Salad days for Clerk of Council

Issues on Procurement Policy and Accommodation Fee funds

There would probably be little disagreement with the opinion that the highlight of yesterday’s Council Meetings was the short video at the beginning. Chairman Scott gave no inkling of the video contents. But the reaction, predictably, was surprise. The video was a commercial for Duke Mayonnaise which featured no less than Ms. Beverly Craven, Clerk of Council. Ms. Craven has served Council for many years, sitting figuratively and literally at the right hand side of the Council Chairmen. Amiable and permanently in good humor, she is a sort of den mother for Council members. She would have been our first choice for "mom” in an “American apple pie” commercial. Seems Duke Mayonnaise sort of agrees. Ms. Craven received a strong ovation and gave us the broadest of smiles.

Continue reading "County Council, July 24"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 02:59 PM | Comments (0)

Issue on choice of projects for sales tax allocations

Request for State to address issue of safety on Johns Island roads

There was little on the agenda for yesterday’s Finance Committee that seemed contentious. But Council Member Thurmond took exception to the fiscal 2009 annual allocations for road and drainage work financed by the half cent sales tax. He did not object to the spending but questioned as to how the specific projects were chosen.

Continue reading "County Council, June 26"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 11:48 AM | Comments (2)

Public gives “thumbs down” on incinerator!

County has some hard decisions to make on solid waste disposal

A month or so ago, Council members probably felt very satisfied with their plans for the County’s waste disposal. They would close the North Charleston incinerator in 2010 and divert the waste, previously incinerated, to the Bees Ferry dump. By refusing to take construction waste from contractors and developers, and by other measures, the life of the Bees Ferry dump could be extended to 20 years. And all of this would be achieved without a major increase in waste disposal charges.

Continue reading "County Council, June 24"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 12:09 PM | Comments (0)

Citizens speak out against proposed Johns Island Crossway

Public meeting next week

At a Finance Committee meeting last month, the proponents of a new expressway across Johns Island had their say. An expressway was needed to alleviate the traffic on the existing roads. Those working and living on Kiawah and Seabrook Island would be the main users. It also could be a toll road, they said.

Continue reading "County Council, June 12"

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Johns Island Crossway up for consideration

Issues over HUD and Greenbelt grants

Yesterday’s Finance Committee meeting was much longer than it should have been. Some Council members "tilted at windmills", and at length. The meeting opened with a presentation by the consultant hired by the County on an expressway across Johns Island to alleviate traffic congestion on River Road and Maybank Highway. The project at this stage is merely a possibility. It was strongly promoted by Council member Thurmond who spoke a number of times about its virtue. There were clearly members of Council, and certainly amongst the citizens attending the meeting, who were skeptical of the plan.

Continue reading "County Council May 29, 2008"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 11:40 AM | Comments (1)

Attempt to address rising health insurance costs

Too harsh a change?

Warwick Jones

Over the last few weeks, Council has been mulling over the fiscal 2009 budget. The tail end of last night’s Finance Committee meeting was devoted to budget matters with the proposed changes to benefits for retirees generating the most discussion. At issue were the entitlements and benefits for retirees and their spouses as it related to medical insurance. Staff recommended to Council that the qualification for entitlement be tightened and the benefit period for surviving spouses be cut dramatically.

Continue reading "County Council, May 15"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 11:37 AM | Comments (0)

Staff presents a balanced budget, and no tax increase for FY2009

Look out for FY 2010 though!

Staff has had its first crack at constructing the fiscal year 2009 budget. The results were presented to the Finance Committee last night, and understandably, it was pleased. For the General Fund, staff projected a balanced budget of $172.1 million, down $1 million or 0.6% from FY 2008 million. In achieving a balanced budget, staff had been mindful of maintaining quality services and including a cost of living adjustment (COLA) of 2.5%. Importantly there was no call for higher property taxes.

Continue reading "County Council, May 1"

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Issue over judicial staff wages

Discussion on underground wiring for County

There was lots of discussion at yesterday's meeting, but little action. Council meeting as the Finance Committee heard presentations from SCE&G on underground power lines, and from the staff on bonding relating to trucks using secondary roads. Earlier, when meeting as the Planning/Public Works Committee, Council heard from the Berkeley Charleston Dorchester Council of Governments (BCDCOG) in relation to a waste water plan.

Continue reading "County Council, April 10"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 11:34 AM | Comments (0)

Updating the County’s Comprehensive Plan under way

Urban Growth Boundary unlikely to be moved

The Comprehensive Plan is the official document that sets forth Charleston County’s goals, policies and guidelines intended to direct the present and future physical, social, and economic development within the unincorporated county.

