Session 1:  Local Government in a Nutshell
Background on governing in South Carolina, history of Home Rule, jurisdictional inter-relationships, role of Legislative Delegation, types of local governance and local decision-makers. An introduction to some county services and functions. Discussion on the county’s role in economic development in the region.

Session 2:  Who's in Charge? Decision Makers: Who do we choose and how?
What positions are elected in Charleston County, and who are our decision makers? Overview of the election process, including the important role the public plays in the democratic process. Role of the public information office and the legal office.

Session 3: The Money Picture: Where it comes from
Overview of current County budget and the revenue sources, including property taxes, sales taxes, intergovernmental funds, charges and fees, etc. Explanation of how properties are appraised and how property taxes are collected. What happens if you don’t pay your taxes? How do you appeal an assessment? And what does the RMC do?

Session 4: The Money Picture: Where it goes
Explanation of the budgeting process with an overview of this year’s budget and the County’s oversight responsibilities for outside budgets. How does the County make routine purchases and pay for large construction projects? How do grants support the community and help in providing local services?  How is the new Transportation Sales Tax spent?

Session 5:  Web site Wizardry
This hands-on session will show you how to navigate the county’s web site - www.charlestoncounty.org. Discover how you can do business with the county and research public documents.

Session 6: Garbage & Recycling: Beyond the Curb
What is solid waste, and how is it disposed? Learn about incineration, land filling and special programs for compost, electronic waste and household hazardous materials. What and how are materials recycled, and how are they reused? What is being done about litter? Who pays for all this, and how? How are we planning for the future?

Session 7:  Planning for the Future
Learn who keeps track of building and development in the county and makes sure it is done according to code and regulation. Why do we have zoning and land use regulations, and what do they do? What is the Comprehensive Land Use Plan? Learn about subdivision and zoning permits, exceptions and appeals. What is the Community Rating System, and how does it affect your insurance premiums? Find out how to help make your home or business more disaster resistant.

Session 8:  Protecting the Public
Meet the Sheriff, and learn about the programs operating from this office. Learn about law enforcement responsibilities, inter-relationships with other agencies, special teams, the detention system and special citizen programs. What is being done about jail overcrowding? Learn the responsibilities of the County’s Coroner. Follow the system into the Magistrate’s Court.

Session 9:  Emergency Services
Helping citizens deal with emergencies is a major function of County government. Learn what is involved in providing emergency services to county residents, including Emergency Medical Service, Emergency Preparedness, Hazardous Materials, emergency dispatch communications, the Emergency Operations Center, anti-terrorism teams, Charleston County Fire Service, Charleston County Volunteer Rescue Squad, the 911 system and radio communications.

Session 10:  The Court System: Establishing Accountability
Learn about the different courts in the county, including Circuit Court, Family Court, Magistrate Courts and Probate Court. Discover the roles of the Public Defender, Solicitor, Clerk of Court, Master-in-Equity and Guardian Ad Litem. Discuss how courts can impact the jail population.

Session 11:  Roads, Drainage and Mosquitoes: Oh My!
Learn who is in charge of road maintenance and drainage, and how to get help with a problem. Who decides on road improvements and construction, and how are they funded? What is being done to control mosquitoes and help control water pollution from runoff? How are projects selected for funding with the new half cent sales tax?

Session 12:  Out in the Community
Learn about the Library’s many programs, including new initiatives to serve the homebound and the Hispanic community. What is the Charleston Center/DAODAS, and how can it help you or someone you know control addiction? How about the county’s parks? Who operates and funds these programs?

Optional:  Full Day Tour of County Facilities
Spend a Monday as a group touring the Detention Center, the Trident One-Stop Career Center, the Bees Ferry Landfill and Convenience Center, the Recycling Center, and the Historic Courthouse.  Lunch is provided.

Graduation
Graduates will be recognized during a Thursday night Charleston County Council meeting and get the opportunity to put their new knowledge to work in helping the community.