SCAC Expands Orientation Program to More Newly Elected County Officials

The South Carolina Association of Counties’ inaugural Newly Elected Countywide Officials Orientation aimed to empower recently elected county officials as they step into their new roles. 

The training was held March 11 in Columbia for those who have been recently elected to serve as county auditor, treasurer, clerk of court, coroner, probate judge, register of deeds or sheriff. 

“Your role is important,” SCAC Executive Director Tim Winslow said to the nearly 50 attendees. “You all have some voice too. Keep in mind how powerful you all are.” 

Similar to the Association’s other orientation program, this month’s daylong event included introductions from SCAC leaders and an ethics overview from State Ethics Commission Executive Director Meghan Dayson and a crash course in county budget basics from Bamberg County Controller Gina Smith. 

Winslow kicked off the day with an explanation of how the Association can be of service to county officials, highlighting the organization’s three pillars: Advocacy, education and collaboration. 

“Advocacy is why we started, but the education is equally important,” he said. 

Winslow encouraged attendees to take advantage of the Association’s resources and to work with their colleagues at the state and local level to get things done for their constituents. 

The day also featured a packed panel of county officials from Anderson and Lancaster counties who addressed prepared questions about building effective working relationships in county government. 

Panelists included Anderson County representatives Council Chairman Tommy Dunn, Council Vice Chairman Brett Sanders, Treasurer Jason Phillips and Administrator Rusty Burns and Lancaster County representatives Council Chairman Brian Carnes, Coroner Karla Knight Deese, Sheriff Barry Faile and Administrator Dennis Marstall. 

“We come together in the spirit of professionalism,” Marstall told attendees about working closely with his colleagues in county government. “Our unifying thing, especially in Lancaster County, is growth.” 

Panelists highlighted the challenges that come with growth, including changing technology, remaining competitive in retention and recruitment efforts and managing services for an expanding population. 

Most pointed to effective communication as a vital part of running a county efficiently. 

Phillips described a monthly meeting he established with different agencies in Anderson County to discuss legislation or other business relevant to county needs. He said keeping the lines of communications open between county agencies and municipalities and school districts is key. 

“We’re all here for a common purpose, and that’s to serve the taxpayers of our counties,” Phillips said, encouraging attendees to maintain regular communication with municipal and school district leaders within their counties. 

SCAC Deputy Executive Director and General Counsel Josh Rhodes explained how the Association works with counties to establish policy positions and shape state legislation.  

“If you have something that needs to be changed in state law that’s affecting your office you need to tell someone,” he said, urging county officials to reach out to SCAC as a legislative resource.