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WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP? The Town of South Congaree, like many small towns, operates on a limited budget. Because of this, we often rely on volunteers to provide assistance in areas we cannot financially support. Below are the areas where help is currently needed. If you have time to spare and would like to give back to your community, please select the volunteer position that interests you and email the appropriate department head. We truly appreciate your skills and talents. Volunteer Grant Writer Applicants should have strong writing skills; previous grant writing experience is preferred. The volunteer grant writer will research and identify grant opportunities that align with the Town of South Congaree’s needs, including water and sewer projects, beautification, economic development, law enforcement, public safety, and Parks & Recreation initiatives. Responsibilities include reviewing grant requirements, determining eligibility, preparing and submitting complete applications, and gathering required documentation by established deadlines. Training opportunities may be available through the SC Municipal Association, SCEPD, the SC Criminal Justice Academy, and other agencies. If you are interested in volunteer grant writing, please contact the Town Administrator at (803) 755‑2760 ext. 101. Volunteer for Community Events Volunteering for Town of South Congaree Community Events is a great way to support local activities, connect with neighbors, and help create welcoming, successful events. Volunteers assist with setup, activities, and guest support and play an important role in bringing our community together. If you are interested in volunteering for community events, please contact the Town Clerk by calling (803) 755-2760 and pressing extension 109 pr emailing kricard@southcongaree.org .

COVID 19

The South Congaree Arena Website The South Congaree Arena is located at 395 Oak Street, West Columbia, SC, 29172. It is managed by the Lexington County Recreation & Aging Commission. It consist of a large covered arena with a dirt floor ringed by a wooden livestock fence and a concrete area. It is well-lit and wired for electrical with many outlets around the arena. There is a well-equipped concession stand with permanent restroom facilities. It is the home to the South Congaree Championship Rodeo each July and the production Jesus is His Name in December. This is a production of the life and times of Jesus Christ put on by all volunteers. It also plays host to a Jack Russell Terrier trial and other activities throughout the year. There is no alcohol allowed in the park and any illegal activity is strictly prohibited. This facility requires a lease to use. For maintenance issues or to contact the LCRAC about this park call 803-359-4048.

SC GOVERNOR INFORMATION RESOURCES TOWN OF SOUTH CONGAREE INFORMATION SC SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Certification Letter Lexington Medical Center Town Hall Updates MUSC Health Supporting our Local Restaurants Executive Order No. 2020-10 - Directing Additional Emergency Measures Due to COVID-19 Prisma Health’s free virtual visit SC DHEC CDC - Center for Disease Control White House Announcement & Resource List

