Your County. Your News.
February 2024 Resident Newsletter
Welcome to another edition of our monthly newsletter, your go-to source for the latest updates, programs, and services provided by Dorchester County.
In this month's issue, we are excited to spotlight some of our departments, upcoming programs as well as important reminders. We hope that this information is helpful, and we hope you've had a great start to the new year.
 We Need You! Dorchester County Greenbelt Master Planning Process
Discover the latest endeavor shaping Dorchester County's landscape: the Greenbelt Master Plan. This initiative is designed to safeguard, acquire, and enhance green spaces and recreational areas throughout our county, ensuring their conservation for years to come.
Partnering with Weston & Sampson and The Audubon Society of South Carolina, Dorchester County is committed to crafting a comprehensive plan that reflects the values and needs of our community.
Scheduled for completion in May, this plan will be the result of extensive research, community input, and expert guidance. To stay informed and engaged, we encourage all residents to visit the project website: Greenbelt Master Plan | Dorchester County, SC website (dorchestercountysc.gov).
We are hosting two drop-in style public engagement sessions, where you can share your thoughts, ideas, and learn more about the effort from the project team.
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Thursday, February 8, from 5:00pm - 7:00pm
St. George Rosenwald School
205 Ann Street, St. George, SC 29477
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Tuesdsay, February 13, from 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Alston Middle School Cafeteria
500 Bryan St. Summerville, SC 29483
We'd also appreciate if you took a few minutes to fill out our second Greenbelt Master Plan Survey. This feedback is important as we create a plan that reflects your vision for Dorchester County.
 How the Homestead Exemption can Help Reduce Your Taxes
By: JJ Messervy, Dorchester County Auditor
The South Carolina Homestead Exemption allows eligible taxpayers to be tax exempt on the first $50,000 of assessed value on their primary residence. To be eligible, a taxpayer must be sixty-five years of age or older as of December 31st of the previous tax year, or 100% totally and permanently disabled or legally blind. Furthermore, a taxpayer must hold a complete fee simple title or life estate to their primary residence and have been a legal resident of South Carolina for one preceding tax year. A surviving spouse of a qualified Homestead recipient may also receive the benefit regardless of their age. If, however, the surviving spouse gets remarried and does not independently qualify, they will lose the exemption.
As an example, a homestead eligible taxpayer in the Town of Summerville for tax year 2023 could receive up to a $430.20 credit on their tax bill. For those in the Town of St. George, residents could receive up to a $460.20 credit on their tax bill. In order to receive the Homestead Exemption, you must provide the following documentation:
1) If taxpayer is applying due to age, please bring your valid driver’s license.
2) If the taxpayer is applying due to disability, you will need to present documentation from the State or Federal agency certifying the disability. If the taxpayer is disabled but does not receive any type of assistance from a State or Federal agency, the Auditor’s office has paperwork to be filled out and filed with the agency of Vocational Rehabilitation.
3) If the taxpayer is applying due to being declared legally blind, they will need to present documentation from a licensed ophthalmologist.
Taxpayers may apply for the Homestead Exemption Monday through Friday from 8:30AM to 5:00PM in our St. George Office or Summerville Office. Taxpayers may also apply online on our website.
We will also be providing this service through the mail when possible. Please call the Auditor’s Office at (843) 832-0109 or (843) 563-0109 for any questions regarding your application or eligibility.
Beat the rush and apply early for the Homestead Exemption today.
 2023 Litter Cleanup
Last year, Dorchester County Public Works Solid Waste Department's litter crews successfully collected 5,496 bags which equates to 136,400 lbs. of litter spanning over 250 miles of county roads. This project was made possible in part through Palmetto Pride grant funds.
While this is a significant amount of litter collected, we can't keep our county clean alone. We invite community groups and organzations to our Adopt-A-Spot Program to help beautify our county. Those interested to volunteer or reserve clean-up supplies, please contact Somer Clark, Dorchester County Recycling and Education Coordinator, at (843) 563-0074.
 Learn More About Your VA Benefits!
