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What you can 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 Clerk by calling (803) 755-2760 and pressing extension 101. Complaint Form Click to button download Send form to townclerk@southcongaree.org Download

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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 June 31st 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 calendar 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 June 31st of each year. You will have until July 31st to renew your license the following year to avoid a 10% late fee per month after the due date. Non-resident businesses must renew their license prior to conducting business in the new calendar 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 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? At this time the Town of South Congaree does not have a Hospitality tax or Accommodations 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 .

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.

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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South Congaree in the News Search Staff Writer Jul 26, 2020 1 min South Congaree Police Chief Shumpert says that at this point shooting was in self defense South Congaree, SC (Paul Kirby) – South Congaree Police Chief Josh Shumpert said on Thursday, July 23, 2020 that a shooting that happened... 242 views 0 comments Post not marked as liked Staff Writer Jul 26, 2020 1 min Town of South Congaree swears in new leaders Tuesday night South Congaree, SC (Paul Kirby) – The Town of South Congaree held a well-attended meeting of the town’s council Tuesday night to swear in... 104 views 0 comments Post not marked as liked Staff Writer Jul 26, 2020 1 min South Congaree Police Department swears in new legacy reserve police officer South Congaree, SC (Paul Kirby) – South Congaree Police Chief Josh Shumpert took a moment to swear in a legacy reserve police officer at... 245 views 0 comments 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1 Staff Writer Jul 17, 2020 1 min South Congaree PD locates stolen motorcycle South Congaree, SC (Paul Kirby) – South Congaree police officers have recovered a Harley Davidson motorcycle that was stolen sometime... 58 views 1 comment Post not marked as liked Staff Writer Jun 20, 2020 1 min Man seriously hurt in South Congaree shooting SOUTH CONGAREE, S.C. (WIS) - A shooting that happened over the weekend in Lexington County seriously injured a man. It happened Saturday... 66 views 0 comments Post not marked as liked Staff Writer Jun 20, 2020 1 min South Congaree community citizens come together to spruce up the town South Congaree, SC (Paul Kirby) – Citizens of the Town of South Congaree came together Saturday morning to spruce up the town’s major... 33 views 0 comments Post not marked as liked Staff Writer Jun 20, 2020 1 min S. Congaree chief consulting with solicitor’s office regarding weekend shooting South Congaree, SC (Paul Kirby) – South Congaree Police Chief Josh Shumpert says he and his staff, along with crime scene technicians... 32 views 0 comments Post not marked as liked Staff Writer Jun 20, 2020 1 min South Congaree police investigate shooting that occurred Saturday night South Congaree, SC (Paul Kirby) – Officers from the South Congaree Police Department were investigating a shooting Saturday night that... 94 views 0 comments Post not marked as liked Staff Writer Jan 19, 2020 1 min South Congaree police arrest dangerous “hybrid” gang members after short car chase earlier this week South Congaree, (Paul Kirby) – South Congaree police officers arrested two “hybrid” gang members earlier this week after a short car... 123 views 0 comments Post not marked as liked Staff Writer Jan 19, 2020 1 min Three of the liquor store Smash & Dash burglars in custody South Congaree, SC (Paul Kirby) – Investigator Washington of the South Congaree Police Department said Friday that as of January 17th,... 35 views 1 comment Post not marked as liked Staff Writer Jan 19, 2020 1 min South Congaree PD needs help identifying vehicle and suspects in burglary investigation South Congaree, SC (Paul Kirby) – The South Congaree Police Department has obtained a good photograph of a vehicle they believe was used... 41 views 1 comment Post not marked as liked Staff Writer Jan 19, 2020 1 min South Congaree police officers rally to improve their police station South Congaree, SC (Paul Kirby) – South Congaree’s Police Department has been housed in the same place and station for decades. It has... 25 views 0 comments Post not marked as liked Staff Writer Jan 19, 2020 1 min ARRESTED: Driver who led South Congaree police on pursuit in custody South Congaree, SC (Paul Kirby) – The driver of a car that failed to pull over for South Congaree Police Major Jonas around 11:00 a.m.... 119 views 0 comments Post not marked as liked Staff Writer Jan 19, 2020 1 min South Congaree Police Department searching for suspect after pursuit. South Congaree, SC (Paul Kirby) – South Congaree police officers, assisted by officers from other agencies, are searching for a white... 12 views 0 comments Post not marked as liked Staff Writer Sep 20, 2019 1 min South Congaree becomes Purple Heart City South Congaree, SC (Paul Kirby) – The town of South Congaree has become a Purple Heart City. The proclamation was made at the Tuesday... 48 views 0 comments Post not marked as liked Staff Writer Jul 25, 2019 1 min South Congaree selects rodeo Princes and Princesses July 23, 2019 Paul Kirby South Congaree, SC - (Paul Kirby) – The Town of South Congaree has selected their first Royal Court for the... 16 views 0 comments Post not marked as liked Staff Writer Jul 10, 2019 1 min Dump truck driver learns from South Congaree PD that tarping loads are important South Congaree, SC (Paul Kirby) – A dump truck driver learned the hard way that the Town of South Congaree is serious about cleaning up... 50 views 0 comments Post not marked as liked Staff Writer Jun 26, 2019 1 min South Congaree police officer arrest laundromat crook with good detective work and luck South Congaree, SC (Paul Kirby) – South Congaree Police Chief Josh Shumpert said that some good detective work and a little luck helped... 41 views 0 comments Post not marked as liked Staff Writer Jun 26, 2019 1 min Dump truck loses control, crashes through Cruise In store in South Congaree South Congaree, SC (Paul Kirby) – A dump truck travelling from Edmund toward Columbia experienced some sort of difficulty right outside... 26 views 0 comments Post not marked as liked Staff Writer Jun 1, 2019 1 min Town of South Congaree listens as they move toward developing a comprehensive plan South Congaree, SC (Paul Kirby) – The Town of South Congaree took a positive step forward in their effort to prepare a comprehensive plan... 96 views 0 comments Post not marked as liked