Ridge Notes
Ridgeway, South Carolina
February 2012, Issue 70
Revitalization, Responsibility, Relationships
The Town of Ridgeway has an official brand or logo. Town Council voted on Thursday, January 12, 2012 to accept the recommendations of the Public Relations Committee for the Old Town Hall tower or cupola to serve as the logo/brand for the Town. This logo will be featured on all marketing and communication materials and future signs. Thank you to the Public Relations Committee, Dawn Hendricks, and Sarah Arndt. Also, Rachel Williamson of Ridgeway will be upgrading and maintaining the Ridgeway website. Look for new links and a new look in the future at www.ridgewaysc.org.    
  
 
 
 
 
 
 

February is Presidents’ Month!
In February, our nation celebrates the birthdays of two of our great Presidents, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. In honor of their contributions to our country, excerpts from books about their leadership are shared as follows:
 
George Washington’s Leadership Lessons
James C. Rees
Lesson 1 A Leader Has Vision
Lesson 2 A Leader Is Honest
Lesson 3 A Leader Has Ambition
Lesson 4 A Leader Is Courageous
Lesson 5 A Leader Has Self Control
Lesson 6 A Leader Takes Personal Responsibility
Lesson 7 A Leader Is Determined
Lesson 8 A Leader Has a Strong Work Ethic
Lesson 9 A Leader Uses Good Judgment
Lesson 10 A Leader Learns from Mistakes
Lesson 11 A Leader is Humble
Lesson 12 A Leader Does the Research and Development
Lesson 13 A Leader Values Presentation
Lesson 14 A Leader Exceeds Expectations
Lesson 15 A Leader Has Heartfelt Faith
 
Learning from Lincoln
Harvey Alvoy, Pam Robbins
Leadership Practices
1. Implement and Sustain a Mission and Vision with Focused and Profound Clarity
2. Communicate Ideas Effectively with Praise and Straightforward Language
3. Build a Diverse and Competent Team to Successfully Address the Mission
4. Engender Trust, Loyalty and Respect Through Humility, Honor, and Personal Example
5. Lead and Serve with Emotional Intelligence and Empathy
6. Exercise Situational Competence and Respond Appropriately to Implement Effective Change
7. Rise Beyond Personal and Professional Trials Through Tenacity, Persistence, Resilience and Courage
8. Exercise Purposeful Visibility
9. Demonstrate Personal Growth and Enhanced Competence as a Lifetime Learner Willing to Reflect on and Expand Ideas
10. Believe That Hope Can Become a Reality

Ridgeway is EnBusiness, Entrepreneurial Business
February Highlights
February 3, 2012 Whistle Stop Café/JavaNookBooks   337-3442
    Romance Mystery on the Ridge, 6:00-7:00
February 10-14 Deanne’s Creations     337-4559
 Gifts for Valentine’s Day
   Cotton Yard Market     337-2023
 Baskets/Balloons, Valentine Gifts in Booths
   Laura’s Tea Room     337-8595
 Buffet Tea & Gifts
   Over the Top     337-2427
 Champagne & Chocolates, Gifts for Valentine’s Day
Just Around the Corner    337-8034
 Valentine’s Day attire
YesterYears      337-3454
 Delicious Entrees for Valentine’s Day
Ruff Furniture     337-2000
 Sweetheart deals throughout the store

Community Information
• The School District of Fairfield County is now accepting applications for the 2012-2013 School Year for the Child Development Program at Geiger Elementary for 3&4 year olds from January 23, 2012 to February 27, 2012, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. daily. Kindergarten enrollment for new students will be held February 1-9 2012 at the district office.
• Midlands Technical College Center in Winnsboro will be having Open House on Saturday, March 17, 2012, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Various Community leaders are in the process of starting a Charter School in Ridgeway. The Charter School will be under the supervision of the SC Charter School District. This will be a public school with no tuition. If you are interested in sending your child to a Charter School, contact Kevin Thomas at 803-361-1228 or kevinthomas@truvista.net.
 
