December 2024

EVENTS

County Leaders Look to Future During 2024 Legislative Conference in Greenville

From hurricane recovery to an inside look at one of the most modern county government facilities in the region, SCAC’s 2024 Legislative Conference focused on the future.  

“South Carolina continues to be a winner across the country in terms of economic development,” Rep. Bruce Bannister of Greenville, who serves as chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, told attendees during a panel at the event on Dec. 6. “That’s an incredible testament to the leadership of counties.” 

Bannister and Sen. Jason Elliott of Greenville shared insights on key issues expected for the 2025 legislative session. They include managing growth in our state, energy, workforce housing, affordable childcare, liquor liability laws, and ongoing recovery from Hurricane Helene. 

The two-day event kicked off with a tour of the new Greenville County Administration Building led by County Administrator Joe Kernell and his team.

Hear more from this year's speakers and see photos and presentations from the Legislative Conference.

COUNTY SPOTLIGHTS

Horry County Jail Director Honored Nationally for Contributions to Special Olympics

Director Marcus Rhodes of the J. Reuben Long Detention Center in Horry County recently received national recognition for decades of contributions to the Special Olympics.

Rhodes was inducted into the Richard LaMunyon Law Enforcement Torch Run Hall of Fame last month in San Antonio, Texas, during the International Law Enforcement Torch Run Conference.

A news release from Special Olympics South Carolina said of Rhodes, "His unwavering commitment to the mission of Special Olympics South Carolina spans multiple roles, from fundraiser and unified partner to coach and Area Leadership Team volunteer in Horry County."

The Torch Run Hall of Fame honors those who have made significant and lasting contributions to the Torch Run and the Special Olympics movement at local, national and international levels. It was established in honor of founder and Wichita Police Chief Richard LaMunyon.

Greenville County's Butch Kirven Honored

Greenville County Councilman Butch Kirven received multiple honors during a recent council meeting.

Kirven received the Order of the Palmetto in a special ceremony during the November County Council meeting. The award is South Carolina's highest civilian honor awarded by the governor in recognition of extraordinary achievement.

During the same council meeting, Kirven was also recognized for his military career as the veterans' memorial in front of the new county administration building was named for him. Kirven, a veteran who served 37 years with the U.S. National Guard, was honored with a plaque declaring the space Herman G. "Butch" Kirven Veterans Plaza.

EVENTS

Newly Elected County Council Members Dive into Leadership Roles with SCAC Orientation

The South Carolina Association of Counties welcomed about 60 new faces for the Orientation for Newly Elected Council Members on Dec. 11 in Columbia. Held after the November election in even-numbered years, this training provides insight into the roles and responsibilities of county officials.

The daylong session featured a welcome message from SCAC President William E. Robinson, who encouraged attendees to tap into the resources and information the Association provides counties.

“Develop your skills and knowledge so you can fully serve the people who elected you,” Robinson said. Of SCAC, he said, “We develop policy that affects county government. Tell us what your needs are. What are the things you’d like to see changed form a legislative perspective.”

The orientation session also included information from SCAC staff on how counties can participate in the SCAC Insurance Trusts, an overview of the Home Rule Act and the different forms of county government, information on the Freedom of Information Act and how to follow proper process and procedures for council meetings. The main takeaway for attendees was the strength of county government.

“The power of government derives directly from the people,” said SCAC Executive Director Tim Winslow. “The best government is one closest to the people. County government is closest to the people.”

Read more about this year's orientation and find presentations and photos from the event on the SCAC website.

GET OUTSIDE

Counties Offer Programs, Resources to Help Residents Get Outside in the New Year

It's the time of year when many people start thinking about new year's resolutions, and one of the most common resolutions people make is to be more active. Some counties are offering programs and resources to help make those resolutions stick.

Fairfield County Parks & Recreation Department is hosting its annual Get Fit! Fairfield Challenge starting in January and running through March. The program puts participants in teams of four and encourages them to engage in healthy habits and group exercises.

It's the time of year when many people start thinking about new year's resolutions, and one of the most common resolutions people make is to be more active. Some counties are offering programs and resources to help make those resolutions stick.

Fairfield County Parks & Recreation Department is hosting its annual Get Fit! Fairfield Challenge starting in January and running through March. The program puts participants in teams of four and encourages them to engage in healthy habits and group exercises.

Georgetown County Parks & Recreation recently cut the ribbon on a new Kids TRACK Trail at Rocky Point Community Forest. The new trail, made possible through a partnership with Kids In Parks, is part of a broader initiative to encourage outdoor exploration and healthy activities for children and families.