There was little of interest in discussions at the Finance Committee meeting last Thursday. There were a number of appointments to boards and commissions, a quarterly report from the internal auditor and a policy determination to help fund beach renourishment in the County. In relation to the latter, a fund would be formed using the proceeds of the Accommodation Fee. Money from this fund would be provided to municipalities on a match basis, but the size of the match would be determined on a “case by case” basis. That was it!

Continue reading "County Council, March 27"

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A traffic study for City’s proposal for Maybank Highway

City has an effective veto power over development

Resolution of the issue between the City and County to widen Maybank Highway may be months away. Indeed, it is possible there will be no resolution. At the last meeting of County Council, staff was instructed to meet with that of the City and the DOT to attempt a compromise between the two plans. As instructed, staff met but there was no compromise. However, there was an agreement that a detailed traffic study was necessary to draw a proper conclusion.

Continue reading "County Council, February 13"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 01:36 PM | Comments (0)

Widening of Maybank Highway – Is a compromise possible?

Parking fees to rise in County’s downtown garages

One wonders how it happened. Here was the City squaring off against the County in regards to changes along Maybank Highway. Change had been planned for some years and indeed voters in a referendum had signaled their approval of the County’s plans. But the changes planned were within the City of Charleston. Its views were very different. Why wasn’t there cooperation between the County and the City in shaping the proposed change?

Continue reading "County Council, February 28"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 11:24 AM | Comments (1)

Will help fund beach renourishment at Wild Dunes but with conditions

A balanced budget for fiscal 2008 despite lower-than-projected revenue

The provision of funds for beach renourishment on the Isle of Palms (IOP) was the major item on tonight’s Finance Committee meeting. The Committee approved a grant of $900,000 from the Accommodation Fee Fund to help a beach renourishment project. But the approval came with conditions. The residents of the Wild Dunes Community must agree to provide $6.1 million of the $9.9 million estimated cost, and that a request be made that the Community make some provision for parking and access to the beach by the public. Should the cost of the renourishment fall short of the estimate, the County was to be the first reimbursed.

Continue reading "County Council, February 14"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 07:56 PM | Comments (0)

Administrator’s contract extended

Council stretches definition of “tourist-related” in latest grant

Council meetings are usually brief, yesterday’s was no exception. Most issues are decided at the Finance Committee on the Thursday before. But two items not on the agenda of the last Committee meeting precipitated a special meeting yesterday. The items were the retention of the County Administrator and an application by the St Andrews Parks and Playgrounds for funds to buy a property in West Ashley.

Continue reading "County Council, February 5"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 11:37 AM | Comments (0)

Reflections on changing the form of County Government

A DNA lab for the County? Unqualified audit opinion for Fiscal 2007

We learned at lot at yesterday’s Finance Committee meeting. Council was not considering new ordinances but hearing presentations that relate to possible future initiatives. A member of the faculty of USC’s Institute of Public Service and Policy Research spoke of the different forms of local government which were possible in SC and open to Charleston County. A spokesman for the Sheriffs Department told of the need for a DNA testing laboratory and a representative of the Low County Housing Trust spoke of the non profit’s success in providing “affordable housing”.

Continue reading "County Council, January 31"

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Decision on future land fill, and waste disposal. SPCA gets half a bone

Unhappiness about Roadwise program

It didn’t take much time to decide. Staff gave a short presentation on the County’s options regarding future land fill and waste disposal, and made its recommendation. And after some discussion and no dissent, Council chose Option 1 - to continue using the Bees Ferry land fill to dispose of waste and to develop another land full site on Highway 17 S to receive building material waste beginning about 2022. Resource recovery (incineration) of trash would cease after 2010. The County would also discontinue taking trash and other materials from “private” sources.

Continue reading "County Council, January 17"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 12:11 PM | Comments (0)

Mayor Riley taken to task by County

Town of James Island takes issue with charges. Stiff penalties to retrieve stray pets

The Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District sought by the City of Charleston ostensibly was the issue. The City needed the approval of Council to use property taxes collected in the TIF district – the land made available following the relocation of the ramp to the Cooper River Bridge – to fund infrastructure. It was not the first TIF district created by the City and the County, and we thought the creation would breeze through Council. It didn’t. The issue was deferred from an earlier Council meeting. It was passed at yesterday’s Finance Committee meeting. But there were strong words from some Council members.

Continue reading "County Council, December 13"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 02:15 PM | Comments (0)

Council mute on Long Savannah annexation

Raises Diversity Goal for Hiring and Procurement

Those of us expecting some discussion of the annexation of the Long Savannah development by the City of Charleston were disappointed. There was none. We know that some Council members were upset by the City’s action and the breach of the unwritten agreement with the County not to annex on the rural side of the Urban Growth Boundary. But as a staff member said, what can the County do? There was no legal impediment to the annexation. Council, meeting as the Finance Committee broke for a long executive session over a number of matters. Possibly it also discussed the annexation.