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STORM WATER "WE ALL LIVE DOWNSTREAM" S tormwater pollution is the runoff that occurs from rain, irrigation and snow melt and everything that is picked up along the way as it travels downhill to the nearest stream, river lake and beach. This runoff does not get treated, but goes straight to the waterways that we use for fishing, bathing and even drinking. What is picked up by stormwater runoff is “people pollution” – fertilizers and pesticides, motor oil, sand and dirt, pet waste, trash and so on. All of this can amount to one dirty waterway. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) actually considers stormwater the greatest threat to our water quality. Here is what you, as a homeowner, pet owner, or car owner can do to reduce stormwater pollution: Test Your Soil before applying fertilizer to your lawn – your lawn may already have enough nutrients. Excess nutrients from excess fertilizer ends up in our lakes and rivers leading to algae blooms and fish kills. Pick Up Pet Waste to keep it from contaminating water supplies. You can flush the waste, bag it for trash or build a doggie-loo (pet waste septic system). Wash Your Car On The Lawn instead of the driveway to minimize runoff into the storm drain and use low-phosphorus, biodegradable soaps. Remember to check your car for leaks – these chemicals wash off road surfaces into the waterway. Bag Grass Clippings And Leaves Or Use Them As Compost. Don’t sweep them into the street or down storm drains as that leads to nutrient issues and potential clogging and flooding. Don’t Over-Water Your Lawn, doing so sends more pollutants into nearby drains. Plus, your lawn only requires little more than an inch of rain per week. A rain gauge will help you keep track of how much rain your lawn is receiving. To report illicit discharge, please complete the online Illicit Discharge Reporting Form . For more information, please see Lexington County Stormwater. Storm Water Details To learn more about storm water including car washing, rain barrels, rain gardens, South Congaree's storm water ordinances, and important links on storm water, click the above link. Car Washing Washing your car at home can use 80-140 gallons of water – In comparison, a commercial car wash facility uses 40-45 gallons of water per wash. Many commercial car washes recycle and reuse the wash water that is generated. Most professional car washes save water by using high pressure pumps to clean the car thoroughly while conserving water. The presence of soap in waterways at low concentrations can kill fish eggs and at higher concentrations lead to fish kills. There are 214,023 personal vehicles registered in Lexington County. If 40% of those vehicles are washed at home once a month, then well over 82 million gallons of polluted water could potentially enter local waterways. "What is a Rain barrel?" Save rain, save water, save money! Did you know that half of a typical household’s water use is outside of the home? That’s half of your water bill! Rain barrels, or similar rain catchment systems (cisterns), have been used throughout history in many different cultures. Rainwater collection systems offer many benefits to individuals who use them, ranging from lower water bills to a better quality water for plants (no chlorine, which some plants dislike). Rainwater collection systems also benefit the environment. The obvious advantages are less withdrawal of groundwater and conserved use of treated municipal water. The less obvious advantage of rainwater collection is that it helps reduce stormwater runoff, lessening the amount of runoff that may lead to flooding. Click on Rain Barrel Construction Instructions to build your own rain barrel. "What Is A Rain Garden?" A rain garden is a landscape depression that intercepts runoff, and allows the water to slowly infiltrate into the groundwater table. As well as intercepting runoff that could possibly add to flooding and stream erosion problems, the rain garden allows nature to play a role in removing pollutants from stormwater runoff that could otherwise affect the water quality of nearby lakes, rivers, and streams. Plants use excess nutrients for growth, sediment gets trapped in the rain garden, and the rain garden becomes a landscaped feature in your yard that is also habitat for bees, butterflies, and birds. Plus, a rain garden uses water from your rooftop and driveway for irrigation, saving you money on your water bill. For more information on upcoming Rain Barrel or Rain Garden Workshops, please click on Lexington County Workshops. “GO GREEN” Lexington County Car Wash Fundraiser Program The Lexington Countywide Stormwater Consortium (LCSC) has partnered with local commercial car wash operators to launch the Car Wash Fundraiser Program. Community groups can purchase discounted car wash coupons from participating facilities that they can then re-sell. It’s quick, easy and safe for the environment. Car wash fundraisers are an important means for an organization to raise money, but if the wash water isn’t handled properly, it can be harmful to the environment. Car wash fundraisers are usually held in parking lots of local businesses where the water enters the storm drain. The water that enters a storm drain doesn’t go to a wastewater treatment facility where it is cleaned. Instead the water empties directly into local creeks, rivers and streams. All of the pollutants that are in wash water go down the storm drain and are deposited in local waterways as well. If you think about all the pollutants that are in car wash water, soaps, oils & grease, heavy metals, you realize that a lot of pollutants can be transported to local waterways. Commercial car washing facilities direct their wash water to the sanitary sewer where the wash water is treated. Most commercial car wash facilities use special equipment to conserve water and recycle the wash water at their facility. Using a commercial facility is the best choice when washing a car. This partnership allows local organizations to meet their fundraising goals without holding the traditional (time consuming and labor intensive) car wash. Through this partnership groups can not only raise funds year-round they can also ensure that their fundraisers will not be harmful to the environment. We urge local groups to contact the participating car washes and get started selling tickets instead of holding car washes in a parking lot somewhere. More Resources LEX. CO. WIDE STORM WATER CONSORTIUM LEXINGTON COUNTY STORM WATER ENVIROMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY S. CONGAREE STORM WATER KEEP THE MIDLANDS BEAUTIFUL

