Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: (843) 958-4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 3013

Date: May 22, 2009

Charleston County Closes Edisto Island Magistrate Court

In an effort by Charleston County Government to reduce costs and maintain countywide efficiencies, Charleston County Council voted on Thursday, May 21 to close the Edisto Island magistrate office located at 8070 Indigo Hill Road.

The last day that the court will be open is Friday, May 29.

After May 29, residents on Edisto Island who need court services will be required to use the Ravenel/Hollywood Magistrate office in the George Tumbleston, Jr. Satellite Building located at 5962 Highway 165, Suite 200, in Ravenel. All existing cases will also be transferred to this location.

Upon closure, personnel assigned to the Edisto Island court will be reassigned to another court facility. Anyone with questions may contact the Charleston County Summary Court Administration office at (843) 202-6600.

SIDEBAR: information on the Edisto Island Magistrate Court

• Court has been conducted in a facility leased from Edisto Island Self-Development of People, Inc. for a term of 25 years.

• Charleston County paid $15,000 toward construction of the building in lieu of future rent costs.

• The current 25-year lease ends March 16, 2012. Because Council decided to close the facility, the County will save $45,000 over the remaining three years in costs for security, custodial services, utilities, taxes and insurance.

Visit the Charleston County Web site at www.charlestoncounty.org for news, services and up-to-date information relating to Charleston County Government.