June 2024

FEATURE

Heavy Lifting: Equipment Operators Test Their Skills During State Competition

Heavy equipment operators from around South Carolina recently faced off during the State Championship Backhoe Roadeo. The event, hosted by the South Carolina chapter of the American Public Works Association, tests the knowledge, skills and agility of competitors through a series of timed obstacles. But safety always comes first.

"One of the biggest things that we're looking for is safety," said Matt Bishop, a mechanical drainage superintendent with Charleston County and chairman of the state Backhoe Roadeo competition. "When they're entering and exiting or climbing onto the backhoe, there should be three points of contact. They will be penalized if they aren't making those three points of contact."

Learn more about the Backhoe Roadeo and hear from this year's state champion from York County in the upcoming issue of County Focus magazine.

EVENTS

Former Gov. Beasley to Give Keynote Address at 2024 SCAC Annual Conference

SCAC to Welcome Newly-Elected Council Members at December Orientation

The Association is excited to welcome newly-elected council members from across the state on Dec. 11 during a daylong training.

The Orientation for Newly-Elected Council Members is designed to prepare leaders for their new duties and responsibilities. The session will cover:

• Roles and responsibilities of county council.
• Forms and powers of county government.
• County risk management.
• The Freedom of Information Act.
• Budget basics and funding sources.
• The State Ethics, Government Accountability and Campaign Reform Act.

The orientation will be from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel in Columbia. The event is open to and free for all newly-elected county council members.

EDUCATION

Local Government Leadership Institute Accepting Applications for 2024-2025

The Local Government Leadership Institute is a skill-building educational experience for new and potential executive-level managers in South Carolina local governments. The program is intended to prepare the participants to affect change in their organizations, and ultimately to improve the communities in which they live.

The South Carolina City and County Management Association, The Riley Center at College of Charleston, Francis Marion University, Coastal Carolina University and the Darla Moore Foundation are accepting applications for the 2024- 2025 Local Government Leadership Institute in Lake City. The cost is $400 and the session dates are:

• Oct. 2-4, 2024
• Nov. 7-8, 2024
• Jan. 30-31, 2025
• Feb. 27-28, 2025
• March 28, 2025

For more information and to apply, send a letter of interest and resume by July 31 to Ali Moriarty at abtitus@cofc.edu.

COUNTY SPOTLIGHT

Duke Energy Foundation Supports County First Responders with $500,000 in Grants

The Duke Energy Foundation is helping county emergency managers and first responders get ahead this hurricane season through a series of microgrants totaling $500,000. The grants are intended to help organizations with emergency preparedness efforts and increase community resiliency through advanced preparation, planning and training.

"Funding from the Duke Energy Foundation will provide Anderson County's Roads and Bridges Department with Palmetto 800-compliant portable radios," said Anderson County Council Chairman Tommy Dunn. "We are grateful to be receiving this grant from the Duke Energy Foundation. Having these radios available will allow our road crews to better serve the public and coordinate with other agencies during those times when our citizens are most in need."

The funds are given through the Duke Energy Emergency Preparedness and Storm Resiliency Grant Program. Counties benefiting from grants include Abbeville, Anderson, Charleston, Cherokee, Chester, Chesterfield, Clarendon, Darlington, Edgefield, Florence, Greenville, Greenwood, Kershaw, Lancaster, Lee, Marion, Marlboro, Oconee, Pickens, Spartanburg, Sumter, Williamsburg and York.

Learn more about the Duke Energy Grant Program, including a complete list of recipients.

ADVOCACY

2024 SCAC Legislative Wrap-Up

The Association continues to advocate on behalf of county government and shape statewide legislation to benefit all South Carolina counties.

Catch up on legislation discussed during the 2024 session, including bills that address SCAC policy positions.

GRANT CENTRAL STATION

Grant Writing Workshop in Spartanburg

Grant Writing USA and the Spartanburg Police Department will present a two-day grant writing workshop June 27-28.

For beginning and experienced grant seekers across all disciplines, the training will teach attendees how to find the funding sources and write winning grant proposals. 

Tuition is $495. SCAC members will receive a $30 discount with the code "ASSN." Learn more.

Round 2 of CFI Grant Program Announced

The Federal Highway Administration has announced Round 2 of the Charging and Fuel Infrastructure (CFI) Grant Program. The notice of funding opportunity offers up to $1.3 billion in funding for entities to install electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

The South Carolina Electric Transportation Network will host at call a 11 a.m. June 20 to cover the CFI announcement, application best practices and available resources.

Register for the call or email Evan@CVSC.org if you are unable to attend and would like a recording and follow-up materials.

COUNTY EMPLOYMENT

Are you looking for employment? Counties are hiring! Visit our County Jobs page to see open positions throughout the state.

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