FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Who needs a business license? Every person engaged or intending to engage in any calling, business, occupation or profession in whole or in part within the Town limits of South Congaree, is required to pay an annual license fee for the privilege of doing business and obtain a business license. “Business” is defined as a calling, occupation, profession or activity engaged in with the object of gain, benefit or advantage, either directly or indirectly. Do I need a business license? Does your entity (person, partnership, organization, or business): sell items to the public? claim office deductions or business expenses for a commercial or a residential location? use advertisements or business cards using an address based in the Town of South Congaree? have a business checking account? have an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS? have any other professional or occupational state license regulated by SC Labor, Licensing and Regulation (for example, architects, contractors, cosmetologists, engineers, physicians, therapists, etc.)? operate, manage or have control of the entity? transport passengers? receive compensation as an independent contractor and/or a form 1099 for work? own and/or lease property to other businesses or individuals? occupy a commercial space used for an office? have a physical location outside of the Town of South Congaree and provide services within the Town limits of South Congaree? have a physical location outside of the Town of South Congaree and perform work on or provide services to a construction project within the Town limits? If you answered YES to any item listed above, then a business license is required. The Town of South Congaree requires all businesses operating within the Town limits, to obtain a business license and to pay a business license fee. This requirement ensures that businesses operating in the Town of South Congaree comply with local and state regulations. Tax-exempt organizations may be exempt from requiring a license. Please provide proof of exemption. How much does a business license cost? The business license fee is determined by where the business is located (inside/outside Town limits) and the business’ gross receipts/income. New businesses pay license fees on projected gross income from the start of business date through April 30th of that year. State law mandates that fees be paid on gross income without deductions for expense incurred for costs such as rents, salaries, cost of goods and other operational expenses. Existing businesses must renew their business license annually. Renewal fees are based on the previous year’s gross income reported to the Internal Revenue Service. Businesses located outside the town limits South Congaree must report gross income exclusively for business conducted inside the town limits only. What is “gross income”? “Gross income” means the total income of a business, received or accrued, for one year collected or to be collected from business done within the town, subtracting income from business done wholly outside of the town on which a license tax is paid to some other town or a county. Gross income is defined by ordinance to mean the total received from the business operation without deductions of goods, overhead or salaries. It should conform to the gross figure reported on the business federal income tax return defined by the IRS Code Section 61(a). See the (sample IRS tax ) forms to see which line item to report from your tax return. Gross income for brokers or agents means gross commissions received or retained, unless otherwise specified. Gross income for insurance companies means gross premiums collected. Gross income for business license tax purposes shall not include taxes collected for a governmental entity, escrow funds, or funds which are the property of a third party. The value of bartered goods or trade-in merchandise shall be included in gross income. The gross income for business license purposes may be verified by inspection of returns and reports filed with the Internal Revenue Service, the South Carolina Department of Revenue, the South Carolina Insurance Commission, or other government agency. Does a business license expire? Yes, business licenses expire April 30th of each year. You will have until April 30th to renew your license the following year to avoid a 5% late fee per month after the due date. Non-resident businesses must renew their license prior to conducting business in the new year. If you do not intend to conduct business in the town limits, please indicate this on your renewal form. If your business is closed, you may indicate this on your renewal form by noting this and the date the business closed. Are any businesses exempt from obtaining a business license? Yes, some businesses are exempt from business license fees, however the business or organization must still apply in order to obtain a compliance certificate. Please contact the Business License office at 803-755-2760, ext. 109, for more information about exemptions. Do I have to display my business license? Yes, the license should be displayed in a conspicuous place in the business establishment. A transient or non-resident business should carry the license upon his person or in a vehicle used in the business readily available for inspection by any authorized agent of the town. For companies with multiple vehicles, like contractors, it is recommended that each vehicle contain a copy of the license. If I am buying a business that already has a business license, is a business license transferable? No, the current ordinance states that business licenses are not transferable, and a transfer of ownership is considered a termination of the old business and the establishment of a new business requiring a new business license, based on the income of the old business. Before buying a business make sure that the old business complies with the current town ordinances. What should I do if I sell or close my business? You should notify the business license office by completing the Business Change/Closure Form to make the town aware that your business closed or was sold to another business or individual. Include the name of your business, physical location of your business, date sold or closed, and the business license account number located on your printed license. Your form should be signed and dated. Is there anything I need to do if my business location or activity changes during the year? If your business moves to another location or the activity of your business changes, you should notify the Town of South Congaree by email or mail immediately. A change in business activity may need to comply with building code or zoning code regulations. A change of address must be reported to license official within ten (10) days after the business moves to its new location. The license will then be valid at the new address after notifying the license official in writing and complying with zoning and building codes and approval of other departments as determined by the license official. Without this written notification, the existing business license is terminated, the business will be deemed as operating without a business license and subject the licensee to prosecution. Do I need a separate business license for each location and for each type of business activity? Yes, a separate license is required for each place of business and for each classification. If the gross income cannot be separate for classifications at one location, the license fee shall be computed on the combined gross income for the classification requiring the highest rate. If I am working for someone who has a business license already, do I need a business license? If you are not on that company’s payroll with taxes deducted out of your paycheck and you receive a 1099 form instead, then you are considered self-employed and a business license is required. How do I register the name of my business? You may contact the Secretary of State office to verify if anyone has incorporated the name you would like to use and inquire about the laws governing this issue. How do I find out in which licensing jurisdiction my business is located? You can use our online Lexington County Parcel Viewer (http://lexcogis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Solutions/s2.html?appid=93223c31eb2e46578b38e7bfd7af06bc ) to find your jurisdiction. On the right side of the screen, use the search bar to enter the address (Omit road, street lane etc.) and click "enter". If your business is inside town limits, you should see "(2-E)" in the Tax District column. If you need help, please email the Town Hall for assistance: kricard@southcongaree.org Are there any other business taxes required in the Town? The Town of South Congaree does have a 2% Hospitality Tax. The SC Dept. of Revenue also requires an Accommodations Tax. For more information visit www.sctax.org or www.scbos.sc.gov . If you have any questions please visit our town hall at 119 West Berry Road, West Columbia, South Carolina 29172 or e-mail your questions to kricard@southcongaree.org .

