Budget Office
Budget Office

Contact Information, Office Hours
Functions, Office Responsibilities
FAQ's, Common Terms, History, Interesting Facts
Financial Reports

FY 2013 Local Accommodations Tax Applications and media Tabs (5) are due on March 1, 2012.  Please email the package to gmarion@charlestoncounty.org

Applicants receiving funds in FY 12 will also need to submit the Interim Report on February 15, 2012 and the Final Report on July 16, 2012 via email at gmarion@charlestoncounty.org

2013 Local Accommodations Tax Application       2013 Media Excel Attachment 5 Tabs

Application:  Word                                                          Application:   Excel  

2012 Interim/Final Report

Application:  Word 

Functions

Budget Analysis, Preparation and Monitoring

The Budget Office administers and monitors the County's annual operating, long-term capital enterprise fund and grant budgets. By developing an operating budget that meets the requirements and directions of County Council, this Office serves the citizens of Charleston County while trying to meet their needs and keep taxes as low as possible.

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This Office Does

dot Prepare annual operating budgets, including revenue projections and expenditure requests for the County's various funds
dot Monitor budgets to ensure that expenditures are within budget confines and funds are spent as intended by County Council
dot Process budget transfer requests
dot Review the budgets and audits of seven special purpose districts
dot Evaluate Trident Technical College's annual request of the County to fund its facilities' maintenance and make a recommendation to Council regarding the amount to be funded

This Office Does Not

dot Pay bills (See Controller)
dot Levy or collect taxes (See Auditor)
dot Receive revenues (See Treasurer)
dot Process requests for funds from non-profit organizations (See Grants)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I see a copy of the budget?
A: Copies of the Charleston County Proposed Budget and Charleston County Approved Budget are available for public viewing at the Charleston County Public Library branches. The document is also available on this web site.

Common Terms

Budget Transfer-- A budgetary transaction which transfers funds between a department's budgeted accounts, divisions or funds.

Expenditures-- The amount of money actually spent or obligated for payment from County funds.

Intergovernmental Revenues-- Revenues from other governments in the form of grants, entitlements, shared revenues or payments in lieu of taxes.

Revenues-- Money received from taxes, fees, permits, licenses, interest and intergovernmental sources.

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History

Prior to 1980, budget requests were submitted to County Council by the County Administrator from a document prepared by the Finance Department. The Office of Budget Analysis was established in 1980 and charged with this responsibility. This office evolved into the Budget Office in 1983. The Budget Office operates today under the Assistant Administrator - Finance.

Interesting Facts

dot The Budget Office publishes an annual report in the form of The Charleston County Approved Budget. This book has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation awards from the Government Finance Officers Association since 1990.

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Contact Information

Lonnie Hamilton, III Public Services Building
4045 Bridge View Drive
North Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 958-4640
(843) 958-4645 (Fax)

Office Hours

Monday-Friday
8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

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