July 2025

COUNTY SNAPSHOTS

Fireworks, Parades and American Spirit on Display for Fourth of July Celebrations

South Carolina counties observed the recent Fourth of July holiday in a variety of ways. Many, like Fairfield and Saluda counties celebrated with colorful fireworks displays.

County employees in Pickens County showed their American spirit with themed outfits during "red, white and blue day" during their spirit week.

And though the stormy weather might have postponed some of the festivities in Georgetown County, the Sheriff's Office was still able to participate in the Murrells Inlet 4th of July Boat Parade and the Pawleys Island 4th of July Parade.

However your county celebrated, SCAC hopes you had a safe and happy holiday!

COUNTY SPOTLIGHTS

Horry County Finance Director Receives National Honor for Public Service

Horry County Finance Director Jamie Norman has been named one of the Government Finance Officers Association's 2025 Outstanding Public Service Professionals of the Year.

Norman is one of 50 recipients of this year's honor and is the only recipient from South Carolina.

“Jamie steps up when it matters most, leads with heart and grit, and brings an unwavering commitment to public service,” said Horry County Assistant County Administrator Shannon Todd. “She puts her people first and keeps the County in line when it comes to dollars and cents.”

The Outstanding Public Service recognition honors individual association members for their dedication to the profession, their colleagues, organizations and their communities.

Grant to Help Laurens County Fund Revolutionary War Archeological Work

The Laurens County Revolutionary War 250 Committee recently received a grant to support their archeological work on two Revolutionary War sites: Hammond’s Old Store and Fort Lindley.

The investigations at these sites aims to uncover artifacts that shed light on the area's Revolutionary War history. These artifacts are expected to be featured in an exhibit opening in summer 2026 at the Laurens County Museum as part of the 250th anniversary celebrations.

Earlier this year, the Laurens County Museum received a Museum & Library Style Exhibit Major Grant from the South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission, which will help fund the Revolutionary War Exhibit opening next year.

The exhibit will commemorate Laurens County’s significant contributions to the American Revolution. It will feature key events, sites, and individuals in Laurens County and highlight the untold stories of African Americans, Native Americans, women, and children in the war, as well as the stories of the Patriots and Loyalists. Original art by Jorge Perez Rubio will illustrate significant battles and actions from across the county, and interactive displays will engage and educate visitors of all ages.

More information about Laurens County's Revolutionary War history and ongoing projects can be found at LaurensCounty250.com.

NEWS

Celebrating 50 Years of Home Rule

This summer marks an important milestone in South Carolina government history. Gov. James Edwards signed the Home Rule Act into law on June 25, 1975, which is considered the beginning of modern county government in our state. Previously, counties had little authority and were run primarily by state senators. 

Over the past five decades following the Home Rule Act’s implementation, the Palmetto State’s 46 county governments have advanced to provide their communities with critical services protecting and improving quality of life. 

SCAC, which formed in 1967 to advocate for home rule, is excited to celebrate this anniversary.

Check out our multi-media look at the past, present and future of county government on this page.

Follow us on social media to see more reflections from county and state leaders about home rule’s lasting impact.

ADVOCACY

Share Your Thoughts During SCAC's Policy Development Process

SCAC kicked off its policy development process for 2026 this month. All county officials are invited to submit input on any legislative policy issues that you deem appropriate for consideration by the Association’s policy steering committees.

They are:

• County Government & Intergovernmental Relations
• Revenue, Finance & Economic Development
• Public Safety, Corrections & Judicial
• Land Use, Natural Resources & Transportation

Share your feedback on legislative issues and ideas for the upcoming policy development with SCAC staff by filling out a short form at bit.ly/policyinput.

GRANT CENTRAL STATION

RIA Offers Grant Program Updates Webinar

The South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) is offering additional funding in fiscal year 2026 through the Basic Economic Infrastructure programs. These grants support a wide range of improvements to publicly owned water, sewer and stormwater systems.

The RIA also plans to offer a pilot program for water and sewer utilities in need of assessments and viability assistance.

To learn more, register for the Grant Program Updates Webinar at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 22. The webinar will cover the funding available, eligible projects, grant amounts and other program requirements.

EVENTS

SCAC Award Entries Deadline Approaching

The deadline to submit entries for the 2025 SCAC Awards is less than one month away!

The 2025 J. Mitchell Graham Memorial Award and Barrett Lawrimore Memorial Regional Cooperation Award are now accepting applications. The deadline for submissions is Aug. 11. All applications must be submitted online at sccounties.org/awards.

The SCAC Awards webpage includes a toolkit, frequently asked questions, a library of past presentations and winning applications as well as more resources to help entrants prepare and submit their projects.

If you have questions about the awards programs, contact Victoria Dixon at vdixon@scac.sc or 803-252-7255 ext. 147 or Susan Turkopuls at sturkopuls@scac.sc or 803-252-7255 ext. 115.

PUBLICATIONS

2025 Acts That Affect Counties Now Online

The 2025 Acts That Affect Counties publication is now available online!

The publication includes legislation passed during the 126th General Assembly that is relevant to South Carolina's counties. 

View the complete 2025 Acts That Affect Counties now.

SCAC ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Congratulations to the new Chesterfield County Administrator Michelle Stanley! Before being named as the county administrator, Stanley served the county as an assistant administrator and the finance director.

She will bring her years of finance experience and knowledge of county government to this new position and continue to work hard serving the residents of Chesterfield County.

We love to see our county leaders sharing best practices and ideas.

The summer SC City and County Management Association Conference was an great event, as always.

Congratulations to Richard Hall, Calhoun County’s new administrator! Hall brings more than a decade of local government experience, having served in Orangeburg County, the City of Orangeburg, and most recently as Calhoun County’s deputy administrator and building official.

He and his wife, Lisa, are proud parents of two sons, Chase and Pierce. His experience and passion for public service will serve the residents of Calhoun County well.

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