Town Boards/Commissions/Committees
Town Council is asking that our boards, commission, and/or committees report to council as listed below regarding progress as related to the Strategic Plan.
February 9, 2012 Historical/Cultural, Economic, Architectural Review
March 8, 2012  Community Action, Recreation, Water
April 12, 2012  All other Boards/Commissions who have any information to share
 
Ridgeway Acts of Kindness (R.A.K.)
• Thanks again to Donald Prioleau, Bethlehem Baptist, Lebanon Presbyterian and White Oak #1 for a great Unity Walk. Over 200 persons turned out for this event.
• Thank you to several of our citizens who regularly pick up litter on our streets and roads in the Ridgeway Community. I am appalled at the amount of trash left on the side of the road. Also, a reminder to make sure trash being taken to the Fairfield County Waste and Recycling Center is covered and does not blow out the back of your vehicle.
• Thanks also to the Merchants of Ridgeway who presented at the Blythewood Rotary Meeting on February 2, 2012, “Ridgeway is En Business, Entrepreneurial Business.”
• Kudos to citizens who came out to hear the speeches of Presidential political candidates who traveled to or near Ridgeway. A special thanks to Doug and Dede Ruff who impressed the Press nationally with their questions and dialogue.
 
A Note of Thanks from your Mayor…
Recently, I learned that I was selected as one of the 50 Most Influential People in 2011 in the Greater Columbia area by the Columbia Business Monthly Magazine. I was surprised, honored, and humbled by such a selection submitted  by the Municipal Association of South Carolina. My gratitude to…
• The Citizens of Ridgeway for your voluntary efforts and continued confidence in my leadership
• The Merchants of Ridgeway, who have put our Town on the map in South Carolina by drawing people here to shop, dine and tour
• Town Council and Town Employees who strive daily to make our Town a better place to work and live
• And most importantly to our Lord, who has allowed me to honor Him in my service to this community.
 Someone recently said that “Ridgeway is the biggest, small town in South Carolina”. I like that phrase because America was built in small towns by small businesses. I believe that this is still the formula for economic success in our country.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 

February is Presidents’ Month!
In February, our nation celebrates the birthdays of two of our great Presidents, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. In honor of their contributions to our country, excerpts from books about their leadership are shared as follows:
 
George Washington’s Leadership Lessons
James C. Rees
Lesson 1 A Leader Has Vision
Lesson 2 A Leader Is Honest
Lesson 3 A Leader Has Ambition
Lesson 4 A Leader Is Courageous
Lesson 5 A Leader Has Self Control
Lesson 6 A Leader Takes Personal Responsibility
Lesson 7 A Leader Is Determined
Lesson 8 A Leader Has a Strong Work Ethic
Lesson 9 A Leader Uses Good Judgment
Lesson 10 A Leader Learns from Mistakes
Lesson 11 A Leader is Humble
Lesson 12 A Leader Does the Research and Development
Lesson 13 A Leader Values Presentation
Lesson 14 A Leader Exceeds Expectations
Lesson 15 A Leader Has Heartfelt Faith
 
Learning from Lincoln
Harvey Alvoy, Pam Robbins
Leadership Practices
1. Implement and Sustain a Mission and Vision with Focused and Profound Clarity
2. Communicate Ideas Effectively with Praise and Straightforward Language
3. Build a Diverse and Competent Team to Successfully Address the Mission
4. Engender Trust, Loyalty and Respect Through Humility, Honor, and Personal Example
5. Lead and Serve with Emotional Intelligence and Empathy
6. Exercise Situational Competence and Respond Appropriately to Implement Effective Change
7. Rise Beyond Personal and Professional Trials Through Tenacity, Persistence, Resilience and Courage
8. Exercise Purposeful Visibility
9. Demonstrate Personal Growth and Enhanced Competence as a Lifetime Learner Willing to Reflect on and Expand Ideas
10. Believe That Hope Can Become a Reality

Ridgeway is EnBusiness, Entrepreneurial Business
February Highlights
February 3, 2012 Whistle Stop Café/JavaNookBooks   337-3442
    Romance Mystery on the Ridge, 6:00-7:00
February 10-14 Deanne’s Creations     337-4559
 Gifts for Valentine’s Day
   Cotton Yard Market     337-2023
 Baskets/Balloons, Valentine Gifts in Booths
   Laura’s Tea Room     337-8595
 Buffet Tea & Gifts
   Over the Top     337-2427
 Champagne & Chocolates, Gifts for Valentine’s Day
Just Around the Corner    337-8034
 Valentine’s Day attire
YesterYears      337-3454
 Delicious Entrees for Valentine’s Day
Ruff Furniture     337-2000
 Sweetheart deals throughout the store