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

The South Congaree Town Council meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM. Council Work Sessions are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM. All meetings take place in the courtroom at Town Hall, located at 119 West Berry Road, West Columbia, SC 29172. Meetings will be announced through the town sign, the Town of South Congaree website, and the town’s social media platforms, posted on the bulletin board outside Town Hall. The media is also notified. The Town of South Congaree operates under a Council form of government. The Mayor serves a term of four (4) years, or until a successor is duly elected and qualified. Council Members are elected to staggered four (4) year terms, or until their successors are duly elected and qualified. CONTACT INFORMATION FOR MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS Click for Mayor's Message Mayor Cindy Campbell Email: ccampbell@southcongaree.org Phone: (803) 665-1943 Mayor Cindy Campbell was first elected Mayor of South Congaree in July 2020. Since taking office, she has remained steadfast in her commitment to enhancing the quality of life for the Town’s residents and visitors alike. Her leadership reflects a strong belief in service, collaboration, and community pride. Among her initiatives, Mayor Campbell partnered with Palmetto Pride to launch quarterly community litter cleanups, which were coined Team Up 2 Cleanup South Congaree, an effort that has strengthened community engagement while promoting a cleaner, more welcoming town. Mayor Campbell serves on the Advisory Board of the Greater Cayce-West Columbia Chamber of Commerce and is Vice Chair of the Greater CWC Chamber’s Cares Foundation. Her involvement in the Chamber reflects her commitment to ensuring that South Congaree has a strong voice and meaningful representation in regional conversations and initiatives. Mayor Campbell also serves on the Joint Municipal Water and Sewer Commission. She believes that building strong regional partnerships is essential to moving South Congaree forward and creating lasting opportunities for growth and success. She and her husband, Ronnie, reside in Blue Ridge Terrace and are the proud parents of two adult children, Garrett and Bailey (Josh). Outside of her mayoral responsibilities, her favorite and most cherished title is “Gammy” to her granddaughters, Presley and Cecilia. Mayor Pro-Tem Kitty Spires Email: kspires@southcongaree.org Phone: (803) 622-8396 Kitty Spires, a lifelong resident of the Town of South Congaree, currently serves as Mayor Pro-Tempore of the Council since her 2024 appointment. First serving on Council from 2005 to 2008, her current term began in 2022. Kitty led the focus of having the town ordinances codified and posted to the internet during her first term. She also led the focus to secure a professional Certified Accounting firm to help the town manage the financial processes. She is a graduate of Midlands Technical College with an Associate of Arts, Columbia College with a Bachelor of Arts in English Composition and a Masters of Divergent Learning, and the University of South Carolina with an Educational Specialist degree in Language and Literacy. Kitty is a retired college English and Reading professor having taught part-time at Columbia College and Midlands Technical College until 2005 when she began teaching full-time at Midlands Technical College. Kitty has led educational leadership teams at Midlands Technical College, and she has served as Chair of the Lexington County Library Board. Having served as president of the Friends of South Carolina Libraries state organization, she currently serves as president of the Friends of the South Congaree Pine Ridge Library. Kitty is the granddaughter of the late G.E. and Letha Outlaw and the daughter of the late Earl and Marjorie Outlaw. Her family heritage in South Congaree spans back to the 1930s when her family settled here. She was married to the late Roger Spires for 56 years, and they shared two beautiful daughters and three wonderful grandchildren. Her goal is to work to make the Town of South Congaree the best small town in South Carolina so that when asked town citizens can say— “South Congaree—that’s my hometown, the best small town anywhere.” She can be reached at kspires@southcongaree.org . Councilmember Brian Jackson Email: bjackson@southcongaree.org Phone: (803) 530-9929 Council Member Brian Jackson serves on the Town Council for South Congaree and has served the citizens of the town in some capacity since 2013. A business owner and longtime community advocate, Brian has emphasized the importance of preserving the town’s council form of government and advancing long-term priorities such as the Comprehensive Plan. He is proud to serve the community he calls home and remains dedicated to supporting residents, local businesses, and town employees. Councilmember Debbie McIver Email: dmciver@southcongaree.org Phone: (803) 600-8852 Debbie McIver is a longtime resident of South Congaree, having lived within the town limits for 35 years and spending a total of 46 years in the community. She moved to the Lexington area at the age of 10 and attended Lexington Elementary, Middle, and High School. Debbie raised her three children in South Congaree, where they attended Congaree Elementary School, and she served as PTA President for two years. Debbie began her professional career in the legal field at age 17 after completing vocational training. She gained extensive experience supporting a four-attorney law firm in Lexington and later worked as a legal assistant to a senior partner at Nelson Mullins. She then transitioned into Human Resources with Laidlaw Environmental, followed by a successful career in communications sales. In 2003, Debbie became a licensed Realtor and has since worked with ERA Wilder Realty, RE/MAX, and currently NextHome Specialists, where she has been since 2017. She also serves as a Mary Kay Sales Director, mentoring and coaching women over the past decade. Debbie has served on South Congaree Town Council since April 2024 and previously served nearly four years on the South Congaree Planning Commission. She is a proud mother of three adult children and grandmother of five, who remain the center of her life. Councilmember Dwayne Prosser Email: dprosser@southcongaree.org Phone: (803) 446-6387 Council Member Dwayne Prosser serves on the Town Council for the Town of South Congaree. A longtime member of the community, he grew up in the area, spent much of his life in South Congaree, and returned to town in 2005. He was elected to the South Congaree Town Council in 2019 and has emphasized the importance of community pride, improved communication with residents, and strong attention to the appearance and upkeep of properties throughout town. In addition to his public service, Council Member Prosser has built a long career in healthcare, working with Prisma Health Baptist in pharmacy and operating room services. His commitment to service reflects both his deep local roots and his dedication to helping South Congaree remain a welcoming, well-maintained, and connected community.