Continue reading "County Council, November 29"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 11:22 AM | Comments (0)

Green light for some big projects

Mulling contributions for beach re-nourishment

Council gave the final nod for some big projects yesterday. Meeting as the Finance Committee, it approved contracts for construction of the new jail, an upgrade in the revenue and billing system, and repairs for the blighted Judicial Center. It also instructed staff to devise a policy to allow the use of Accommodation Fees for beach re-nourishment.

Continue reading "County Council, November 15"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 12:13 PM | Comments (0)

Rural greenbelt grants approved

$100,000 grant for marketing effort by the “Museum Mile”

As we anticipated, the Finance Committee approved the rural grants determined by the Greenbelt Bank at its meeting last month. The grants totaled $5.38 million. Coupled with those made in the first round of applications, the Greenbelt Bank has now approved about $16 million in rural grants. The grants are being financed through the half-cent sales tax. As reported some time ago, the County is to make a bond issue to facilitate the process and not wait for an accumulation of sales tax funds. Interest and amortization of the bonds will come from the sales tax. Of the bond proceeds, $60 million will be used to fund both rural and urban grants. Rural grants will be allocated 70 % or $42 million of the $60 million. After allowing for the latest round of grants, about $26 million remains available for distribution.

Continue reading "County Council, November 1"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 12:12 PM | Comments (0)

County to consolidate emergency dispatch services

Concern that City of Charleston will not sign on

Meeting as the Finance Committee, Council last night agreed to move forward to consolidate dispatch services in the County. The feasibility study of the plan, to integrate the dispatch of EMS, fire and police response to emergency calls was completed earlier this year. Council last night agreed to fund the consolidation and pay total running costs after 2014.

Continue reading "County Council, October 12"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 11:01 AM | Comments (2)

Road wise projects move further along

Request for $60 million from State Infrastructure Bank

Discussion over Roadwise initial bond projects took up most of yesterday’s meetings. Council, meeting as the Planning and Public Works Committee, listened to presentations by Roadwise staff on proposals for four of the projects approved in the half-cent sales tax referendum. Design and engineering studies have been completed. Approval for the construction and right way phases were being sought. The projects to be discussed were;

Continue reading "County Council, September 27, 2007"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 11:27 AM | Comments (0)

Council to stop annual distributions to charities

But may attempt to “find a better way”

The annual giving to charities by the County Council will stop after the distribution this fiscal year. The distribution to “Outside Agencies” has been made for more than 20 years but in the last 2 years has been frequently criticized – that some recipients were not properly qualified and that individual Council members should not choose the recipients. Last year, Council adopted tighter conditions for the process. But these were not enough to stem the criticism, particularly from the two new Council members. Council voted last night, 6 to 3, to end the practice with only Council members Darby, Pryor and Inabinett opposed to the cessation.

Continue reading "County Council, September 18"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 02:16 PM

Work on new Comprehensive Plan for County begins

Final plan could take more than a year to complete

State law obliges counties to prepare a full update of their Comprehensive Plans every 10 years. The first Comprehensive Plan (CP) prepared by Charleston County was completed in 1999. A new plan is required by 2009. To meet State requirements, the County earlier this year retained consultants, at a cost of $250,000 to prepare the new plan. Mr. Dan Pennick, head of Planning for the County said it would take 12 to 14 months to complete and should be ready before the 2009 deadline.

Continue reading "County Planning Commission, September 17"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 12:36 PM | Comments (0)

Approves final distribution amounts to charities

But some change possible in evaluation process

Council decided the final figures for this fiscal year’s distribution from the General Fund to charities, and from Accommodation Fees to entities generating tourist related revenues. In our view, there were no surprises. Council members had already indicated the recipients and the proposed amount. Last night’s meeting brought about only minor changes.

Continue reading "County Council, September 4"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 12:53 PM | Comments (0)

Should Council distribute funds to charities?

Despite changes made last year, Council still is split

Should Council distribute tax payer’s funds to charities? If so, how should the charities be chosen? These questions generated much debate last year. And despite some tightening of the application and allocation procedures, the questions are still being asked. A discussion on the issues is scheduled for the Council meeting on September 18. But we won’t hold our breath in anticipation of a final resolution.

Continue reading "County Council, August 28"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 12:37 PM

Harmony Hill approval still stands

Strong opposition to any change in Council Chairman position

The purchase of the 430 acre Harmony Hall property and the appropriate form of government for the County were the major items up for discussion at yesterday‘s Finance Committee meeting. Predictably, there was lots of talk, but not much action. The decision to allow the Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) to purchase the Harmony Hall property for $10 million was allowed to stand. And despite opposition to any proposal to change the present nature of the County’s government, it was agreed to allow an expert address the Council at some future date as to the merits of the different forms of government.