Dorchester County will be hosting this month's VA Benefits & Disability Claims Workshop on February 27. Topics of discussion include an overview of disability benefits, and dependency and indemnity compensation and pension eligibility. There will also be a Q&A session at the end.
Location: St. George County Council Chambers (201 Johnston Street, St. George) Date: Feburary 27, 2024
Time: 2:00pm to 4:00pm
For questions about the program, please call (843) 832-0050. Don't miss your chance to learn more about your VA benefits!
 Senior Tax Work-Off Program
Dorchester County is accepting applications for the Senior Citizens Tax Work-Off Program, until February 20, 2024. This unique initiative provides senior citizens aged 60 and above, who own property in Dorchester County and reside at that property, with an opportunity to exchange their valuable time and essential skills for compensation equivalent to their County property tax obligations.
Qualified participants will be compensated at minimum wage (currently $7.25 per hour) for the portion of their property tax bill allocated to County Operating, County Debt, and Capital Improvements. By participating in this program, seniors not only contribute to their community but also alleviate their property tax responsibilities.
To apply, please visit the Dorchester County’s website. Ensure that your application, along with a copy of your property tax bill and driver’s license or other photo identification as proof of residency, is submitted by February 20, 2024.
Applications can be sent via mail, email, or dropped off at the address below:
• Mail: Karen Taylor, Dorchester County Business Services
Financial Services Division
201 Johnston Street, St. George, SC 29477
• Email: KTaylor@dorchestercountysc.gov
Application forms are also available for pickup at the Business Services Office in the Kenneth F. Waggoner Building (201 Johnston Street, St. George) or at the Dorchester County Administrator’s Office in the Human Services Building (500 North Main Street, Summerville).
For additional information, feel free to reach out to Karen Taylor at 843-970-3843.
 Dorchester County Government Chat with the Chairman
Sign up to discuss community issues, share ideas, or ask questions with Chairman Todd Friddle.
Our next event will take place on Monday, February 12 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at the North Charleston Library Branch located at 8620 Patriot Blvd., North Charleston, SC 29420.
To reserve your one-on-one time with the Chairman, please RSVP by choosing a ten minute time slot at the link below.
 Business License Renewals
As a reminder, all Dorchester County Business Licenses will expire on April 30, 2024.
Renewal reminders will also be emailed the week of February 12, 2024. We encourage you to act promptly and renew your business license by April 30, 2024, to avoid any penalties.
Our Business License staff is available to assist you throughout the renewal process. They will be available at the St. George Office (201 Johnston Street, St. George) on Tuesdays and Thursdays, as well as at the Summerville Office (500 N. Main Street, Summerville) Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm. Feel free to call (843) 832-0018, email, or drop by if you have any questions or need assistance with your renewals.
For more information, please visit: Business License | Dorchester County, SC website (dorchestercountysc.gov).
 Join Us at the Upcoming Dorchester County Hiring Fairs!
Looking for exciting Dorchester County Government career opportunities or a chance to explore various job prospects? Don't miss the Dorchester County Hiring Fairs coming to the Summerville Library and the North Charleston Library on the following dates:
Summerville Library Hiring Fairs:
76 Old Trolley Rd., Summerville, SC 29485
- February 6, 2024, 10:00am - 1:00pm
- February 16, 2024, 10:00am - 1:00pm
- March 5, 2024, 10:00am - 1:00pm
- March 19, 2024, 10:00am - 1:00pm
North Charleston Library Hiring Fairs:
8620 Patriot Blvd., North Charleston, SC 29420
- February 7, 2024, 10:00am - 1:00pm
- February 21, 2024, 10:00am - 1:00pm
- March 6, 2024, 10:00am - 1:00pm
- March 20, 2024, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Don't miss out on this opportunity to explore new career paths, connect to Dorchester County recruiters, and move forward in your professional journey.
 Presidents' Day Closures
Dorchester County Offices, Courts, and Libraries will be closed on Monday, February 19, 2024. We wish everyone a pleasant Presidents' Day to relax and enjoy a day off in celebration of our country.
"In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years." - Abraham Lincoln
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