Community Information
• The School District of Fairfield County is now accepting applications for the 2012-2013 School Year for the Child Development Program at Geiger Elementary for 3&4 year olds from January 23, 2012 to February 27, 2012, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. daily. Kindergarten enrollment for new students will be held February 1-9 2012 at the district office.
• Midlands Technical College Center in Winnsboro will be having Open House on Saturday, March 17, 2012, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Various Community leaders are in the process of starting a Charter School in Ridgeway. The Charter School will be under the supervision of the SC Charter School District. This will be a public school with no tuition. If you are interested in sending your child to a Charter School, contact Kevin Thomas at 803-361-1228 or kevinthomas@truvista.net.
 
Town Boards/Commissions/Committees
Town Council is asking that our boards, commission, and/or committees report to council as listed below regarding progress as related to the Strategic Plan.
February 9, 2012 Historical/Cultural, Economic, Architectural Review
March 8, 2012  Community Action, Recreation, Water
April 12, 2012  All other Boards/Commissions who have any information to share
 
Ridgeway Acts of Kindness (R.A.K.)
• Thanks again to Donald Prioleau, Bethlehem Baptist, Lebanon Presbyterian and White Oak #1 for a great Unity Walk. Over 200 persons turned out for this event.
• Thank you to several of our citizens who regularly pick up litter on our streets and roads in the Ridgeway Community. I am appalled at the amount of trash left on the side of the road. Also, a reminder to make sure trash being taken to the Fairfield County Waste and Recycling Center is covered and does not blow out the back of your vehicle.
• Thanks also to the Merchants of Ridgeway who presented at the Blythewood Rotary Meeting on February 2, 2012, “Ridgeway is En Business, Entrepreneurial Business.”
• Kudos to citizens who came out to hear the speeches of Presidential political candidates who traveled to or near Ridgeway. A special thanks to Doug and Dede Ruff who impressed the Press nationally with their questions and dialogue.
 
A Note of Thanks from your Mayor…
Recently, I learned that I was selected as one of the 50 Most Influential People in 2011 in the Greater Columbia area by the Columbia Business Monthly Magazine. I was surprised, honored, and humbled by such a selection submitted  by the Municipal Association of South Carolina. My gratitude to…
• The Citizens of Ridgeway for your voluntary efforts and continued confidence in my leadership
• The Merchants of Ridgeway, who have put our Town on the map in South Carolina by drawing people here to shop, dine and tour
• Town Council and Town Employees who strive daily to make our Town a better place to work and live
• And most importantly to our Lord, who has allowed me to honor Him in my service to this community.
 Someone recently said that “Ridgeway is the biggest, small town in South Carolina”. I like that phrase because America was built in small towns by small businesses. I believe that this is still the formula for economic success in our country.
   
 
 
.................................................................................................................................................................
 
Central Midlands Council of Governments
 
Notice of Availability for Review and Public Comment
An All Natural Hazards Risk Assessment and Hazard Mitigation Plan
for the Central Midlands Region of South Carolina

The staff of the Central Midlands Council of Governments seeks public comment and input on the update of the regional risk assessment and natural hazards mitigation plan. The public can access the draft plan update on the website of the Central Midlands COG at www.centralmidlands.org from February 12, 2010, to March 4th, 2010. Individuals seeking to comment on the draft plan update should submit their comments to Mr. Wayne Shuler at Central Midlands Council of Governments prior to the close of business on March 4th, 2010. (tele (803) 376-5390, email: wshuler@centralmidlands.org) The draft plan update details the nature of the most significant natural hazards threatening local governments in the region. It contains goals and objectives for many of the local governments in the region as well as mitigation measures to address prioritized natural hazards threatening those local governments. Adoption by resolution of the updated regional plan by the local governments will make them eligible for hazard mitigation grants. It will also involve the local government in more detailed record keeping on the occurrence and cost of natural hazard events as well as a process to update and revise the plan periodically The purpose of the plan update is to meet the requirements of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 to help make the local governments in the region more prepared for and resistant to the effects of natural hazards. For further information on the draft plan update please contact Mr. Wayne Shuler at the Central Midlands Council of Governments, 236 Stoneridge Drive, Columbia, SC, 29210. tele. (803) 376-5390. Email wshuler@centralmidlands.org
 