Continue reading "County Council, August 7"

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Council approves all of the PRC’s proposed acquisitions

But not the conditions requested by the Long Savannah developer

The agenda was long. In the words of the County Administrator, it was the most “intense” in his experience. And looking at the audience, it was obvious something important was at issue. Mayor Riley was there with an entourage from the City and which included Council member Evans. State Representative Stavrinakis was also there as were many members of the public. Together, they more than filled the Committee room.

Continue reading "County Council, July 24"

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Council to take the money for Mark Clark extension

State should pick up any cost over-run

Council voted to proceed with the agreements with the SC Department of Transport (DOT) and the State Infrastructure Bank (SIB). Last week, the Finance Committee considered the agreements but some members were daunted by the liability the County would endure if there were a considerable cost overrun. Discussion with State legislators and the promise that the State would pick up the overrun, comforted the majority of Council members and only two, Council members Schweers and Inabinett voted against the agreements last night.

Continue reading "County Council, June 19"

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Liability over Mark Clark extension daunts some members

Final decision likely on Tuesday. Some issues on a greenbelt project

We’re getting close to the wire. The issue of extending the Mark Clark Expressway fianlly should be decided at the Council meeting on Tuesday. To be fair, the extension of the expressway is not the issue, it is the liability that accompanies it. It would seem that if the County does not assume this liability, which is open ended, the extension becomes moot. The voting at yesterday’s Finance Committee meeting gave no indication as to what the final decision might be with the 8 members present evenly split. Council member McKeown was absent but full attendance of members at the next Council meeting should ensure a decision.

Continue reading "County Council, June 14"

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County to PRC - Drop dead!

How real is the issue over the PRC’s independence?

It is no secret that there is a conflict between the County and the Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC). But the battles have been fought in executive sessions of both bodies and little has been made public. So we confess to not knowing all the facts. But from what we do know, it seems the issue that divides the bodies – the independence of the PRC - may have grown out of proportion. Resolution may have been possible with a meeting of the bodies rather than letters between their respective attorneys.

Continue reading "County Council, May 31"

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Is Council bending too far to avoid millage increases?

Potential conflict between Council and PRC

There were some tense moments in yesterday's special meeting of the Finance Committee. They were generated in the final shaping of the fiscal 2008 budget. The amount of a specific item was never a large issue. It was the broader implications, in particular, how far should Council go to avoid a millage increase? In the minds of some, Council it was going too far.

Continue reading "County Council, May 22"

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General Fund Budget put to bed, CARTA’s request rejected

Issues with oversight of PRC and temporary housing of jail inmates

It was a long evening. It began about four o'clock with a special meeting of the Finance Committee. It then moved to a public hearing on Contributions to Outside Agencies, and finally to a Council Meeting at 8 pm. The General Fund budget for fiscal 2008 was put to bed, though not tightly tucked in, and CARTA’s request for extra funds rejected. Spending on temporary facilities to house those unable to be placed in the crowded jail got approval, though not without debate. And Council moved to resolve as to who really was in charge of the Parks and Recreation Commission. But the issue of improving Hutt and Abram roads was left to fester.

Continue reading "County Council, May 15"

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No closure on some major items

CARTA returns to the trough

There was no closure on the important items before the Finance Committee yesterday evening. In most cases, the Committee decided to defer final decisions until the Council meeting on Tuesday. Two of the important items were related to the proposed 2008 budget. Others related to the Parks and Recreation Commission, and to a road project.

Continue reading "County Council, May 10"

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Budget process underway

Small increase in millage rate seems likely

Deliberations over the fiscal 2008 budget are underway. The financial problems confronting the County have been described in previous reports. The solutions have yet to be determined. Council met yesterday as the Finance Committee to hear staff proposals for some of the funds, but discussion was deferred to allow Council members time for consideration.

Continue reading "County Council April 26"

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Uniform scale of charges to municipalities for collecting fees

Some minor amendments to Greenbelt Bank ordinance

There was little of import before the Finance Committee at yesterday’s meeting. Council agreed to a uniform fee schedule when acting on behalf of municipalities in collecting building license and user fees. It also agreed that some minor amendments to the Greenbelt Belt Ordinance and operating procedures, and to extend an arrangement with Folly Beach for use of a County Sheriff’s officer,

Continue reading "County Council, April 12"

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Chairman declares assumption of a tax increase is premature!

Progress on diversity

It was another lean meeting. Staff presented their quarterly progress report on diversity, Council agreed to look into video conferencing as an aid to cutting costs, and Council danced around whether there would be a tax increase.

Continue reading "County Council, March 29, 2007"

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Costs go higher and higher

Can the County avoid a millage increase?

