Responsibilities

The County Administrator is hired by Charleston County Council to serve as the County's Chief Administrative Officer. In addition to carrying out the directives and policies of Council, the Administrator oversees the day-to-day operations of County Government.

Functions

  • Execute the Policies and Directives of County Council.
  • Oversee Day-to-Day Operations of Charleston County Government.

Contact

County Administrator | Bill Tuten

Lonnie Hamilton, III, Public Services Building

4045 Bridge View Dr., N. Charleston, SC 29405

Suite 200

Phone: (843) 958-4000

Fax: (843) 958-4004

Office Hours: M – F | 8:30AM – 5PM

Duties

  • Execute the policies, directives and legislative actions of Council
  • Direct and coordinate activities of Charleston County Government
  • Supervise the spending of County funds as directed by Council or in accordance with the approved County budget
  • Prepare reports for Council on finances and administrative activities
  • Inform Council of anticipated revenues, including taxes, user fees, etc., that are necessary to meet the financial requirements of the County
  • Respond to requests for information or assistance from individuals, businesses, private organizations, other governments and community groups
  • Work with Charleston County's elected officials in reaching common goals
  • Present annual budget requests to Council for approval
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History

In 1948, a referendum instituted the Council-Manager form of government in Charleston County, the first such local government in South Carolina. On Jan. 4, 1949, the newly elected County Council held its first meeting and appointed a County Manager. With passage of the Home Rule Act in the 1970s, Charleston County Council adopted the Council-Administrator form of government. As dictated by state law, the Administrator is appointed by Council to manage the functions of County Government.

Interesting Facts

Since 1991, a sampling of awards received by Charleston County include:

More than three dozen Awards of Excellence from the National Association of Counties for various projects and services provided to County citizens.

S.C. Association of Counties' J. Mitchell Graham Award for development of its satellite centers, and the top Division Award for the county's Incumbent Worker Training Program.

The United Way Campaign's award for the highest gift per employee in the Tri-county area, and the American Heart Association's Top Fundraising Company Award for the American Heart Walk.

Captain Pride Award for development of the countywide recycling program.

Recognition from the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve for the County's distinguished contributions to the national defense during Operation Desert Storm.

Common Terms

Council-Administrator Form of Government:
Form of local government in which the county's council appoints a professional public administrator to implement policies and direct the work of that county.
Council Directive:
A decision approved by County Council requiring action by the Administrator or a County department.
Organizational Chart:
A visual representation of an organization's chain of command.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Answer: The Administrator's Office serves as a referral source for citizens, businesses, organizations and other governmental agencies. This Office directs individuals to the proper County department.