September 2024

COUNTY SPOTLIGHT

Lancaster County Councilwoman Charlene McGriff Awarded Order of the Palmetto

Lancaster County Councilwoman Charlene McGriff recently received the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor, from Gov. Henry McMaster. 

The Order of the Palmetto is presented in recognition of a lifetime of extraordinary achievement, service and contributions on a national or statewide scale. McGriff is Lancaster County’s longest serving council member and prior to her election to council served 17 years on the Lancaster County School Board. She is in her final term on council and plans to retire in 2026.

A group of Lancaster citizens contacted Rep. Brandon Newton, the county delegation chairman, about honoring McGriff for her contributions to Lancaster County and to the state. Rep. Newton presented the award to McGriff at the Aug. 26 council meeting.

Counties Earn National Finance Honors

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded Dorchester, Georgetown, Greenwood and Richland counties the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.

This award is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting. This is the seventh consecutive award for Georgetown County, the 33rd consecutive award for Greenwood County and the 42nd consecutive award for Richland County.

To earn this recognition, each county's annual comprehensive financial report undergoes a rigorous evaluation by an impartial panel of experts to ensure it embodies a "spirit of full disclosure" and effectively communicates the financial story of the county.

Companies Grow Operations in SC Counties

Site development and construction company Palmetto Corporation is growing its South Carolina footprint with a new operation in Fairfield County. The $15.7 million investment is expected to create 79 new jobs.

The company's new state-of-the-art asphalt plant in Ridgeway will be the company's seventh operation in South Carolina.

"On behalf of the Fairfield County Council Chairman and councilmembers, we would like to welcome Palmetto Corporation to Fairfield County," said County Council Vice Chairman Clarence Gilbert. "They will be a great asset to the Fairfield County community."

Meanwhile, in Richland County, US Brick is expanding existing operations. The manufacturer and direct supplier of residential and commercial brick is investing $5.5 million to modernize its Richland County facility and add a secondary kiln and manufacturing line.

"US Brick's roots run deep in Richland County, and County Council is thrilled to be able to assist the company in its reinvestment efforts here," said County Council Chairwoman Jesica Mackey.

Watch our Awards Competition Livestream

Join our livestream from 10 a.m.-3:40 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, as we celebrate the innovative projects and outstanding achievements of South Carolina’s counties at the J. Mitchell Graham/Barrett Lawrimore Memorial Awards Competition.

Don’t miss the chance to see which projects will inspire new ideas for counties across our state. Be sure to tune in to the livestream at sccounties.org/livestream and witness the best of creative problem-solving in action!

Join Us for the 2024 Fall Advocacy Meeting

Mark your calendars! Registration opens soon!

NACo Offers AI Academy for County Leaders

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a hot topic, and the National Association of Counties (NACo) is offering educational opportunities for local government leaders who want to stay ahead of the curve.

The NACo AI Leadership Academy is an innovative program designed to equip frontline county government leaders with the knowledge and tools to understand and utilize AI. The goal of the program is to help county leaders enhance operational efficiency, organizational effectiveness and value for their constituents.

The next cohort of the AI Leadership Academy runs from Nov. 4 through Dec. 20. Learn more and enroll.

GRANT CENTRAL STATION

SCOR Launches Low-interest Loan Program

The South Carolina Office of Resilience (SCOR) recently launched its Resilience Revolving Fund Loan Program, which makes low-interest loans available to local governments. This includes local government agencies, commissions and other agencies.  

Loans funded through the program may be used to: 

• Buyout properties that have experienced repetitive flood losses. 
• Conduct floodplain restoration or preservation projects. 
• Buyout properties and/or land on which floodplain restoration or preservation projects will be conducted. 

Loan funds may be used to fund an entire project or as a match of one or more other project funding sources. 

Local governments with limited staffing can request technical assistance with preparing their loan application. More information about the Resilience Revolving Fund Loan Program can be found on the SCAC website.  

If you have additional questions, please contact Don Simmons at don.simmons@scor.sc.gov or 803-822-9578. 

SCAC ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Seven SC county officials were recently appointed to four different National Association of Counties policy steering committees. An additional six county officials from across the state were appointed to NACo Presidential Leadership positions on committees.

We know you will represent South Carolina and our counties well! Learn more about NACo’s appointees from SC 🔗https://www.sccounties.org/news/south-carolina-county-officials-appointed-serve-naco-committees

Managing growth is a common priority and challenge for our 46 counties, with infrastructure a critical link to the future.

🚗 Special thanks to @SCDOT Secretary of Transportation Justin Powell for meeting with our team to talk about collaboration and how counties and the state can continue to work together to meet the diverse needs of our communities. 

Our Immediate Past President Roy Costner had the opportunity to present U.S. Sen. Tim Scott with the 2024 David K. Summers, Jr. President’s Cup today on Daniel Island.

Scott, who began his public service career on Charleston County Council, was recognized for his contributions to county government. 

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