As Chairman Scott said at the start of the workshop last week, the presentations were not part of the budget discussion. They were essentially a background. But even as such, Council members could hardly have been encouraged. It seems highly likely that in response to rising costs, County property taxes will need to be raised albeit by a modest amount. At yesterday's workshop, the Chairman again declared his opposition to any increase in millage rates. His voice may not be the only one raised in opposition. But the opponents of an increase will be hard pressed to come up with an alternative for financing necessary capital improvements.

Continue reading "County Council, March 22"

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CHATS presentation does little to resolve issue of I-526 extension

Council agrees to seek change in sales tax ordinance

Warwick Jones

If the presentation by the staff of CHATS was expected to settle the issue of extending the Mark Clark then it failed. The presentation highlighted some of the gains and losses in terms of traffic flow along the roads on and servicing Johns Island. But the spokesmen refused to be drawn into any conclusion as to whether the extension should be built. A random check amongst attendees indicated that most were as confused as this writer.

Continue reading "County Council, March 20"

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Tax burden to be cut further for property owners?

But millage increase possible this year

Homeowners in South Carolina are already set for a break on property taxes. They could have another within a few years. Last year, the State voted to introduce a 1% sales tax, beginning June 1, to fund education spending. The sales tax replaces that part of the annual property tax levied by the County and allocated for education. However, the property tax burden was removed only for owner-occupied dwellings. Commercial and rental properties would continue to be taxed as in the past.

Continue reading "County Council, March 15"

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Charitable Contributions debated again

Mark Clark extension back on agenda for March 22

We thought the issue was closed. It had been well discussed by Council, sometimes heatedly, at a number of meetings last year. But Council member Thurmond, new to Council this year, was not happy about the County’s policy of distributing funds to “Outside Agencies”. In fiscal 2007, the County had budgeted for distributions of about $315,000. He stated that it was not right for the Council to be giving away the public’s money. He had no issue with any of the recipients or with charitable giving. But it was not the County’s job to support charities. He noted that in 2004, the private sector gave $24 billion to charities. Did Government need to get into the business of giving as well, he inferred? He added that the County was presently in a tight financial position and may need to raise millage rates. How could we raise rates and continue to give away taxpayers money?

Continue reading " County Council, March 2"

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County to take over management of municipal elections?

Votes to continue “intern” program

There was little of contention or great import before the meeting of the Finance Committee today. The Town of Hollywood asked the County to take over management of its elections; the Committee approved $60,000 for an intern program, and agreed to defer discussion on the County’s compensation philosophy.

Continue reading "County Council, February 22"

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Moves ahead to recover fees on credit card payments of taxes

Final appointments to GAB and TAB

There was nothing much arising from last night’s meeting to add to that of the Finance Committee meeting on Thursday. The first reading was given to an ordinance to introduce a fee on taxes collected “through electronic media including but not limited to the acceptances of charge cards and debit cards via the internet ( collectively and along with other forms of electronic payment) “

Continue reading "County Council, February 6"

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A fee to be imposed on credit card payments for property taxes

Tax break for some boat owners?

First the bad news! If you expect to pay property taxes by credit card in future, think twice. You are about to be charged a fee. And the good news. If you own a boat and can claim it as a second home under the IRS definition, you may be allowed a tax break.

Continue reading "County Council, February 1"

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Administrator to sign for longer term

Other appointments; hearing on Mark Clark extension in February

Warwick Jones

Continue reading "County Council, January 18"

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New Chairman and Vice Chairman

To confront some major issues this year

The first meeting for the New Year was predictable. With the Republicans in the majority, Council members Scott and Bostic were appointed Chairman and Vice Chairman respectively. In terms of service, they are also the two most senior members of Council. There also were two new members of Council, Schweers and Thurmond, both Republicans. They won the seats previously held by Council members Wallace and Stavrinakis. Neither ran again for Council with Dr Wallace retiring and Mr. Stavrinakis running for and securing a seat in the State Legislature.

Continue reading "County Council, January 9"

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Approves contract for health care of jail inmates

CARTA's 5 year plan, question of funding bus replacement after 2011

It was a lean meeting of the Finance Committee with little at issue, which is probably just as well as only 5 council members were present. But it was still a quorum and sufficient to deal with the few items on the agenda.

Continue reading "County Council, December 14"

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Moves to help preserve communities north of Mount Pleasant

A tough easement issue, a new hotel for Downtown

Council last night took a step towards better preserving the communities on the eastern side of Highway 17 and north of the Isle of Palms Connector. It did this essentially by agreeing to an amendment to the Mount Pleasant Overlay, a zoning ordinance that relates to the unincorporated area north of Mount Pleasant. The changes follow recommendations by the Highway 17 North Task Force and which were endorsed by the Town of Mount Pleasant.