 
2010 MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH
CAROLINA LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

The Association’s legislative agenda is focused on the three principles of promoting economic growth, enhancing a positive quality of life and encouraging local accountability and fiscal responsibility. These locally-driven principles support the state’s efforts to create jobs in the new knowledge economy. Bills on the agenda this year are tied to issues that directly affect municipalities’ ability to deliver services and provide amenities that residents, visitors and businesses demand.
Point of Sale
The point of sale provision, which puts property on the tax rolls at the fair market value at the point of sale, was first adopted with ACT 388, the property tax reform bill of 2006, H3272 would eliminate point of sale from the law. This would limit increases in fair market value of sold properties to 15 percent over five years at reassessment.
The Association opposes this bill reported out of the Senate Finance Committee at the end of the 2009 session because it shifts the tax burden to property owners in slower appreciating neighborhoods and limits local governments’ ability to provide services residents and businesses require. Bill: H3272
Municipal Finance Accountability
Two bills were introduced in 2009 related to municipal audits and other financial accountability issues. Last summer, the Municipal Association board of directors formed a task force to make recommendations on legislation that would trigger assistance by a state commission for cities and towns in financial distress. The task force recommendations will be added as an amendment to H3839. Bills: H3839, S699.
Annexation
Along with other stakeholders, the Association is involved in efforts to reach a compromise on reforming the state’s outdated annexation laws, Legislation allowing simplified annexation of enclaves is a top priority. The Association opposes several bills as currently written. Bills: H3253, H3074, H3774, S246, S247, S479.
Cuts to the Local Government Fund
Last session, the General Assembly suspended the law that kept legislators from cutting the Local Government Fund below previous levels. During the 2010 session the Association will oppose any attempts to cut the Local Government Fund levels further.
Changes to business license fee structure
Legislators introduced several bills in 2009 affecting how business license fees are collected. The Association will continue to oppose any legislation that impedes municipalities’ ability to fairly impose and administer local business license taxes. Bills: H3243, H3243, S349
Capital project sales tax
There is a bill in a Senate committee that refers to the capital project sales tax. Association staff will work with senators to amend the bill to include specific language regarding a capital project sales tax for municipalities. Bill: S346
Expungement
A bill passed in 2009 requiring expungement of records when a defendant is found not guilty, charges were dismissed or the prosecutor decides not to pursue charges. As an unintended consequence, the bill included expunging traffic tickets and Department of Natural Resources offenses. The Association supports amending this law by excluding traffic tickets and DNR offenses from current expungement laws. Bill: H4205
Crime reduction
Several bills were introduced to protect residents from criminal activity. The Association will work with local law enforcement officials on these bills to strengthen their ability to protect residents of cities and towns. Bills: S191 (SC Reduction of Recidivism Act), S6 (bail conditions after release from incarceration).
Local accommodations and hospitality tax use for county operation
The Association supports the effort to allow certain counties that meet specific requirements to use accommodations and hospitality tax revenue for operations and maintenance of tourism-related projects. Bill: S332
Accommodations and hospitality taxes as security for revenue bonds
The Association supported a bill last year to allow cities and towns to pledge accommodations and hospitality taxes as security for revenue bonds. The bill is in conference committee awaiting final action pending acceptance of a free conference report that the Association supports. Bill: S304

For additional information and other issues supported by the Association, visit www.masc.sc.

 
Central Midlands Council of Governments
 
Notice of Availability for Review and Public Comment
An All Natural Hazards Risk Assessment and Hazard Mitigation Plan
for the Central Midlands Region of South Carolina

The staff of the Central Midlands Council of Governments seeks public comment and input on the update of the regional risk assessment and natural hazards mitigation plan. The public can access the draft plan update on the website of the Central Midlands COG at www.centralmidlands.org from February 12, 2010, to March 4th, 2010. Individuals seeking to comment on the draft plan update should submit their comments to Mr. Wayne Shuler at Central Midlands Council of Governments prior to the close of business on March 4th, 2010. (tele (803) 376-5390, email: wshuler@centralmidlands.org) The draft plan update details the nature of the most significant natural hazards threatening local governments in the region. It contains goals and objectives for many of the local governments in the region as well as mitigation measures to address prioritized natural hazards threatening those local governments. Adoption by resolution of the updated regional plan by the local governments will make them eligible for hazard mitigation grants. It will also involve the local government in more detailed record keeping on the occurrence and cost of natural hazard events as well as a process to update and revise the plan periodically The purpose of the plan update is to meet the requirements of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 to help make the local governments in the region more prepared for and resistant to the effects of natural hazards. For further information on the draft plan update please contact Mr. Wayne Shuler at the Central Midlands Council of Governments, 236 Stoneridge Drive, Columbia, SC, 29210. tele. (803) 376-5390. Email wshuler@centralmidlands.org
 
