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Quarterly Update 2020-01 (January - March) |
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Your County. Your News.
A Message from the County Administrator
Dorchester County is building parks, improving roads and transportation, and investing in new water and sewer infrastructure to serve our citizens, to support our businesses and industry, and to attract new ones. Our dedicated staff is on the job 365 days a year to make our community a better place to live. Many projects are underway and new programs are being launched to make it easier for you to “Do More Dorchester.” We are excited to feature our projects, our programs and our people. This is “Your News” about “Your County.”
New Parks Under Construction
The Davis-Bailey Park in St. George and the Ashley River Park near Summerville are both under contract. Dorchester County Parks and Recreation Director, Eric Davis provides an update on both projects-
Development Projects Map
The Planning & Zoning Department is utilizing Google Maps based Batchgeo to provide additional online access to projects and board and commission submittals. On the County’s website, the map can be accessed from the Planning & Zoning page under Projects Map.
The map shows different colored pins for the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, County Council, and Approved Developments. By clicking on a pin, a box will appear with information about the project or request, upcoming meeting dates, contact information, and a link with additional information may be provided. This is a great way to learn more information about a project or request when you drive by one of the blue Dorchester County public notice signs or see a site under construction.
Highway 78 Phase 2-A
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A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Wednesday, January 20 for the Highway 78 Phase 2-A Improvement Project.
While clearing and grubbing work is nearing completion, the primary focus thus far has been the realignment of Hwy. 178 behind the County Public Works Complex. Utility relocation to accommodate the new construction is also ongoing. Estimated project completion is late Fall 2020.
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Online Services "Evolve"
As part of the County's ongoing efforts to place services at the residents and business owners’ fingertips, Dorchester County launched the permits, inspection and licensing portal, Evolve, in March 2020.
The Evolve Portal can be used to submit for building permits and inspections, stormwater permits, encroachment permits, zoning appeals and variances, sign permits, a business license and to pay hospitality tax.
Users can access the portal and create an account via the County website.
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2020 Census
Together We Can Make It Count
By now most residents have received an invitation in the mail to complete the 2020 Census.
Your response shapes decisions about how more than $675 billion in federal funding is distributed annually to local communities, like ours, to support schools, emergency services, road projects, seniors, minority programs, and healthcare.
New in 2020 is the opportunity to complete the Census online from the safety of your home by going to 2020census.gov. In addition, it can be completed by phone or by mail.
Summerville High School Seniors Explain the Census
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Probate Court Offers Weekly Classes
The Dorchester County Probate Court is now offering weekly classes for those probating their loved one’s estate without the assistance of an attorney. In the class, Judge Mary Blunt and Associate Judge Molly Edwards educate those serving as Personal Representative about their responsibilities and assist them in completing the necessary probate paperwork. “We have received such a positive response to these classes from our Personal Representatives,” stated Judge Mary Blunt. “They come into the class uncertain of what is required of them, and they leave empowered and knowledgeable about their next steps in administering the estate.” Prior to attending the class, the proposed Personal Representative must submit a packet of information and documents needed to begin the probate process. The estate clerks use the information provided to draft the required filings for the proposed Personal Representative’s review and signature. The classes are held every Tuesday at 10:00 AM in Courtroom B.
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Employee of the Quarter
At the Tuesday, January 21, County Council Meeting, Council recognized Animal Control Officer, Kenny Fowler as the Dorchester County Employee of the Quarter. Officer Fowler recognized for his unwavering commitment to maintaining a high quality of life for the citizens and animals of Dorchester County.
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January - March By The Numbers
Register of Deeds
The Register of Deeds office recorded 7,546 documents and processed $546,373.04 is fees from recordings, a 28.15% increase from the first quarter in 2019.
Building Services
A total of 275 Building Permits were issued in the 1st Quarter, generating $476,214 in revenue, which is more than a 50% increase for the 1st Quarter in 2019.
Animal Control
In 2019, Dorchester County Animal Control responded to 4,101 calls and transported 1,761 animals. Year-to Date in 2020, 1,060 calls have been answered and 414 animals have been transported.
ManuFirstSC
In partnership with Trident Technical College and the South Carolina Department of Commerce, Dorchester County Economic Development recently facilitated the county’s first ManuFirstSC training program of 2020. Twenty county residents completed the 62-hour course learning general manufacturing skills as well as OSHA safety training. More than 80 companies have agreed to accept this certification in lieu of their one-year experience requirement. For more information, contact Wendy Smith at (843) 875-9109.
Elections
There was a decrease in voter turnout for the 2020 Presidential Primary Election in Dorchester County with 15.25%, down from 17.93% in 2018.