Continue reading "County Council Meeting December 5"

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A fractious meeting

Last meeting for the Chairman

There was something troubling about last night's meeting. It was the undeserved humiliation of the County Attorney Mr. Joe Dawson as the Council discussed his remuneration and worth. It was not that Mr. Dawson was doing a bad job. No, all agreed he had done an excellent job. Yes, he had worked according to a contract drawn up by the County. But he is paid too much and his remuneration needs to be cut, at least that was the implication of what was before Council. The issue generated a heated discussion but in the final vote, the move for change was defeated.

Continue reading "County Council Meeting November 16"

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Auditors find some minor theft

And report favorably on jail inmate health care services

Warwick Jones

Last night's meeting was essentially about criminals - the Internal Auditor noted theft in his report for the 3 month period to November 2, and the Criminal Justice Institute reported on its audit of the inmate health care services at the County Jail.

Continue reading "County Council November 9"

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New jail to cost over $100 million, property taxes likely to rise

Success on the Eastside, Board of Conservation Bank chosen

There wasn't as much discussion on the new jail as the waiting TV camera teams expected. A PowerPoint presentation had been prepared by staff, but it was never given. Council agreed with Council member Bostic that much of the information was already public knowledge and there was no point in re hashing it. But the handout for the presentation showed that the estimated cost of the new jail was now $101 million, more than 30% over the previous estimate of $76 million. And most likely, property taxes will need to increase to finance it.

Continue reading "County Council, October 12"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 05:31 PM | Comments (1)

Compliments for Council members Darby and Pryor

Approval for intersection, drainage, and bikeway projects

As far as dealing with the formal agenda, it was all over in a matter of minutes. Council approved all the matters that had previously been considered and voted on by the Finance Committee last Thursday. The remarks of interest were made at the closing of the meeting and related to the efforts of Council members Darby and Pryor to eliminate drug dealing on the Eastside.

Continue reading "County Council Meeting October 3"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 04:16 PM | Comments (1)

Please! Please! Not Another Pericles!

Of all the things needed in Charleston County, the absolute last thing is for voters to be duped by Mayor J. Pericles Riley and his Palter and Chatter cronies into creating another parallel imperial reign, or, more likely, a subservient puppet poltroon handpicked by Pericles to govern. Ever since the Justice Department won out and forced single-member districts upon County government, the editorial staff and behind the scenes owners of the Palter and Chatter have been pitching a "hissy fit" to put their own chosen disciple in charge of County Council. They just can't stand the thought of nine equally powerful council members, elected by the citizens of nine separate districts, governing the affairs of Charleston County. To the editors of the Palter and Chatter, this must be just one short step from total anarchy.

Continue reading "Shrimp 'n Grits"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 01:45 PM | Comments (0)

OJT stays, County-wide election of Council Chairman mulled

Vote on Conservation Bank board members deferred

Continue reading "County Council September 28"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 06:14 PM | Comments (0)

Proposed "on job training" in road work projects not fully understood

Should it be such an issue?

If it weren't for the last minute addition of On the Job Training (OJT) to the agenda, there would have been nothing worthy of reporting flowing from last night's meeting. Council member McKeown was troubled at last week's Finance Committee meeting by the talk of $6.5 million being directed to OJT from half-cent sales tax funds spent on road works. He sought to reopen the discussion and Council unanimously agreed to.

Continue reading "County Council September 19"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 05:06 PM | Comments (0)

Town of James Island will be billed for law enforcement services

Sheriff Cannon pushes again for consolidation

It was one of the shortest agendas that we have seen for a meeting of the Finance Committee. The only matter of importance was the issue as to what should be charged by the County for providing law-enforcement services to municipalities, and in particular, for the new Town of James island. The issue had been discussed at the previous meeting of the Committee. But because of its importance, a decision had been deferred to allow more time for consideration. Council, meeting as the Finance Committee, voted to continue providing the present level of servicing until the end of this fiscal year, i.e. to June 2007. Thereafter, the new town would be asked to pay for all law-enforcement services. At least that was our understanding. But like others we were confused.

Continue reading "County Council Meeting - September 14"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 05:06 PM | Comments (0)

Issue over law enforcement charge to Town of James Island

A higher diversity Goal? Some welcome road repairs

What should the County charge if it provides services to the newly formed town of James island? Council, meeting as the Finance Committee, had few issues with the new policy for Services to Municipalities drawn up by Staff until it came to Law Enforcement. After some heated exchanges between Chairman Stavrinakis and Sheriff Cannon, Council decided to mull over the proposal for law enforcement but voted to accept the other proposals.

