July 2023

ADVOCACY

Input Requested for SCAC Legislative Policy Development Process

SCAC's policy development process for 2023-24 has begun, and we need your input on any legislative issues that you deem appropriate for consideration by the Association's four policy steering committees.

So your feedback can be included in the material that will be mailed to the steering committees in early September, please submit any such proposals in writing to the Association no later than MONDAY, AUGUST 7. You may email your information to Association staff at scac@scac.sc.

Learn more about the SCAC legislative policy development process.

GRANTS

Energy Office Mini-Grant Program

The Energy Office of the Office of Regulatory Staff is taking applications for highly competitive mini-grants, up to $10,000, in the areas of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean transportation.

Applications are due by 5 p.m. August 4, and projects which receive an award must be completed by May 17, 2024.

Keep reading for more information and learn how to apply.

GRANTS

SC RIA Announces FY23-24 Applications and Workshop

The SC Rural Infrastructure Authority has $38 million available for state grants in FY 23-24. Basic and Economic Infrastructure grant programs offer assistance to local government for publicly-owned water, sewer and stormwater drainage facilities. An expanded planning grant program is also available. An online application workshop will be held July 25.

Register now.

Photo courtesy of Horry County

COUNTY SPOTLIGHT

Lexington County Firefighter Receives Medal of Honor

Photo courtesy of Lexington County



Engineer Zachary Pfentner of the Lexington County Fire Service was recently awarded the 2023 Jeffrey Vaden Chavis Medal of Valor by the SC State Firefighters’ Association.

“To say we are extremely proud of Engineer Pfentner would be an understatement,” Lexington County Fire Service Chief Mark Davis said. “His actions speak volumes about his character, integrity, and he emboldens our motto of ‘Service Excellence’ both on the fire ground and in life.”

One of the State Firefighters' highest awards presented to an individual for their actions in the face of danger, the Medal of Valor is named in honor of fallen Lexington County Firefighter Jeffrey Vaden Chavis who was critically injured while battling a house fire in 2001. 

Additional county award recognitions at the the State Firefighters' Association conference in June included Hall of Fame awards to Dennis Ray of Kershaw County the late Joseph Kenneth Barr of Anderson County.

Keep Reading...

EVENTS

Pickens County Hosts LEAPS Webinar for SC Counties

The Pickens County Leadership Enhancement Academy for Public Servants (LEAPS) invites counties across South Carolina to attend a webinar on Wednesday, July 19 at 10 a.m. to hear more about establishing their own charter.

LEAPS was established in June 2022 in response to Pickens County Council’s goal of promoting a culture of public service. The program aims to develop soft skills and conceptual skills in emerging leaders, two of the leadership skills that have the greatest impact on organizational culture. In its first year, the program has graduated 46 public servants and grown to include six municipalities within the county. Graduates report feeling more connected to their peers in local government and feeling more equipped and inspired to be an inclusive leader, among other positive outcomes. Graduates are inducted into an alumni network that continues to meet quarterly to build rapport.

The Pickens County LEAPS committee is sharing its knowledge and experience with other counties that want to establish their own LEAPS program in hopes of building strong leaders in public service throughout the state and expanding the alumni network.

Interested counties can watch an informational video, register for the upcoming webinar and download a charter form on the SC Counties LEAPS Webinar Eventbrite page.

RISK MANAGEMENT & INSURANCE

Welcome New P&L Trust Members

The SC Counties Property & Liability Trust would like to welcome Dorchester and Florence counties, which officially became members July 1.

The non-profit, member-owned and focused SC Counties Property & Liability and Workers’ Compensation Trusts are tailored to meet the needs of county government and the unique challenges they face. Learn more at sccounties.org/trust-services. 

Meet the Annual Conference Keynote Speakers

Three keynote speakers will address SCAC’s Annual Conference on Wednesday, Aug. 2 at Wild Dunes Resort.

Commissioner Mary Jo McGuire became the National Association of Counties (NACo) First Vice President on July 24, 2022. She has been a Ramsey County Commissioner in Minnesota since 2012. Prior to the county board, McGuire served 16 years in the Minnesota State Legislature, serving in both the House and Senate.

Bill Stainton is an expert on innovation, creativity, and breakthrough thinking; a 29-time Emmy Award winner; and a Hall of Fame keynote speaker who takes the mystery out of innovation for leaders and their teams worldwide.

Dr. Laura Dawson Ullrich is a senior regional economist at the Charlotte branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. Previously, Ullrich was associate dean for undergraduate programs and a professor of economics at Winthrop University.

Learn more about our keynote speakers.

See the full conference schedule and get registration information.

SAVE THE DATE

SCAC Fall Advocacy Meeting

The Fall Advocacy Meeting enables representatives of all 46 counties to take a leadership role in shaping the Association's legislative policy positions. This year's meeting will be at the Embassy Suites in Columbia on Thursday, October 19, 2023. As part of the meeting, SCAC will offer Institute of Government classes on October 18.

More details will be provided in the August COMPASS.

LEADERSHIP

Apply for the 2023-2024 Local Government Leadership Institute

The Local Government Leadership Institute is a skill-building educational experience for new and potential executive-level managers in South Carolina local governments. The Institute takes place over five sessions hosted in Lake City by Coastal Carolina University; The Joseph P. Riley Jr. Center for Livable Communities at the College of Charleston; the Darla Moore Foundation; Francis Marion University; and the South Carolina City and County Management Association.

Keep Reading...

SCAC ON SOCIAL

The Supreme Court recently released its final decisions for the 2022-2023 term. NACo breaks down the top five rulings impacting county governments. Learn more: https://bit.ly/44jjggP

🍰 Time to break out the cake and balloons! 🎈🎉 John Henderson and Stuart Morgan are saying 'so long' to their long-time gigs at SCAC. 🥳 Staff recently got together to celebrate their years of hard work, dedication, and laughs! #Celebrations #RetirementGoals #WorkFamily

👏 Congratulations to SCAC Director of Administration Nilda Padgett for being named SC Society of Association Executives Association Executive of The Year! 🏅 SCAC is proud to have Nilda on staff helping to serve our members with the attention to detail she's known for.

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