 
2010 MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH
CAROLINA LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

The Association’s legislative agenda is focused on the three principles of promoting economic growth, enhancing a positive quality of life and encouraging local accountability and fiscal responsibility. These locally-driven principles support the state’s efforts to create jobs in the new knowledge economy. Bills on the agenda this year are tied to issues that directly affect municipalities’ ability to deliver services and provide amenities that residents, visitors and businesses demand.
Point of Sale
The point of sale provision, which puts property on the tax rolls at the fair market value at the point of sale, was first adopted with ACT 388, the property tax reform bill of 2006, H3272 would eliminate point of sale from the law. This would limit increases in fair market value of sold properties to 15 percent over five years at reassessment.
The Association opposes this bill reported out of the Senate Finance Committee at the end of the 2009 session because it shifts the tax burden to property owners in slower appreciating neighborhoods and limits local governments’ ability to provide services residents and businesses require. Bill: H3272
Municipal Finance Accountability
Two bills were introduced in 2009 related to municipal audits and other financial accountability issues. Last summer, the Municipal Association board of directors formed a task force to make recommendations on legislation that would trigger assistance by a state commission for cities and towns in financial distress. The task force recommendations will be added as an amendment to H3839. Bills: H3839, S699.
Annexation
Along with other stakeholders, the Association is involved in efforts to reach a compromise on reforming the state’s outdated annexation laws, Legislation allowing simplified annexation of enclaves is a top priority. The Association opposes several bills as currently written. Bills: H3253, H3074, H3774, S246, S247, S479.
Cuts to the Local Government Fund
Last session, the General Assembly suspended the law that kept legislators from cutting the Local Government Fund below previous levels. During the 2010 session the Association will oppose any attempts to cut the Local Government Fund levels further.
Changes to business license fee structure
Legislators introduced several bills in 2009 affecting how business license fees are collected. The Association will continue to oppose any legislation that impedes municipalities’ ability to fairly impose and administer local business license taxes. Bills: H3243, H3243, S349
Capital project sales tax
There is a bill in a Senate committee that refers to the capital project sales tax. Association staff will work with senators to amend the bill to include specific language regarding a capital project sales tax for municipalities. Bill: S346
Expungement
A bill passed in 2009 requiring expungement of records when a defendant is found not guilty, charges were dismissed or the prosecutor decides not to pursue charges. As an unintended consequence, the bill included expunging traffic tickets and Department of Natural Resources offenses. The Association supports amending this law by excluding traffic tickets and DNR offenses from current expungement laws. Bill: H4205
Crime reduction
Several bills were introduced to protect residents from criminal activity. The Association will work with local law enforcement officials on these bills to strengthen their ability to protect residents of cities and towns. Bills: S191 (SC Reduction of Recidivism Act), S6 (bail conditions after release from incarceration).
Local accommodations and hospitality tax use for county operation
The Association supports the effort to allow certain counties that meet specific requirements to use accommodations and hospitality tax revenue for operations and maintenance of tourism-related projects. Bill: S332
Accommodations and hospitality taxes as security for revenue bonds
The Association supported a bill last year to allow cities and towns to pledge accommodations and hospitality taxes as security for revenue bonds. The bill is in conference committee awaiting final action pending acceptance of a free conference report that the Association supports. Bill: S304

For additional information and other issues supported by the Association, visit www.masc.sc.