Smoke Alarms
Dorchester County Fire Rescue installed 55 smoke alarms in residents homes during the first quarter of 2020. Request a Free Smoke Alarm
Coroner
During the months of January - March, Dorchester County suffered the loss of 264 individuals. The leading cause of death is Heart Disease.
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Garbage and Recycling
10 Tons of litter was removed from Dorchester County roadways and waterways during the first quarter of 2020.
Did You Know: Unsecured loads make up 20% of all roadside trash. To prevent this, all loads hauled in trucks or on trailers must be secured by a fastened cover or tarp. Penalties for uncovered loads can include fines up to $1,092 and imprisonment for up to one year. Residents are asked to report uncovered loads and/or illegal dumping to the Litter Control Office at (843) 563-0072.
Convenience Sites
The below numbers represent what was collected and properly disposed of at County Convenience Sites for the months of January - March.
Motor Oil - 6,614 Gallons
Vegetative (yard) Debris - 4,275 Tons
Plastic - 55 Tons
Glass - 90 Tons
Aluminum Cans - 5 Tons
Scrap Metal - 354 Tons
Cooking Oil - 1,040 Gallons
Mixed Paper - 100 Tons
Carpet and Padding - 21 Tons
E-Waste - 50 Tons
Construction & Demolition Debris - 3,336 Tons
Household Garbage - 2,125 Tons
Help us Keep Dorchester County Beautiful by reporting illegal dumping.
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Winding Woods Reach Fully Funded
On Tuesday, February 11, The Army Corps of Engineers announced $5.12 Million in funding for the Lake Marion Regional Water Agency (LMRWA). The funding was included with the Corps’ 2020 Work Plan and fully funds the water system’s Winding Woods Reach, a 7.7-mile water transmission line from the Town of Harleyville to the Winding Woods Industrial Park near, the Town of St. George.
The water line is currently in the design phase. When completed, the waterline will terminate at a 500,000-gallon elevated storage tank. The line will serve the Winding Woods Commerce Park including DHL, and future industries, the Bid Group, Woodland High School, the Dorchester County Courthouse and the greater St. George area.
Also included in the project is the installation of 28 fire hydrants along the water line (shown below in red) from Harleyville to the Industrial Park. Read More
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Hazard Mitigation Plan
The Dorchester County Hazard Mitigation Plan is a multi-jurisdictional plan which includes municipal stakeholders from the Towns of Harleyville, Reevesville, Ridgeville, St. George, and Summerville. The plan is reviewed and updated every 5 years. The plan identifies community goals and objectives based on the results of the County's current risk and vulnerability. Each jurisdiction maintains an action plan which prioritizes actions to lessen the impacts of future disasters in each community.
The 2015 plan expires on October 27, 2020. A planning committee has been in the process of updating the plan since June 2018. The draft 2020 plan is available for public comments through May 31. Public participation and input is strongly encouraged throughout the review and revision period. For questions related to the plan or to get involved, please contact the Emergency Management Department at (843) 832-0341.
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2nd Quarter News
Because We Couldn't Wait Until July To Share The Good News
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Purchasing Manager
On Monday, April 13, John Tigert joined Team Dorchester County as the Purchasing Services Manager. Most recently, Tigert served as the Procurement Manager for St. Louis County, Missouri. He holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and is a member of the National Institute of Government Purchasing.
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Parks and Tourism Projects
At the Monday, April 6, 2020, County Council Meeting, Council unanimously approved $749,215.92 in 2010 Bond Proceeds for Parks and Tourism Projects throughout Dorchester County.
Specifically, $400,000 was allocated to complete the Rosenwald School Project in the Town of St. George. In the early 1900's Rosenwald Schools were the heart of rural African American communities, hosting celebrations, plays and church services. When renovations are complete, the St. George Rosenwald School will serve as a community center, museum and host a variety of cultural programs.
In addition to the $400,000 allocated for the St. George Rosenwald School, $100,000 was allocated to the Saul Alexander Park, commonly referred to as the Laurel St. park in Summerville. The $100,000 funding from Dorchester County will go towards design and construction of the “Extraordinary Playground”. The playground, which is located adjacent to the Summerville Miracle League Baseball Field, will be the first all-inclusive playground in Dorchester County.
The remaining $249,215.92 has been allocated for municipal park projects in the Towns of Reevesville, Harleyville and Ridgeville. Read More
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Dorchester Paws
Board of Directors
At the Monday, April 20 County Council Meeting, Council unanimously appointed Councilman David Chinnis to serve as the County's (nonvoting) representative on the Dorchester Paws Board of Directors.
Councilman Chinnis also represents Dorchester County as a member of the South Carolina Association of Counties Board of Directors.
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- Prepared by the Public Information Office - |
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