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Dorchester County Awarded $6.8 million Grant
On Thursday, June 17, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced Dorchester County has been awarded a $6.8 million CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant for the widening of South Carolina Highway 27 (also known as Ridgeville Road) from I-26 to the Ridgeville Industrial Campus on U.S. Highway 78. Read More
Mario Formisano Appointed Deputy Administrator
On Monday, July 12, Dorchester County Administrator, Jason L. Ward, appointed Mario Formisano as the Deputy Administrator for Public Safety. Prior to being appointed as Deputy Administrator, Formisano served Dorchester County as the Director of Emergency Management and Interim Deputy Administrator. In his role as Deputy Administrator, Mr. Formisano serve as liaison to the Dorchester County Sheriff and Coroner and provides coordinated leadership of the Public Safety Departments, which include Consolidated Dispatch, Emergency Management Department, Emergency Medical Service, and Fire-Rescue.
Mr. Formisano is a South Carolina Certified Emergency Manager and a Past President of the South Carolina Emergency Management Association. He holds an Associate of Applied Science in Fire Protection Technology, a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management, and a Master of Public Administration.
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Davis-Bailey Park Open for Play
On Friday, June 4, 2021, the ribbon was cut and the Davis-Bailey Park in St. George was officially opened for play. The park features an event pavilion, splash fountain, playground, multipurpose field, two youth baseball fields, two full basketball courts, and a paved walking trail for the community to enjoy for generations to come.
Ashley River Park Construction
Considerable progress has been made since Dorchester County announced that the Ashley River Park, near the Town of Summerville, was under contract in April 2020. The playground, fishing piers, grading, dog parks, picnic shelters, irrigation, and parking lots are complete. All buildings, splash pad, trails, flatwork, and paving is nearing completion.
Highway 78 Improvement Project
Work on the five lane widening and paving for Phase 2-A continues. The new access road for the County Public Works Complex has been completed and the old access road has been removed. The complex can now be accessed via the access road on Hwy. 178, near the intersection of Hwy. 78. Traffic near Ridgeville Road has been shifted for crews to safely construct the box culverts for Timothy Creek. Clearing and Grubbing and utility relocation continues for Phase 2-B.
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April - June By The Numbers
Building Services
The Building Services Department issued 1,134 (total) Building Permits with 275 of those permits being for new single-family residential construction (attached and detached) and 292 Certificates of Occupancy in the 2nd Quarter, generating $739,473 in revenue, an increase of $182,615 from the 2nd Quarter of 2020.
Consolidated Dispatch Center
During the months of April - June, the Dorchester County Consolidated Dispatch processed 14,150 9-1-1 calls and 42,275 non-emergency calls compared to 14,106 9-1-1 calls and 40,135 non-emergency calls processed during the 2nd Quarter of 2020.
Animal Control
In 2020, Dorchester County Animal Control responded to 3,925 calls and transported 1,868 animals. Year to date, Animal Control has responded to 1,928 calls and transported 870 animals. During the months of April - June 2021, Animal Control responded to 910 calls and transported 462 animals.
Coroner
During the months of April - June, Dorchester County suffered the loss of 260 individuals, compared to 242 during the 2nd Quarter of 2020.
Register of Deeds
The Register of Deeds office recorded 10,870 documents and processed $829,684.28 in fees from recordings, a 38.71% increase from the 2nd Quarter in 2020.
PIO Earns Accrediation in Public Relations
The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) offers a credential called APR. It’s the “Accredited in Public Relations” distinction. The APR credential demonstrates a practitioner’s expertise and deep understanding of ethical standards and proficiency in communications principles. The APR distinction elevates a practitioner’s credibility and reflects sound professional judgment in the practice of public relations which is why fewer than 2% of PR practitioners achieve this status. It’s considered the gold standard for public relations and communications professionals which is why we are pleased to share that our Dorchester County PIO, Tiffany Norton, is now…Tiffany Norton, APR! Read More
Sound Off Smoke Alarms Program
In May, the Dorchester County Fire-Rescue, Fire Marshal Division instructed the “Sound Off Smoke Alarms” fire safety program for second and third graders at Clay Hill Elementary, Harleyville-Ridgeville Elementary, and Williams Memorial Elementary. This program is instrumental in educating youth in what to do when they hear a smoke alarm. Participating students were rewarded for their completion of the program with a pizza party provided by Dorchester County Fire-Rescue (DCFR).
County residents may request to have a smoke alarm and/or carbon monoxide alarm installed in their home by completing the online form or contacting DCFR Headquarters at (843) 563-0214. Note: Carbon Monoxide alarms will only be installed in homes with gas appliances and/or a gas fireplace.
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Trident Technical College Dorchester Campus
From Big Lots to Big Opportunity
On Tuesday, May 18, Dorchester County Council and Trident Technical College (TTC) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the TTC Dorchester Campus located at 10055 Dorchester Road in the Oakbrook Area. Residents can now walk in the full-service campus and talk to an advisor about financial aid, complete placement testing, and enroll in Fall Semester classes.
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Garbage and Recycling
The below numbers represent what was collected and properly disposed of at County Convenience Sites for the months of April - June.
Motor Oil - 672 Gallons
Vegetative (yard) Debris - 3,750.9 Tons
Plastic - 69.06 Tons
Glass - 96.73 Tons
Scrap Metal and Aluminum Cans - 225.68 Tons
Cooking Oil - 1,050 Gallons
Mixed Paper and Cardboard - 91.61 Tons
Carpet and Padding - 247.07 Tons
E-Waste - 37.1 Tons
Construction & Demolition Debris - 3,244.32 Tons
Household Garbage - 19,891.97 Tons
Litter removed from roadways - 4.7 Tons
Save the Date
Equine Preparedness Seminar
When: Thursday, August 5, 2021 at 6:30PM
Where: County Council Chambers, 500 North Main Street, Summerville, SC 29483
Cost: FREE
As part of Dorchester County Animal Preparedness Week, the Emergency Management Department, in coordination with Clemson University Livestock Poultry Health (CULPH), will host an Equine Preparedness Seminar to help horse owners prepare for hurricanes and other natural disasters. Dr. Sean Eastman, DVM, Director of Field Services with CULPH will serve as the keynote speaker for the event. Representatives from Dorchester County Animal Control and Emergency Management will also provide local preparedness information.
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