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A message from the Mayor of South Congaree is updated once a year.

SOUTH CONGAREE 2024 ELECTION FILING HAS ENDED FOR THE 2024 ELECTION SCHEDULED APRIL 2, 2024 A. ARE YOU PLANNING ON RUNNING FOR MAYOR OR COUNCIL SEAT? The next Town of South Congaree election will be held on April 2, 2024. The offices of the Mayor and Two (2) Council members are up for election. Citizens desiring to be candidates for one of the above offices must file with the Lexington County Registration and Elections office between January 22, 2024 and February 02, 2024 by 5:00 PM. The Election office is located at 605 W. Main Street Suite 105, Lexington SC, SC. The filing fee for the office of Mayor is $50.00 and Councilmember is $25.00. Citizens choosing to file for candidacy must be a resident of the Town of South Congaree and a registered voter. Any person desiring to register to vote for this election should go on-line at www.scvotes.org . B. ARE YOU QUALIFIED TO VOTE FOR MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS? You Must be a citizen of the town of South Congaree to vote in a South Congaree Election. Any person desiring to vote in this election should go on-line at www.scvotes.org . to make sure you are registered or to register if you are not registered.

WELCOME TO SOUTH CONGAREE Welcome to the official website of the Town of South Congaree, South Carolina. Located near the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, South Congaree is home to just over 2,300 residents. Established in 1957, our town continues to grow and evolve while honoring the history that shaped us. We are proud of our past and enthusiastic about the future. As a suburb of Columbia, South Congaree is a welcoming and inclusive community. Our town is home to families with young children, longtime residents, and those approaching or enjoying retirement. This blend of generations helps create a friendly, close‑knit atmosphere where neighbors truly know one another. Congaree Elementary School, part of Lexington School District Two, is located within our town. Visitors often enjoy walking along nearby sidewalks and hearing the joyful sounds of children at play. Adjacent to Town Hall, our community park is a gathering place where teens play pickup basketball, younger children enjoy playground features, and families relax with picnics. South Congaree is also home to many churches that serve as important centers for fellowship and community activities. Organizations such as the United Neighbors Club reflect the value we place on strong neighborly connections. Our town also features a local library and an equestrian arena that host a variety of events throughout the year. We are proud of our local businesses and encourage residents and visitors alike to shop, dine, and support them. We hope this website helps you get to know us. Perhaps one day you’ll decide to become part of our community. We are South Congaree, and we’re glad you’re here. Come visit us in person and say hello!

Administration Crystal Bouknight Town Administrator cbouknight@southcongaree.org Kelli Ricard Town Clerk kricard@southcongaree.org Susan Battles Deputy Town Clerk sbattles@southcongaree.org

IMPORTANT LINKS Landlord Complaints PUBLIC WORKS PUBLIC DEFENDER TREASURER ANIMAL SERVICES VOTER REG. MASC employment

Events located within the Town limits of South Congaree Events Gallery Swearing In Election Officials July 2020 Swearing In July 2020 Swearing In July 2020 2020 Swearing In Swearing In July 2020 1/15 Volunteer Appreciation Hot Dog Cookout 2020 Bobby & Teddy's Hot Dog Cookout Bobby & Teddy had a Community Hot Dog Cookout to thank the volunteers that helped with the First Responder's & Trucker's FREE Meals during the worst of the COVID-19 Bobby & Teddy's Hot Dog Cookout Bobby & Teddy had a Community Hot Dog Cookout to thank the volunteers that helped with the First Responder's & Trucker's FREE Meals during the worst of the COVID-19 Bobby & Teddy's Hot Dog Cookout Bobby & Teddy had a Community Hot Dog Cookout to thank the volunteers that helped with the First Responder's & Trucker's FREE Meals during the worst of the COVID-19 Bobby & Teddy's Hot Dog Cookout Bobby & Teddy had a Community Hot Dog Cookout to thank the volunteers that helped with the First Responder's & Trucker's FREE Meals during the worst of the COVID-19 1/9 Volunteer Grass Cutting Crew Spring 2020 The volunteer grass cutting crew spring The volunteer grass cutting crew spring The volunteer grass cutting crew spring The volunteer grass cutting crew spring 1/9 Creekside Halloween Bash Oct. 2019 Creekside Halloween Bash 2019 Creekside Halloween Bash 2019 Creekside Halloween Bash 2019 Creekside Halloween Bash 2019 1/49 The 2019 Championship Rodeo South Congaree Championship Rodeo All ages enjoyed the rodeo South Congaree Championship Rodeo There's the beef! DSC03813 South Congaree Championship Rodeo All ages enjoyed the rodeo 1/356 Creekside RodeoRally '19 RodeoRally & Creekside Jamboree The RodeoRally & Creekside Jamboree had dancing, food, karaoke, a hoola-hoop & shag contest and much more. RodeoRally & Creekside Jamboree The RodeoRally & Creekside Jamboree had dancing, food, karaoke, a hoola-hoop & shag contest and much more. RodeoRally & Creekside Jamboree The RodeoRally & Creekside Jamboree had dancing, food, karaoke, a hoola-hoop & shag contest and much more. RodeoRally & Creekside Jamboree The RodeoRally & Creekside Jamboree had dancing, food, karaoke, a hoola-hoop & shag contest and much more. 1/93 Christmas Parade 2019 Christmas Parade 2019 DSC05716 DSC05615 Christmas Parade 2019 1/88 Paint & Pour Sept. 2019 Paint & Pour Sept. 2019 Paint & Pour Sept. 2019 Paint & Pour Sept. 2019 Paint & Pour Sept. 2019 1/23 The 2019 Rodeo Royal Court Pageant Winners at the Rodeo Pageant Winners at the Rodeo Kennedy Oswald The 2019 South Congaree Championship Rodeo Royal Court. Pageant Winners at the Rodeo 1/51 Family Movie Night June '19 First Family Movie Night - Bumblebee The first Family Movie Night was held in June 2019. It was organized by the Events Committee chaired by Sylvia Corley Drennen. The movie was Bumblebee and refreshments were provided by the Kinetic Church. First Family Movie Night - Bumblebee The first Family Movie Night was held in June 2019. It was organized by the Events Committee chaired by Sylvia Corley Drennen. The movie was Bumblebee and refreshments were provided by the Kinetic Church. First Family Movie Night - Bumblebee The first Family Movie Night was held in June 2019. It was organized by the Events Committee chaired by Sylvia Corley Drennen. The movie was Bumblebee and refreshments were provided by the Kinetic Church. First Family Movie Night - Bumblebee The first Family Movie Night was held in June 2019. It was organized by the Events Committee chaired by Sylvia Corley Drennen. The movie was Bumblebee and refreshments were provided by the Kinetic Church. 1/42