Email the Court Dina Lusk Clerk of Court Email: dlusk@southcongaree.org 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 in the government of the Town of South Congaree. We are committed to administering justice in a fair, efficient and professional manner and to ensure 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 Tow Lot Management South Congaree Municipal Court conducts court temporarily twice a month on Wednesdays, at 2:30 p.m. Proper Attire Required 2023 COURT DATES 2024 COURT DATES Contact the Clerk of Court Email|clerkofcourt@southcongaree.org Phone|803-755-2760 ext. 103 To pay fines online Click image below To pay over the phone call 844-279-9642

BUSINESS LICENSING INFORMATION All businesses must obtain a business license when engaging or intending to engage in any calling, business, occupation, or profession, in whole or in part, within the limits of the Town of South Congaree, and shall be required to pay an annual license tax for the privilege of doing business in the Town. The license payment shall be computed on the gross income generated from the preceding calendar year on business performed within the limits of the Town of South Congaree. No deductions from gross income shall be made except income from business done wholly outside of the Municipality on which a license tax is paid to some other municipality or a county, taxes collected for a government entity, or income which cannot be included for computation of the tax pursuant to State or Federal law. BUSINESS LICENSE RENEWALS All Town Business Licenses expire on April 30th each year; the deadline to renew without penalties is April 30th. Annual license fees are based on the gross receipts/gross revenue for the business (or projected gross for new businesses). Please print a copy of application form, fill in the application and return to the town hall. Please make sure all appropriate documentation is included with your application so that the processing will not be delayed. Please do not mail cash payment. You may also pay by company check or cashier’s check. The town makes every effort to remind you of your Business License Renewal, sometimes this may not happen. It is your responsibility to renew whether you receive renewal notice or not. Please mark your calendar for this yearly renewal to avoid penalties. If you have any questions please visit our town hall or e-mail your questions to 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

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.

ZONING PERMIT APPLICATION Download ZONING ENFORCEMENT COMPLAINT FORM Download Download and submit the Zoning Enforcement Complaint Form in person or via email to cbouknight@southcongaree.org . The form is for inner-office use only. ZONING VARIANCE APPLICATION Download ZONING RELATED FEES The following fees apply to zoning-related applications and services: Zoning Permit - $50 Map Amendment - $175 Sign Permit - $50 Subdivision Plat-Minor and Major Simple (1 to 3 lots)- $5 per plat copy Complex (4-9 lots) - $50 base fee plus $10 per lot Plat (10 lots and up) - $50 base fee plus $10 per lot (Maximum of $2,000) Zoning Board of Appeals Variance - $175

the pine ridge sr. 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 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.

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Court Room Entrance Proper Attire Required Clerk of Court's Office Entrance sOUTH CONGAREE MUNICIPAL COURT South Congaree Municipal Court conducts bench trials twice a month on Wednesdays, at 8:30 A.M. Court is held at 119 West Berry Road, West Columbia, SC 29172 Clerk of Court: Hallie McGee

Do your part to make your community a better place, be a volunteer! The Town of South Congaree is looking for people that are willing to serve on our Planning Commission & Finance Committees. These important committees have a great deal to do with the direction of our town. The Planning Commission is responsible for drafting ordinances that govern the town. These are then presented to the town council which either passes them as drafted, ask the Planning Commission to make some changes, or votes the ordinances down completely. They also help develop and update a Master Plan under the direction of the mayor and town council. Planning now determines what South Congaree may be like for years to come. The Finance Committee helps to keep track of the town's money. It develops an annual budget which is then presented to the town's council for changes or approval. This committee watches closely throughout the year to make sure departments are spending within the limits of their budgets. The Finance Committee also has to make suggestions about where the town's reserve funds are kept so that they best benefit the citizens of the town. You do NOT have to be a resident of South Congaree to serve on boards, committees, or commissions. All that you must do is apply at the town hall, be able to pass a background check, and have a willingness to serve. Experience in Planning is helpful if you would like to serve on that committee. Perhaps you've been a developer, and architect, or held some other position that had to do with this field. In order to serve on the Finance Committee, a background in accounting, bookkeeping, or banking would help. You should be able to understand a balance sheet, read profit and loss statements, and in general be good with numbers. For more information about either of these positions, contact the town hall and ask for Municipal Clerk Sharon Williams.

the south congaree park Website The South Congaree Park is beside the town hall at 119 West Berry Road, West Columbia, SC 29172. It is managed by the Lexington County Recreation & Aging Commission. There are several picnic shelters of differing sizes, permanent charcoal grills, a sand volleyball court, basketball area, a large play set centered around a play fire truck, swings of several sizes, and several large areas to run and play. There is a beautiful creek that runs through it but it is for viewing only. There is no swimming, wading, or fishing in the creek. All features of the park are available on a first come first serve basis. Place holding is only permitted by a person on site only and items left for place holding or that are left by mistake may be removed. There is no alcohol allowed in the park and any illegal activity is strictly prohibited. There are ample trash cans available and it is the users responsibility to CLEAN UP after themselves! There are permanent restrooms located under the steps. For maintenance issues or to contact the LCRAC about this park call (803) 359-4048.