CharlestonCounty.org

Charleston County Council

Council and Committee Meetings
FY2025-FY2027 Strategic Plan

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Attend the meetings in person on the second floor of the Lonnie Hamilton, III Public Services Building, 4045 Bridge View Drive, North Charleston, SC.

Responsibilities

County Council makes policy decisions for Charleston County, as established in state law. Council's nine members serve four-year staggered terms and are elected from single member districts. Council members serve on a part-time basis and each member receives an annual salary of $20,738. The Council Chairman receives an annual salary of $26,142 for the performance of extra duties.

County Council generally meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month and holds committee meetings on the Thursday prior to Council meetings.

Under the S.C. Freedom of Information Act, all meetings are open to the public. Meeting agendas are posted in the Lonnie Hamilton, III, Public Services Building, on this Web site and sent to anyone who requests notice. To be added to Council's notification list, please contact the Clerk of Council's office at (843)958-4030.

The primary areas for which Council is required to set policy are:

Establishing the community vision
Stating the organizational mission
Defining any area of the County Administrator's authority not specifically addressed by state law
Organizing the manner by which Council business is conducted

County Council serves as a link between County government and the citizens, municipalities and agencies located within its boundaries, and also represents the area's concerns and interests when dealing with other local, state, federal or international governments. Council is responsible for approving an annual budget to fund County operations, including the determination of any necessary taxes or fees.

A Clerk of Council and Deputy Clerk provide administrative support and maintain official records of Council meetings and activities. A County Administrator, hired by Council, is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the County. County Council elects a Chairman annually to act as its spokesperson and preside at its meetings.