Charleston County Council

Responsibilities

County Council makes policy decisions for Charleston County, as established in state law. Council's nine members serve four-year staggered terms and are elected from single member districts. County Council elects a Chair annually to act as its spokesperson and preside at its meetings. Councilmembers serve on a part-time basis and each member receives an annual salary of $20,738. The Council Chairman receives an annual salary of $26,142 for the performance of extra duties. County Council generally meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month and holds committee meetings on the Thursday prior to committee. County Council operates under the Rules of Council. In compliance with the S.C. Freedom of Information Act, all meetings are open to the public. Meeting agendas are posted in the lobby of the Lonnie Hamilton, III, Public Services Building, and sent to anyone who requests notice. To be added to County Council's notification list, please subscribe!

County Council serves as a link between county government and the citizens, municipalities, and agencies located within its boundaries, and also represents the area's concerns and interests when dealing with other local, state, federal, or international governments. Council is responsible for approving an annual budget to fund county operations, including the determination of any necessary taxes or fees.

Charleston County Government operates under the Council-Administrator form of government. County Council directly employs and supervises four employees of Charleston County Government: the Clerk of Council, the County Administrator, the County Attorney, and the Internal Auditor. The Clerk of Council is appointed to provide administrative support and maintain official records of County Council. The County Administrator is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the County. The County Attorney represents, advises, and advocates for Charleston County government, including County Council as well as the County’s various boards, commissions, elected officials, appointed officials, and employees acting in their governmental capacity. The Internal Auditor provides County Council with professional and independent evaluations of county activities. All other Charleston County employees report to and are supervised by the County Administrator or an elected or appointed official.

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County Council makes policy decisions for Charleston County, as established in state law. Council's nine members serve four-year staggered terms and are elected from single member districts. Councilmembers serve on a part-time basis and each member receives an annual salary of $20,738. The Council Chairman receives an annual salary of $26,142 for the performance of extra duties.

County Council generally meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month and holds committee meetings on the Thursday prior to Council meetings.

Under the S.C. Freedom of Information Act, all meetings are open to the public. Meeting agendas are posted in the Lonnie Hamilton, III, Public Services Building, on this Web site and sent to anyone who requests notice. To be added to Council's notification list, please contact the Clerk of Council's office at (843) 958-4030.

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The primary areas for which Council is required to set policies are:

• Establishing the community vision
• Stating the organizational mission
• Defining any area of the County Administrator's authority not specifically addressed by state law
• Organizing the manner by which Council business is conducted

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County Council serves as a link between County government and the citizens, municipalities and agencies located within its boundaries, and also represents the area's concerns and interests when dealing with other local, state, federal or international governments. Council is responsible for approving an annual budget to fund County operations, including the determination of any necessary taxes or fees.

A Clerk of Council and Deputy Clerk provide administrative support and maintain official records of Council meetings and activities. A County Administrator, hired by Council, is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the County. County Council elects a Chairman annually to act as its spokesperson and preside at its meetings.