journey during the 2026 SCAC Annual Conference and Institute of Government for County Officials.

This year saw 77 graduates from the Institute. A total of 56 county officials earned Level I certification, and 35 earned Level II certification. Fourteen county officials graduated from both levels this year.

See a full list of 2026 graduates.

Photo by Sam Wolfe

2026 Institute of Government for County Officials Level II graduates pictured with their certificates.

Back row from left: Brandy Roberson, Richard Carson, Doris Sumpter, Tyra Little, Tish Alleyne, John Chaney, Clint Elliott, Scott Lang and James Moore.

Front row from left: Claiborne Linvill, Shayla Jenkins, Tammi Green, Ashley Keller, Jacqueline Kennion, Cheryl English, Athena Moorer, Kristie Donaldson, Nancy Holmes, and Aretha Eubanks.

Calhoun County Council Vice Chairman Thornton Elected 2026-27 SCAC President

Calhoun County Council Vice Chairman Cecil M. Thornton Jr. was elected SCAC President for 2026-27 during this year's Annual Conference.

A St. Matthews native, Thornton has served on Calhoun County Council since 2011. He also represents the county on the boards of the Three Rivers Solid Waste Authority and Lake Marion Regional Water Agency. Thornton succeeds Chesterfield County Council Chairwoman Mary D. Anderson, who served as SCAC president for 2025-26.

"Serving the residents of District 4 and Calhoun County has been one of the greatest honors of my life," Thornton said. "Public service has always been personal to me, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to work alongside county leaders from every corner of South Carolina as we advocate for policies that strengthen all 46 counties and improve the lives of the people we serve."

Thornton said SCAC has played an important role throughout his time in county government.

"The Association has helped me grow as a county leader and has been a trusted partner to Calhoun County through its advocacy, educational offerings and collaborative network," he said. "No two counties are exactly alike, but we share many of the same challenges and goals. County governments are on the frontlines of the issues that come with South Carolina's record growth, making it more important than ever that we work together for the future of our residents and communities."

Florence County Council Member Mumford Honored for Service with President's Cup

Photo by Sam Wolfe

From left: Steve Mumford, Senora Mumford, Waymon Mumford and Mary Anderson. Anderson presented the 2026 SCAC President's Cup to Waymon Mumford on July 29.

Florence County Council Member Waymon Mumford was recognized for his lifetime of public service and dedication to South Carolina county government with the 2026 David K. Summers Jr. President's Cup.

Each year, the Association's outgoing president honors someone who has merited special recognition for service to county government and assistance to the SCAC president.

"The recipient of the 2026 David K. Summers Jr. President's Cup is someone who has inspired me throughout my time on the SCAC Board and continues to be a role model for county government leaders across the state," said Mary D. Anderson, SCAC president for 2025-26. "Rev. Mumford has taught me and so many others that leadership isn't about being the loudest voice in the room. It's about listening first, leading with integrity, treating people with respect and never losing sight of why we serve."

Learn more about Mumford and his service to county government.

EVENTS

Tee Up! Registration Now Open for SCAC Inaugural Golf Tournament

The inaugural SCAC Golf Tournament is set for Monday, Oct. 26, at Fort Jackson Golf Club, and registration for teams and individual players is now open!

The tournament will be held in conjunction with the Fall Advocacy Meeting and Awards Luncheon, which will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 27, and the Institute of Government for County Officials, which will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 28.

Separate registration is required for each of the three events.

There are still a few sponsorship opportunities left! For questions about sponsorship opportunities, contact Abby Stiver at astiver@scac.sc or 803-381-9096.

GRANT CENTRAL STATION

S.C. Commerce Opens Rural Development Initiative Annual Grant Program

S.C. Commerce has opened the new Rural Development Initiative (RDI) annual grant program. This new initiative will support implementation-ready projects that strengthen South Carolina's rural communities and help position these regions for long-term prosperity.

Eligible county governments are invited to submit projects through a competitive application process designed to strengthen rural communities through strategic public investment.

The application window for the inaugural RDI funding round is Sept. 1 through Oct. 30. Detailed program guidelines, application requirements, evaluation criteria and workshop information will be released with the official application guide.

Contact Gilleon Frieson at gfrieson@sccommerce.com or 803-413-6774.

Historic Preservation State Grant Fund Now Accepting Applications for FY 2026-27

The Historic Preservation State Grant Fund is accepting applications for FY 2026-27. The fund supports historic preservation projects that benefit local communities and the public through the physical repair and rehabilitation of South Carolina's historic buildings with planning grants and stabilization grants.

The deadline to submit applications is 5 p.m. Sept. 2. The application and supporting guidance are available on the State Grant Fund website.

RIA State-funded Grants to Continue into 2027

The South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) announced that its three state-funded grant programs will continue in the fiscal year that began July 1. RIA estimates that $34 million to $44 million will be available during two competitive rounds of funding.

The deadlines to submit applications for RIA grants are Sept. 14, 2026, and March 22, 2027.

The pilot Viability Improvement Program for small systems also will continue this year.

Download the applications and instructions for applying on the RIA website.

Visit Our Grants Page