 
Central Midlands Council of Governments
 
Notice of Availability for Review and Public Comment
An All Natural Hazards Risk Assessment and Hazard Mitigation Plan
for the Central Midlands Region of South Carolina

The staff of the Central Midlands Council of Governments seeks public comment and input on the update of the regional risk assessment and natural hazards mitigation plan. The public can access the draft plan update on the website of the Central Midlands COG at www.centralmidlands.org from February 12, 2010, to March 4th, 2010. Individuals seeking to comment on the draft plan update should submit their comments to Mr. Wayne Shuler at Central Midlands Council of Governments prior to the close of business on March 4th, 2010. (tele (803) 376-5390, email: wshuler@centralmidlands.org) The draft plan update details the nature of the most significant natural hazards threatening local governments in the region. It contains goals and objectives for many of the local governments in the region as well as mitigation measures to address prioritized natural hazards threatening those local governments. Adoption by resolution of the updated regional plan by the local governments will make them eligible for hazard mitigation grants. It will also involve the local government in more detailed record keeping on the occurrence and cost of natural hazard events as well as a process to update and revise the plan periodically The purpose of the plan update is to meet the requirements of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 to help make the local governments in the region more prepared for and resistant to the effects of natural hazards. For further information on the draft plan update please contact Mr. Wayne Shuler at the Central Midlands Council of Governments, 236 Stoneridge Drive, Columbia, SC, 29210. tele. (803) 376-5390. Email wshuler@centralmidlands.org
 
 
2010 MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH
CAROLINA LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

The Association’s legislative agenda is focused on the three principles of promoting economic growth, enhancing a positive quality of life and encouraging local accountability and fiscal responsibility. These locally-driven principles support the state’s efforts to create jobs in the new knowledge economy. Bills on the agenda this year are tied to issues that directly affect municipalities’ ability to deliver services and provide amenities that residents, visitors and businesses demand.
Point of Sale
The point of sale provision, which puts property on the tax rolls at the fair market value at the point of sale, was first adopted with ACT 388, the property tax reform bill of 2006, H3272 would eliminate point of sale from the law. This would limit increases in fair market value of sold properties to 15 percent over five years at reassessment.
The Association opposes this bill reported out of the Senate Finance Committee at the end of the 2009 session because it shifts the tax burden to property owners in slower appreciating neighborhoods and limits local governments’ ability to provide services residents and businesses require. Bill: H3272
Municipal Finance Accountability
Two bills were introduced in 2009 related to municipal audits and other financial accountability issues. Last summer, the Municipal Association board of directors formed a task force to make recommendations on legislation that would trigger assistance by a state commission for cities and towns in financial distress. The task force recommendations will be added as an amendment to H3839. Bills: H3839, S699.
Annexation
Along with other stakeholders, the Association is involved in efforts to reach a compromise on reforming the state’s outdated annexation laws, Legislation allowing simplified annexation of enclaves is a top priority. The Association opposes several bills as currently written. Bills: H3253, H3074, H3774, S246, S247, S479.
Cuts to the Local Government Fund
Last session, the General Assembly suspended the law that kept legislators from cutting the Local Government Fund below previous levels. During the 2010 session the Association will oppose any attempts to cut the Local Government Fund levels further.
Changes to business license fee structure
Legislators introduced several bills in 2009 affecting how business license fees are collected. The Association will continue to oppose any legislation that impedes municipalities’ ability to fairly impose and administer local business license taxes. Bills: H3243, H3243, S349
Capital project sales tax
There is a bill in a Senate committee that refers to the capital project sales tax. Association staff will work with senators to amend the bill to include specific language regarding a capital project sales tax for municipalities. Bill: S346
Expungement
A bill passed in 2009 requiring expungement of records when a defendant is found not guilty, charges were dismissed or the prosecutor decides not to pursue charges. As an unintended consequence, the bill included expunging traffic tickets and Department of Natural Resources offenses. The Association supports amending this law by excluding traffic tickets and DNR offenses from current expungement laws. Bill: H4205
Crime reduction
Several bills were introduced to protect residents from criminal activity. The Association will work with local law enforcement officials on these bills to strengthen their ability to protect residents of cities and towns. Bills: S191 (SC Reduction of Recidivism Act), S6 (bail conditions after release from incarceration).
Local accommodations and hospitality tax use for county operation
The Association supports the effort to allow certain counties that meet specific requirements to use accommodations and hospitality tax revenue for operations and maintenance of tourism-related projects. Bill: S332
Accommodations and hospitality taxes as security for revenue bonds
The Association supported a bill last year to allow cities and towns to pledge accommodations and hospitality taxes as security for revenue bonds. The bill is in conference committee awaiting final action pending acceptance of a free conference report that the Association supports. Bill: S304

For additional information and other issues supported by the Association, visit www.masc.sc.