The South Congaree-Pine Ridge Branch Library Library Website Friends of the Library The South Congaree Pine Ridge Branch Library is a part of the County of Lexington's library system. It is located at 200 Sunset Drive West Columbia, SC. It is a full service library with thousand of books currently on their shelves. If there's a book you'd like and it's in the library system at another branch, they can get it moved for you. They have an extensive video collection and computers for public use. Throughout the year, there are many activities planned that are enjoyed by children and adults alike. They are especially active in the summer months when children are out of school. This instills a love of reading in children and helps to combat the summer slide. They also hold workshops on everything from scarp-booking to sushi making. Children enjoy parties and fun days and there's a beautiful serenity garden in the rear. The library is not just for children. There are many books, videos, and activities geared toward the adult. There is always something to do at the library and they'd love to have you get involved in their Friends of the Library program. South Congaree-Pine Ridge Branch Library MON - 9:00 AM 5:00 PM TUE - 11:00 AM 7:00 PM WED - CLOSED THU - 12:00 AM 6:00 PM FRI - 9:00 AM 5:00 PM SAT - 10:00 AM 1:00 PM SUN - CLOSED

FOIA REQUEST FORM Email form to Kelli Ricard, Town Clerk kricard@southcongaree.org Download Freedom of Information (FOIA)Requests for records under the Freedom of Information Act may be made by downloading the form above. South Carolina Law provides that it is a crime to knowingly obtain or use personal information from a public body for commercial solicitation. Pursuant to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act ("FOIA"), the Town of South Congaree ("Town") will provide copies of public records in its custody unless the records are exempt from disclosure under SC. Code Ann. § 30-4-40 (Freedom of Information Act). Please direct all FOIA requests to: Kelli Ricard, Town Clerk, at 119 West Berry Road, West Columbia, SC 29172, or kricard@southcongaree.org . Upon receipt of a written request for records under FOIA, the Town will determine if the records are available. The Town or the Town Attorney, will notify the requestor of this determination in writing within ten business days for records less than two years old, or within twenty (20) business days for records more than two years old. Business days do not include Saturdays, Sundays, and legal public holidays. Pursuant to SC. Code Ann. § 30-4-30(B), fulfillment of FOIA requests is subject to fees for search and retrieval, as well as fees for providing copies of documents. A deposit (25% of reasonably anticipated cost for reproduction of the records) is required prior to searching for and/or copying records pursuant to a FOIA request. The balance must be paid at time of production. If the Town determines that the requested records are available and are not exempt from disclosure under FOIA, the records will be furnished within thirty calendar days of the date the deposit is received. If the records are more than two years old, the records will be furnished within thirty-five calendar days of the date the deposit is received. f no deposit is required and the Town determines that the requested records are available and are not exempt from disclosure under FOIA, the Town will furnish the records within thirty calendar days of the date of its Determination Letter. Requested records which are greater than two years old will be furnished within thirty-five calendar days of the date of the Determination Letter. FEES: REQUESTS FOR COURT DOCUMENTS $13.00 PER HOUR REQUESTORS SHALL PAY FOR COPIES $0.25 PER COPY REQUESTORS SHALL PAY FOR STAFF TIME AT A GROSS HOURLY RATE $20.00 PER HOUR, PER EMPLOYEE INCIDENT REPORT/ ACCIDENT REPORT /CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK EXCEPTION: OWNER/VICTIM/FIRE SCENE INVESTIGATOR) $5.00 An advance deposit of up to 25% of the reasonably anticipated costs may be required prior to search and retrieval of records.