The Kids TRACK Trail at Rocky Point offers a self-guided adventure, supported by educational brochures designed to engage young hikers. The brochures provide engaging and informative activities to help children identify different species of trees and learn about the area's birds and other wildlife.

Georgetown County eventually will be home to three Kids TRACK Trails. T.L. Staub, outdoor recreation coordinator for Georgetown County Parks & Recreation, highlighted the benefits of the new TRACK Trails. "The new materials for children offer great opportunities to learn more about wildlife, plants and the unique features of each park site," Staub said.

More information about the TRACK Trails and outdoor recreation opportunities in Georgetown County can be found at gtcounty.org/GOAT.

SCHOLARSHIPS

EDUCATION

New Classes Offered Through Learning Portal

Enhance your knowledge and skills with three newly available online courses from SCAC.

Institute of Government Level I Required Classes:

1. Legal Issues in County Government – Dive into the legal landscape impacting local governments to govern more effectively.
2. Public Budgeting – Master financial planning, budget preparation, capital budgeting, and more to confidently collaborate with your county's financial team.

Continuing Education for Planning & Zoning Officials:

Demographic Impacts on Planning and Zoning – Explore South Carolina’s demographic trends and projections while earning 3.0 hours of CE credit.

Ready to Get Started?

1.  Access Courses Here.
2. Log in to the Member Portal.
3. Visit the “Catalog” tab to find your courses.
4. Complete a course and receive a completion email with a course evaluation link.

Should you need any assistance with the online course or your Institute of Government transcript please email Alicia Entzminger or call 803-779-8628. If you need assistance with logging into the Member Portal please email Jennifer Haworth.

NACo Invites Leadership Academy Graduates to Sign Up for Leading On Purpose Program

The National Association of Counties is offering a leadership program for those who have completed the High Performance Leadership Academy. The Leading On Purpose program is designed for government leaders seeking to take their skills to the next level.

The program will guide participants as they establish their leadership purpose, enhance team dynamics and navigate complex challenges in work and life.

The eight-week program will launch in February 2025, and space is limited to 100 participants. Cost is $750, and all High Performance Leadership Academy graduates receive a $250 scholarship.

More information on the program can be found here, or you can reach out to Luke Afeman at lukea@pdaleadership.com. 

COMMUNITY

Making Spirits Bright: SCAC Staff 'Adopt' 2 Families Through Prisma Children's Hospital

Each year, SCAC staff volunteer to donate holiday gifts to families through Prisma Health Children's Hospital—Midlands.

As the SCAC family has grown, so has our giving spirit. This year, we were able to "adopt" two families who needed additional assistance for the holiday season.

Our staff values opportunities to give back to the community. So we turned our board room into Santa's Workshop to help make the season a little brighter for families who might be spending their holiday in the hospital.

Gifts purchased with staff donations will be delivered to families at the children's hospital later this week.

GRANT CENTRAL STATION

$58 Million Available Through EPA for Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) earlier this year announced $58 million in available funding under the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) grant program. The SWIFR program supports projects that enhance local government infrastructure for managing post-consumer materials. The EPA plans to make 20 to 30 awards, ranging from $500,000 to $5 million per award.

Counties can apply for SWIFR grants through Dec. 20.

For more information on applying, visit the EPA's SWIFR for Communities Program page or grants.gov.

SC250 Offers Grant Programs for 2025

The South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission (SC250) is now accepting grant applications for FY25 (July 2024 - June 2025). SC250’s goals are to inspire education and set up cultural tourism sites that will have an impact on the future.

SC250 offers one $3,000 Non-Competitive Organizing Grant to each official County 250 Committee. This grant is non-competitive so applications are accepted ongoing until 3 p.m. May 7, 2025.

SC250 also offers competitive grants in the following levels:

• Monthly grants up to $15,000 (Apply by the first business day of each month at 3 p.m. through June 2, 2025)
• Major grants from $15,001 to $125,000 (Application deadlines are March 26, 2025, and June 26, 2025)
• Premier project grants starting at and above $125,001 (Application deadlines are March 26, 2025, and June 26, 2025)

Learn more about the FY25 Grant Programs.

SAVE THE DATE

Mark Your Calendars: Counties Connect 2025

Counties Connect and the Institute of Government for County Officials enables all county officials to become better informed about SCAC's legislative program.

On Feb. 19, Counties Connect will include a legislative briefing from SCAC staff and an opportunity to meet with Representatives and Senators at the State House.

The Association will host a reception for members of the S.C. General Assembly that evening. Institute classes including the Council Chairperson’s Workshop will be held the following day, Feb. 20. 

COUNTY EMPLOYMENT

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