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WELCOME TO SOUTH CONGAREE Welcome to the official website of the Town of South Congaree, SC. Located close to the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, we are a town of just over 2,300 residents. Established in 1957, we are a community that is ever-changing. We are proud of our past, but also excited for what the future holds. Because we are a suburb of Columbia, SC, we consider ourselves a community accepting of everyone. Many families have young children, while others of us are either approaching or past the age of retirement. We have Congaree Elementary School, a part of Lexington School District Two, where you can walk along the sidewalks close by and hear children's laughter on the playground. In the park beside our town hall, you can find teens playing an exciting game of pickup basketball while the little ones play on park features and moms lay out picnics nearby. We have many churches that are often focal points of activities for our citizens. We have a United Neighbors Club, a hint of the importance of neighbors to us. We have a great library and an equestrian arena where lots of activities happen too! We have businesses we are proud of so please stop by and visit these. Eat and shop here. We want to get to know you and perhaps one day, you will want to be a part of our town. We are South Congaree and we are glad you chose to visit our website. Now, come in person and say hello!

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.

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.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP? The Town of South Congaree like most small towns operates off a very small budget. Because of this, we often need additional help in various capacities we simply can't afford. Below are listed areas in which we currently need assistance. If you have some time to spare and would like to help your community, go to the volunteer position you are interested and e-mail that department's head. We certainly could use your skills an talents. Volunteer Grant Writer Applicants must posses some skills in writing. Previous grant writing experience is preferred. A grant writer would search for, find, and match available grants to the town's needs. This may include water and sewer, b eautification , economic improvement, law enforcement , public safety, parks & recreation grants, and more. This writer would study the grant's requirements , ensure that the Town of South Congaree meets or could meet those r equirements in the future. Then, that individual would fully fill out the application, gather all required documentation, and return it by the application's deadline. Some training may be possible through the SC Municipal Association, the SCEPD, the SC Criminal Justice Academy, and other agencies. If you are interested in doing some volunteer grant writing, please contact the Town Administrator by calling (803) 755-2760 and pressing extension 101. Complaint Form Click to button download Send form to kricard@southcongaree.org Download

FOIA REQUEST FORM Email form to Kelli Ricard, Town Clerk kricard@southcongaree.org Download

Investigator & Victim Services Phone: (803) 755 - 2760 x 105 Fax: (803) 755 - 0456 For non-emergent Victim Services pertaining to the Town of South Congaree, please call (803) 755 - 2760 x 105 or complete the contact form to reach us by email. E-Mail Victim Advocate SC Victims' Asstance South Congaree's Police Department is dedicated to the principle that all persons in South Congaree will be provided equal protection under the laws of this state and the federal government, as well as any ordinances set forth by the South Congaree Town Council. It is the goal of our department to treat all victims of crime with compassion and respect, ensuring that their dignity is maintained and to promote healing of the suffering that they may have endured. No victim of crime will be turned away for any reason or discriminated against based on sex, race, religion, social or economic status, sexual orientation, age or mental or physical disability. Some of the Services our Investigator Provides: Emotional and moral support. Identify and inform victims of their rights under the law. Conduct on the scene crisis intervention. Act as a liaison between victim, police officers, investigators, and community-based agencies. Arrange for professional counseling and support groups. Provide information and referral. Educate law enforcement and victims of new law pertaining to specific victimization such as domestic violence. Provide applications and information to victims concerning South Carolina Crime Victims' Compensation; explain purpose, procedures, and policies, and assist in completion of forms. Intervene on behalf of victims with creditors, employers, etc. upon request. Help prepare victims for court and provide court advocacy and accompaniment. Provide information regarding current status of case. Provide information on rights, services and procedures if a victim or witness is harassed or threatened. Assist domestic violence victims in obtaining Orders of Protection and emergency housing. Your Rights as a Victim or Witness of a Crime: Right to be treated with dignity and compassion. Right to be protected from intimidation and harm. Right to be informed concerning the criminal justice process. Right to restitution and compensation. Right to preservation of property and employment. Right to due process in criminal court proceedings. Right to special recognition and attention to the very young, elderly, those who are handicapped or who have special needs, by all criminal justice, medical, and social service agencies. Right to be notified of a suspect's arrest or detention. Right to be informed when a suspect/offender is released, escapes, or is transferred. Right to attend a bond hearing and make recommendations. Right to attend court proceedings. Right to have personal property taken, recovered, or returned expeditiously. Right to be informed of the status and progress of the case.

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 .

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.

Click for Mayor's Message The South Congaree Town Council meets on the 3rd Tues. of each month at 6:00 PM. Council Work Sessions are held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6 PM. Meetings are held in the courtroom at town hall which is located at 119 West Berry Road in West Columbia, SC, 29170. Specially called meetings will be announced via the town sign, on the town's website, the town's social media, and agendas will run in these and post to the bulletin board outside the town hall. CONTACT INFORMATION FOR MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Cindy Campbell Email: ccampbell@southcongaree.org Phone: (803) 665-1943 Mayor Pro-Tem Kitty Spires Email: kspires@southcongaree.org Phone: (803) 622-8396 Councilmember Brian Jackson Email: bjackson@southcongaree.org Phone: (803) 530-9929 Councilmember Dwayne Prosser Email: dprosser@southcongaree.org Phone: (803) 446-6387 Councilmember Debbie McIver Email: dmciver@southcongaree.org Phone: (803) 600-8852 Council meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM in the Court/Council Chambers. 119 West Berry Road West Columbia, SC 29172 Phone: (803) 755-2760