The Pine Ridge Senior Citizen's Center Website The Pine Ridge - South Congaree Senior Citizen's Center is located at 1123 Courtney Dr, West Columbia, SC 29172. It is managed by the Lexington County Recreation & Aging Commission. It is open most weekdays except holidays. Some seniors still choose to drive to the center daily, others are dropped by a caregiver, and still others choose to ride the shuttle. Senior citizens may be able to arrange transportation through the shuttle provided there's room at the time the request is made. This is a gathering place where the senior citizens of our community go to socialize, eat through the Meals on Wheels program, and enjoy others of their own age. There are daily activities and regular outings. There's a television room, activities room, game room, piano for sing-alongs, and more. Most activities and service are provided at no or minimal charge to the senior. This is also the area's distribution site for Meals on Wheels for seniors who elect to eat at home instead of gathering at the center. Fore more information about the Pine Ridge Senior Citizen's Center call them at (803) 755-1274. The aging adult population is growing in the U.S, and so is the need for appropriate housing. Assisted living communities are well equipped to help residents manage daily living activities, and they empower seniors to thrive, boosting their physical, mental, and social well-being. Choosing the best facility, however, can be time-consuming and overwhelming for seniors and their loved ones. Here are resources to help aging adults and their families explore available communities, costs, and payment options. You can view our resources here: https://www.assistedliving.org/south-carolina/ https://www.assistedliving.org/assisted-living-near-me/ https://www.assistedliving.org/cost-of-assisted-living/ https://www.assistedliving.org/senior-housing/ https://www.retireguide.com/retirement-life-leisure/senior-housing/aging-in-place/meals-on-wheels/ Sincerely, Community Outreach Assisted Living Research Institute AssistedLiving.org

PERMIT INFORMATION BUILDING PERMITS All contractors performing work in the Town of South Congaree must obtain a business license. If you are building, remodeling, repairing, moving, or tearing down a building in South Congaree, or working on electrical, gas, plumbing, or mechanical systems, the required steps include: Obtain Zoning approval from the Town of South Congaree. Apply for building or mechanical permits from Lexington County. Property owners performing the work on their property must: Obtain Zoning Approval from the Town of South Congaree. Contact Lexington County Building Inspections and Permits Division Fill out a Lexington County Disclosure Statement. Complete a Public Record Notice, agreeing to follow all zoning and building rules. Contact: Lexington County Building Inspections & Permits Division Community Development Department (803) 785-8130 Email: buildinginspections@lexingtoncounty.sc.gov Website: https://lex-co.sc.gov/departments/community-development/building-permits SIGN PERMITS All sign contractors must have a Town of South Congaree Business License before obtaining a sign permit. Zoning Applications are required and must be completed and submitted to South Congaree. Zoning Applications must be approved before the sign permit will be approved. Any electrical work must be performed by a SC-licensed electrician. All electrical contractors are required to have a South Carolina Electrical Contractors License through the SC Dept. of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, and a Town of South Congaree Business License. The electrician must be listed on the sign permit before the permit can be issued. Signs may not be constructed within 12 feet of electric lines or facilities. Call PUPS at 888-721-7877 to locate underground utilities 72 hours before digging. GARAGE SALE PERMITS The following regulations are hereby declared essential in order to regulate garage sales in all zones: Before the Sale Obtain a permit from Town Hall for each sale. Post the permit at the sale site. Pay the permit fee: $5 per day. Ensure the permit does not exceed 4 consecutive days. Confirm you have not exceeded 4 permits per calendar year per family/location. During the Sale Use only family-owned merchandise (no purchased or brought-in items). Remove all tables, merchandise, and items at the end of the permitted time. Display no more than two (2) on-site signs, each ≤ 6 sq. ft. If using off-site signs: Limit to two (2) signs, each ≤ 6 sq. ft. Do not encroach on public rights-of-way. Obtain written permission for signs on private property. Do not attach signs to utility poles, street signs, trees, rocks, or natural objects. Remove all signs at the end of the sale. Do not use a public address system. Do not serve or give alcoholic beverages. Operate only during daylight hours Special Cases Non-profit organizations: Obtain a permit (fee waived). Enforcement & Penalties Violations are subject to S.C. Code § 14-25-65. Documents & Forms BUSINESS LICENSE APPLICATION HOW TO CALCULATE BIS. LIC. FEE SOUTH CONGAREE ZONING PERMIT LEX. CTY. BUILDING PERMIT LEX. CTY DISCLOSURE STATEMENT LEX. CTY PUBLIC RECORD NOTICE SOUTH CONGAREE SIGN PERMIT Contact Us Business License: Kelli Ricard, Town Clerk kricard@southcongaree.org (803) 755-2760 ext. 109 Zoning and Sign Permits: Crystal Bouknight, Town Administrator cbouknight@southcongaree.org (803) 755-2760 ext. 101