SOUTH CONGAREE MUNICIPAL COURT Welcome to the South Congaree Municipal Court. The court is part of the integrated judicial system for South Carolina and serves as the judicial branch of the government of the Town of South Congaree. We are committed to administering justice in a fair, efficient, and professional manner and to ensuring that the rights of all persons are observed. With a focus on protecting those rights, privileges and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States of America and of the State of South Carolina, South Congaree Municipal Court will consistently and impartially interpret, apply and abide by applicable laws. We seek to continually enhance our court operations to promote confidence in our court. Municipal Court Information: The South Congaree Municipal Court is located at 119 West Berry Road, West Columbia, SC 29172. The Honorable Kenneth W. Ebener serves as the Chief Judge and in a supervisory capacity over court staff. The Clerk of Court is responsible for administering the daily operations of the South Congaree Municipal Court. South Congaree Municipal Court schedules and adjudicates criminal, traffic and town ordinance violations that occur within the South Congaree Town limits. As a court of limited jurisdiction, the Court hears traffic and misdemeanor criminal cases. The Municipal Court Division provides: Administrative support to the judicial arm of the court Case management Alternative sentence monitoring Court fines collection Court fine and case load reporting Payment Arrangement Management Collection and Organization Records To pay fines online Click image below To pay over the phone call 844-279-9642 Contact the Clerk of Court Email:clerkofcourt@southcongaree.org Phone: 803-755-2760 ext. 103 The Clerk of Court for the Town of South Congaree is a part-time position. If you need to contact the Clerk, please leave a voicemail that includes: Your full name A reliable phone number Your email address Any relevant information regarding your request The Clerk of Court will return your call as soon as possible. South Congaree Municipal Court conducts court on Wednesdays, at 2:00 PM. MUNICIPAL COURT RULES AND EXPECTATIONS To ensure safety, order, and respect within the Municipal Court, all visitors are required to follow the rules outlined below. Prohibited Items & Security: Food and beverages are not allowed in the courtroom. All weapons are strictly prohibited, including pocket knives and personal protection devices. Do not attempt to bring prohibited items into Town Hall or the courtroom. The court does not store prohibited items. Purses, bags, and briefcases are not permitted in the courtroom. All individuals entering the Municipal Courtroom must pass through a metal detector and may be subject to search. Court Appearance & Attire Municipal Court is a place of business. Visitors are required to dress appropriately. Requirements: Clean, fitted clothing Shirts and shoes are required Hats must be removed before entering any courtroom Unacceptable attire includes: Shorts, cut-offs, baggy pants, flip-flop–style shoes, or hats Muscle shirts and T-shirts Pajamas Low-cut tops, short skirts, or short dresses Shirts that are torn, dirty, ragged, too tight, or too short Provocative clothing designed to distract, disrupt, or provoke Clothing indicating gang affiliation Clothing with offensive, vulgar, racist, sexist, obscene, or suggestive words, slogans, images, or depictions Courtroom Conduct & Guidelines: Arrive early and be prepared. When your case is called, please stand and move to the podium or front of the courtroom. Address the judge as “Your Honor.” Speak only when instructed or given permission. Do not interrupt or argue, especially with the judge. Use formal English; slang is not permitted. Answer only the question asked, then stop. Be brief and to the point. Do not approach the judge’s bench without permission. Do not enter or leave the courtroom excessively and do not slam doors. Remain patient and respectful at all times. Electronic Devices & Media: All electronic devices must be powered off or placed on silent mode and kept out of sight. Cell phone use is strictly prohibited in the courtroom. Photography, audio or video recording, and broadcasting from within the courthouse or courtroom are prohibited. Additional Rules: Gum chewing, tobacco products, newspapers, food, and beverages are not allowed in the courtroom. Children are permitted only if they are not disruptive. If a child becomes disruptive, an accompanying adult must remove the child from the courtroom.