Continue reading "County Council Meeting September 5, 2006"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 06:54 PM | Comments (0)

Treading lightly over voting for Outside Agency contributions

But P&C still finds fault

The issue over contributions to Outside Agencies (charities) was pretty well wrapped up at the Finance Committee meeting last week. All that remained was to finalize the new policy and amend the list of recipients in the light of the new policy. Council did this last night but some Council members decided to recuse themselves on some votes because of their connection to the charities.

Continue reading "County Council August 22, 2006"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 07:35 PM | Comments (0)

Policy on Outside Agency contributions defined

Process may be too onerous for small groups

Hopefully, the issue of Outside Agency contributions has now been resolved. Meeting as the Finance Committee, the Council approved a new policy last night. It will apply to all contributions in fiscal 2008 but have limited application for the current fiscal year.

Continue reading "County Council Meeting August 17"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 11:06 PM | Comments (0)

OBITUARY NOTICE Charleston County Council Integrity

Council's Integrity entered into eternal rest on the evening of July 18, 2006, in Charleston County Council Chambers after a valiant, albeit fatal, battle against broken promises and a complete collapse of personal courage. Integrity's untimely demise resulted from a truculent assault by Council Chairman Leon Stabyourbackus and his accomplice, The Machine's Colleen Condon, as they intimidated and cajoled the other seven Council members to approve an additional annual payment of $1.1 million to CARTA for the next six years.

Continue reading "Shrimp 'n Grits"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 01:31 AM | Comments (0)

Agrees to take over CARTA debt obligation

18% sales- tax cap to apply only over long term

As we expected, the County will take on the burden of CARTA's debt. However, it will not need to tack on $6 million to the planned bond issue for transportation and greenbelts. To fund the next payment that is due to CARTA's bankers of $1.1 million, it will draw on funds that already have been budgeted for transportation from the sales tax but which have not been used. Although Council committed to making the remaining payments on CARTA's debt, there was no decision as from where they will be drawn, except that they will be derived from the half-cent sales tax.

Continue reading "County Council Meeting July 18"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 03:00 PM | Comments (0)

To take over CARTA's debt burden?

Bond issue for Transportation to be raised by $6 million

It's not signed and sealed yet. But most likely on Tuesday night, County Council will take an important step to pull out CARTA from under its debt burden. And it will do this by tacking on $6 million to the transportation bond issue that voters will be asked to approve in a referendum at the end of this year.

Continue reading "County Council Meeting July 13"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 05:28 PM | Comments (0)

Council uneasily decides on interim administrator

A glance at needs of James Island township

Clearly, there were divisions amongst Council members at last night's meeting of the Finance Committee. At issue was the appointment of an interim Administrator. Some members thought that Staff, under the guidance of Deputy Chief Administrator Keith Bustraan, was capable of managing the County, but others thought that Mr. Mack Canterbury, who retired from the County three years or so ago, should be appointed. Ultimately, the committee voted to begin negotiations with Mr. Canterbury.

Continue reading "County Council June 15"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 04:50 PM | Comments (0)

Outside Agencies allocation to wait for policy determination

Issue over interim Administrator? Accommodation tax fund allocations

We thought the Outside Agencies issue had been killed at last. However, it came back to life at the end of the special Council meeting last night and after an executive session. There were clear signs that ultimately it would be killed off and buried. But not before Council had formulated a clearer policy on distributions, which it agreed to do last night.

Continue reading "County Council June 8"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 05:37 PM | Comments (0)

Still no closure on Outside Agencies

Oversight role of TAB endorsed

The issue of contributions to Outside Agencies refuses to die. The Finance Committee at its meeting last Thursday agreed to defer the allocations to Outside Agencies until policy was better defined within the next few months. Last night, Council's vote was equally split as to accepting the Finance Committee's recommendation. Consequently, the recommendation to defer was not adopted. Council will meet again on Thursday to take up the issue once more. The only agreement that presently exists is that $312,000 will be distributed to Outside Agencies in fiscal 2007.

Continue reading "County Council June 6"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 05:45 PM | Comments (0)

Issues with Outside Agencies and the Post & Courier

Greenbelts, bonding and the RMC

Discussion of Outside Agencies dominated last night's session of the Finance Committee. Before the discussion got underway, Council member Bostic moved that a vote should be deferred for some months, and that in the meantime Council should define a policy for contributions to Outside Agencies. This it agreed to do. But there was considerable debate before the vote was taken and it spilled into wider issues such as "single member districts", and the reporting of the Post & Courier.

Continue reading "County Council, June 1"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 05:43 PM | Comments (1)

We take issue with the P&C, again!

Today's front-page headline in the Post and Courier was "County Council in flux". The tenor of the critical story that followed was that Council is divided on many issues, some of these have racial overtones, staff is particularly sensitive to criticism, and some are thinking of leaving. And all of this followed the introduction of single member district voting.

