What responsibilities come under the purview of County Council?
Colleton County Council is a body politic in the council-administrator form of government, governed by the South Carolina Constitution and the general rule of law. As a deliberative body, the council hires an administrator who is responsible for all staff and is tasked with carrying-out the day-to-day functions of the county. Council elects a chairman to officiate meetings and speak on behalf of the body. Furthermore, the Council exercises powers to enact ordinances and resolutions in relation to health and order in the county or respecting issues for the general welfare, security, peace, and order within the County. State law requires that the County Council adopt a ten-year plan every ten years. That plan encompasses every jurisdiction and municipality within the County. The council also appoints members to commissions or boards that subdivide areas of interest and concern for the constituency. County departments are: Animal and Environmental Control, Capital Projects, Delinquent Tax, Economic Development, Facilities Maintenance, Finance, Fire-Rescue, Emergency Management Division, Fleet Management, GIS, Human Resources, the Museum and Farmer’s Market, Parks and Recreation, Planning and Development, Register of Deeds, Roads and Bridges, Solid Waste and Recycling, and Technology.
• What are the functions of a council member?
Each council member is elected by the citizenry and sworn to uphold the Constitution of the State of South Carolina and adhere to the ethics set forth by the State. A council member should study, gain understanding, and provide necessary education of each matter brought to the council for a vote and vote. Council members are expected to regularly attend council meetings and every respective appointed position on subsidiary boards and commissions. For example, I currently serve as Chair of the Colleton Public Health and Safety Committee, member of the County Finance Committee, board member of the South Carolina Association of Counties Board of Directors, Vice-Chairman to the Walterboro-Colleton Airport Commission, chairman of the Colleton Chamber of Commerce, President of the SC Coalition of Black County Officials, board member of the Lowcountry Council of Governments, board member of the South Carolina Council of Governments…all of these appointments are through my position on County Council. Council members should also maintain clear communications and provide adequate access for communication with the citizenry.
• In your view, what are the most pressing issues facing our county and how do you envision addressing these issues collaboratively with other elected officials and the community stakeholders?
Firstly, the most pressing issues facing our county is carrying out the projects voters have chosen, workforce development, education, housing, and public safety. Council members should not misconstrue collaborating with elected officials to mean polling other council members. Polling council members is not allowed by other council members. Council members can educate, ask questions, research or gather in the community with one other member of council at a time. Other elected officials, for example, the Sheriff can meet and discuss issues with a council member in respect to developing an ordinance to address public safety. Additionally, community stakeholders can connect with each council member for community development issues or any other matters that rise for concern. For example, to address workforce development, I meet with the Technical College of the Lowcountry, USC Salkehatchie, SC Works, Carolina Apprenticeship, Colleton Economic Alliance, Colleton Chamber of Commerce, SC DEW, WIOA, Colleton Adult Learning Center, Colleton County School District, Colleton Preparatory Academy, Utilities companies, Southern Carolina Alliance, Lowcountry Council of Governments, Colleton Workforce Board, business and industry leaders and others. We analyze issues and make training, certification classes, job fairs, seminars and other resources available for people to gain a higher quality of life.
• Economic Development is a key priority facing our county’s growth. In your view, what are the most pressing economic development issues facing our county?
Ensuring adequate power, water and sewer infrastructure are pressing matters for product development within the County. Most people active in economic development understand the nature in which commerce project visits have changed to a fast-paced site stop. Colleton County has already sold all of its speculative buildings, so product development is a must.
• For the entire county, including Edisto, Cottageville, Lodge, Walterboro, Smoaks, etc., community engagement is crucial for effective governance. How do you plan to engage with residents and solicit their input on important county issues and how do you ensure that diverse voices are heard and considered in the decision-making process?
Citizens and all concerned individuals that would like to have input on issues they find important may engage with me in several ways. Firstly, my contact information is made available on the county’s website…so phone calls, mail and emails can be sources of input. Other individuals may schedule a meeting or convene groups to have me make a presentation, keeping in mind that our rules allow for the Chairman of Council to defer the role of the chair to a council member for speaking. Additionally, the law requires three readings and a public hearing on county ordinances which allows any person to address the council during the public hearing. Furthermore, County Council provides a public comment segment on our agenda for citizens to have input.