BUSINESS LICENSING INFORMATION All businesses engaging in, or intending to engage in, any calling, business, occupation, or profession, either in whole or in part, within the limits of the Town of South Congaree are required to obtain a Town Business License. An annual license tax must be paid for the privilege of conducting business within the Town. The license fee is calculated based on the gross income generated during the preceding calendar year from business activity conducted within the Town of South Congaree. No deductions from gross income are permitted except for: Income generated wholly outside the municipality on which a license tax has been paid to another municipality or county Taxes collected on behalf of a government entity Income excluded from taxation under State or Federal law Business License Renewals All Town Business Licenses expire on April 30 each year. The deadline to renew without penalties is April 30. Annual license fees are based on the business’s gross receipts or gross revenue, or projected gross revenue for new businesses. To renew or apply: Print and complete a Business License application. Submit the completed application to Town Hall. Ensure all required documentation is included to avoid processing delays. Payment Information Do not mail cash payments. Payments may be made by company check or cashier’s check. The Town makes every effort to send renewal reminders; however, it is the business owner’s responsibility to renew the license annually, whether or not a reminder is received. Please mark your calendar to avoid penalties. Questions or Assistance If you have questions or need assistance, please visit Town Hall or email: kricard@southcongaree.org Contact Us Kelli Ricard, Town Clerk kricard@southcongaree.org (803) 755-2760 ext. 109 Documents & Forms BL ONLINE RENEWAL LINK BUSINESS LICENSE APPLICATION HOW TO CALCULATE BIS. LIC. FEE BUS. NAME CHANGE/CLOSURE SAMPLE IRS FORM RENTAL PROPERTY LIST HOME-BASED BUSINESS PERMIT HOSPITALITY TAX REPORTING FORM

HOSPITALITY TAX INFORMATION Hospitality Tax A Hospitality Tax is a 2% tax imposed on the purchase of prepared or modified food and/or beverages intended for consumption from a restaurant, hotel, motel, caterer, or other food service facility located within the Town. In addition, the tax applies to food and beverages prepared or modified by convenience stores or grocery stores that have designated areas where items are prepared for immediate consumption or carryout. Who Is Responsible for Collecting and Remitting the Hospitality Tax? Any business that prepares food and/or beverages within the Town is responsible for collecting and remitting the Hospitality Tax. Similar to the State Sales Tax, the Hospitality Tax is assessed at the point of sale, collected by the business from the customer, and then remitted directly to the Town. Remittance Schedule Hospitality Tax payments must be submitted according to the following schedule: Monthly – when average tax collections exceed $50 per month Quarterly – when average tax collections are between $25 and $50 per month Annually – when average tax collections are less than $25 per month Catering Orders and Sales Delivered Outside the Town Yes, the Hospitality Tax applies to all orders and sales, whether generated inside or outside the Town, when the food is prepared within the Town. If a business is required to remit Hospitality Tax to another jurisdiction, the amount remitted must be disclosed to the Town on the monthly reporting form. How Is the Hospitality Tax Remitted? Taxes must be submitted to the Hospitality Tax Clerk by the 20th of each month for the prior month’s collections. Each remittance must include: A completed Local Hospitality Tax Reporting Form A copy of the State Sales Tax Return (ST-3) What If My Payment Is Delinquent? A penalty of 5% per month must be added to all delinquent remittances. Failure to remit taxes and/or penalties may result in fines, as provided under the Town of South Congaree Ordinances. Why Was the Hospitality Tax Implemented? The Hospitality Tax was implemented to support: The operation and maintenance of current and future tourism-related facilities Capital improvements that enhance quality of life, tourism, and recreation Infrastructure and promotional efforts without relying solely on property taxes or business license taxes Funds May Be Used For: Revitalization and beautification of the Town of South Congaree Improvements to Town-owned parks Marketing and promotion of Town-sponsored events General Questions: 2% Local Hospitality Fee Restaurants and Bars What sales are affected? All food, beverage, and alcohol sales Convenience Stores, Grocery Stores, and Similar Retailers - What Sales Are Affected? All prepared or modified food and/or beverage items intended for immediate consumption Examples of Taxable Prepared or Modified Items: Heated foods (pizza, nachos, hot dogs, sandwiches, chicken, vegetables, etc.) Prepared sandwiches, salads, doughnuts, and cakes Fountain drinks, frozen drinks, coffee, and cappuccino Examples of Non-Taxable Items: Packaged foods Bulk or packaged cold deli items Canned or bottled beverages Accessory Use Food Service Facilities (Arcades, theaters, amusements, and similar businesses) Taxable Sales Include: Prepared or modified food and beverage items such as fountain drinks, popcorn, nachos, and similar items Why Was the Hospitality Fee Implemented? To fund necessary tourism-related buildings and improvements, including: Beautification projects Advertising and promotional efforts Tourism-related facilities Tourism-related water and sewer infrastructure Contact Us Susan Battles, Deputy Town Clerk sbattles@southcongaree.org (803) 755-2760 ext. 113 Documents & Forms HOSPITALITY TAX REPORTING FORM HOSPITALITY TAX ORDINANCE