Continue reading "County Council - "In flux" or doing its job?"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 08:19 PM | Comments (0)

Will continue to provide funds for charities

No extra funding for CARTA

There were two major issues before Council last night - Outside Agency contributions and the Sales tax budget, or more particular, the funding of CARTA. The special meeting of the Finance Committee that was called to consider Outside Agencies, ground along for more than hour as Council members rearranged figures, to find funds not only for Outside Agencies, but also for other items. The discussion over the Sales Tax budget was short with total acceptance of the Finance Committees recommendation, that CARTA receive no extra funding but its financial needs be reviewed within a few months.

Continue reading "County Council May 16"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 05:41 PM | Comments (0)

Sympathy, but no extra cash for CARTA

Non-profits may go empty handed

There were three important issues before the Finance Committee yesterday evening - CARTA's request for extra financing from sales tax funds, Outside Agency distributions, and proposed major changes to zoning regulations. The Committee may have had teary eyes in dealing with CARTA' woes but it was hard nosed in its decision - no extra funding. And the same applied to Outside Agencies - there may be no funding for any of the non-profits but if there is, qualifications may be tightened. And as for the new planning regulations, they were adopted with the exception of those that were contentious. Consideration of these was deferred.

Continue reading "County Council May 11"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 04:04 PM | Comments (1)

Budget discussions get short shrift

Progress on diversity goals

Council may attempt to do the right thing. But sometimes things get out of perspective. Last night, members deliberated for a very long time on the right action in constructing some minor roads. They hoped to satisfy all the sparring constituents. And then after hearing these items and others, they suffered some long presentations on diversity, crammed with detail beyond that which was needed. In consequence, the evening proved long. Council members and the audience were weary when the final and most important items on the agenda came up for discussion - the 2007 Capital Improvement Plan and more items relating to the 2007 Fiscal Budget. These received swift hearings and there was little discussion of either.

Continue reading "County Council April 27"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 07:36 PM | Comments (0)

Non-profit groups plea for funds

Not enough to satisfy all

The public hearings were the only things of interest at last night's Council meeting. The first hearing was on the distribution to Outside Agencies. It took more than 2 hours and saw a procession of applicants making their plea for funding. The allocation to Outside Agencies generates a substantial pilgrimage each year to the Council before it meets to divvy up a pile of funds for noble causes. The monies come from the general fund and from an allocation from the Accommodation tax. The distribution from the latter is confined to entities and activities that are essentially tourist related.

Continue reading "County Council, April 18"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 06:05 PM | Comments (0)

Higher rating will lead to $0.5 million interest cost savings

Savings on future bond issues likely

There was nothing on today's agenda of note. The Finance Committee meeting ended after only a few minutes. But there was some interesting news. Standard and Poors has given the County an AAA rating for the purposes of the $65 million bond issue that is planned. This is a higher rating than the County received when it last issued bonds. The previous rating was AA+. The staff estimates that the improved rating will lead to savings of about $0.5 million over the 20-year life of the bond.

Continue reading "County Council, April 13"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 11:53 PM | Comments (0)

Hiring of Financial Consultant raises question

An uneventful meeting

Closing remarks by Council members took almost as much time as dealing with the agenda at last night's meeting. Indeed there was little of issue on the agenda and every item passed with a unanimous vote. Items, most of which were considered at last week's Finance Committee meeting, included a grant of $2.3 million for the new SPCA facility at North Charleston, tightening of the wording relating to the County's Diversity policy, zoning cases and the hiring of a financial consultant.

Continue reading "County Council April 4"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 03:13 PM | Comments (0)

To grant SPCA $2.3 million to help build new facility

Ire over State's attitude to Juvenile Detention Services

It was a lean agenda before the Finance Committee yesterday. Unfortunately we were unable to cover all of the proceedings. Council met for an executive session before the two last items. A need to attend a meeting elsewhere (a presentation by the SCDOT on the proposed Port and access road) forced us to depart before Council worked through the agenda.

Continue reading "County Council March 30"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 06:42 PM | Comments (0)

Mayor Summey takes issue with Council

Zoning and land revision planned

There are some things that go on in Council meetings that we don't understand. Take last night, for instance. Before Council was the award of contracts for engineering design of roads in the Roadwise program. The decision to make the awards has been before Council for some time. It has been held up on issues relating to minority participation. Chairman Stavrinakis suggested that a decision had been delayed too long. The "request for qualifications" resulted in submissions from about 20 firms. This number had been reduced to about 10 and further culled to about 3 firms, to bid for each of the projects under consideration. The evaluation had been made by a committee of Staff under a process mandated by both state and federal regulations.

Continue reading "County Council Meeting March 21"

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