County Leaders Empowered to Use Their Voices During 2025 Counties Connect
County council members and county officials came together for two days of education, collaboration and advocacy for the 2025 Counties Connect: A Legislative Action Day and Institute of Government.
The two-day conference at the Pastides Alumni Center at USC in Columbia included a panel discussion featuring state Reps. David Hiott and Todd Rutherford and state Sens. Tameika Isaac Devine and Danny Verdin.
The state legislators emphasized how they all work for the same boss: the people of South Carolina.
“The same folks that elected you, elected me,” Hiott said.
Verdin used some of his time to highlight the counties affected by Hurricane Helene last fall and commended the work they are doing to recover and rebuild after the storm.
Hiott touched on the budget bill being discussed in the House at the time of Counties Connect, a key component of which is providing relief for those counties affected by Helene. He also added that the state’s financial forecast is optimistic.
“Finances in South Carolina are good and continue to grow,” he said, adding that the state is one of the fastest growing in the nation.
Devine agreed and emphasized the importance of responsible growth.
“South Carolina is doing well, but we can always do better,” she said, adding that it was a priority to ensure the state has the energy infrastructure in place to meet the demands of the growing population.
The panelists then heard from county leaders in attendance, including those who spoke out against the severe impact a proposed boat tax bill would have on county finances. Rutherford indicated the imbalance that would be created by the nearly 50% reduction in taxes for boat owners would need to be addressed.
Attendees also had the opportunity to ask state Attorney General Alan Wilson questions during his Public Safety Initiatives presentation. Wilson urged county leaders to contact their legislators to advocate for the use of impact fees to fund new and updated technology for local sheriffs’ offices. He also emphasized that the Attorney General’s office is a valuable resource for county officials and encouraged attendees to reach out for legal opinions or to request research that could serve as guideposts for potential actions of council.
“We’re here to serve you and to help you better serve your people,” Wilson said.
Wilson also took a question regarding the Section 504 lawsuit, confirming that his office is staying in the suit to ensure South Carolina has input on the outcome.
Attendees then heard from state Comptroller General Brian Gaines, who gave an overview of the programs provided through his office and statewide accounting services, including agency financial oversight and reporting.
“We are working to enhance the state’s financial reporting capabilities,” he said.
Later that afternoon, county officials were able to meet with their legislative delegations at the State House to discuss issues impacting their constituents. Visiting county officials were recognized in the gallery from the floor of the House by Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter of Orangeburg County and the Senate by Sen. Michael Johnson of York County.
Afternoon sessions for Counties Connect 2025 included presentations from University of South Carolina research economist Joseph Von Nessen who shared his insights on the state economy in the upcoming year. Roxanne Ancheta, director of grants with the state Department of Transportation, shared information on available resources county governments could tap into for roads and bridges.
The second day of Counties Connect 2025 was all about education, as attendees registered for Institute of Government classes that covered topics ranging from legal issues to economic development.
Level I attendees heard from SCAC Senior Staff Attorney John Deloache, SCAC Director of Governmental Affairs Kent Lesesne and Pickens County Administrator Ken Roper on navigating legal issues in county government. John Pierce with the Joseph P. Riley Jr. Center for Livable Communities emphasized the importance of building effective intergovernmental relationships.
Level II attendees had an interactive lesson in county financial management and posed questions to the economic development panelists, which included Western SC Economic Development Partnership President and CEO Will Williams, SC Rural Infrastructure Authority Executive Director Bonnie Ammons and SC Coordinating Council for Economic Development legal counsel Cyndy Turnipseed.
About 40 county council chairs and vice chairs from across the state—some recently elected to their positions and others who’ve served in roles for years—gathered for a leadership training on Thursday. The Council Chairpersons’ Workshop featured overviews of roles and responsibilities and an interactive session led by consultant Anne Sinclair.
County leaders and officials walked away with new connections and a wealth of resources to help advocate for their constituents. They were also empowered by state officials and legislators to use their voices to best serve their counties.
“Local government really is where everything happens,” Devine said.