Municipal Association of South Carolina

Started in 1987, the Achievement Awards program recognizes successful and innovative municipal projects that improve the quality of life for residents and add value to the community by establishing partnerships and building community support.

The Association's 10 affiliate associations provide tailored training and networking opportunities to core groups of municipal employees.

Each summer, the Annual Meeting brings municipal officials together for training, networking and discussing issues of common interest.

The Brokers Collection Program collects business license taxes from licensed insurance brokers owed to participating municipalities.

The "Cities Mean Business" builds support for strong cities as the economic engines that help drive the state’s competitiveness.

Municipalities contract with the Association to collect delinquent debts and certain business license taxes on their behalf. These programs simplify centralized collections and increase revenue to participating municipalities.

The disaster recovery program gives city staff access to the full functionality of a city's computer system within hours of a disaster even if the city's system is destroyed or inoperable.

Three regional field service managers provide technical assistance, discuss municipal issues and coordinate resources with the Association's 270 cities and towns.

In 2003, the Association entered a strategic partnership with Local Government Services, LLC to provide members technical assistance with cable franchise management.

Hometown, SC is an initiative launched with the goal of uniformly communicating the value of cities and towns, building relationships with community leaders, and encouraging support of cities’ role in the state’s economic competitiveness.

The three self-funded insurance programs administered by the Municipal Association's Risk Managment Services staff are prime examples of strength and efficiency through joint efforts of member cities.

Collected more than $116.7 million in business license taxes owed to 257 participating municipalities from insurance companies. Staff collected $6.8 million in delinquent license taxes.

The Association's legislative initiatives support South Carolina hometowns and the value they bring to the state.

The Association offers access to several listserves to facilitate knowledge sharing and networking between local government officials.

Main Street SC works to revitalize downtowns into vibrant centers of commerce and community following the National Main Street's Four Point Approach - Organization, Promotion, Design and Economic Restructuring.

The Municipal Clerks and Treasurers Institute is held twice a year for municipal employees to receive specialized training for the clerk/treasurer profession. Ten individuals graduated this year.

Formed in 2004, Municipal Insurance Services provides voluntary supplemental insurance products to municipal employees at the lowest cost possible.

Each week, Municipal News highlights articles about legislative top priority issues and local stories illustrating the value of SC cities and towns. Daily news gives a quick overview of news articles related to municipal government.

The Municipal Association provides training to local government planning commissions, boards of zoning appeals and architectural review, as well as staff who directly or indirectly work with planning officials.

The Association offers a variety of publications to assist municipal government officials.

The Assocation offers numerous services available on the Web site and through phone calls and visits with staff.

SC Local Government Assurance Group (formed in 1981) provides medical, dental, vision and disability coverage as well as care management and wellness/fitness programs to its members.

SC Municipal Insurance and Risk Financing Fund (formed in 1990) provide all lines of property and casualty coverage including tort, liability and automobile coverage to its members.

SC Municipal Insurance Trust (organized in December 1983) is a cooperative local government program providing "self-funded" workers' compensation protection for municipal employees.

The Setoff Debt Program collects delinquent debts (utility bills, taxes, court fines, etc.) owed to program participants.

SC ORBET allows members to pool their funds resulting in lower costs to the municipalities and a higher rate of return and provides a calculation tool to estimate the member’s liability based on benefits offered.

Through the Technology Enhanced City Hall program, local governments receive affordable access to technology services to increase productivity and enhance customer service.

The Telecommunications Tax Program collects business license taxes owed to participating municipalities from telecommunications companies.

Craftsmen in several professional trades receive statewide certification through the Association.

The training institutions offer in-depth professional education on pertinent issues.

The monthly newsletter, Uptown, has a new editorial focus this year. The feature section examines a topic of municipal interest from a variety of viewpoints. The new weekly e-newsletter, "Uptown Update," provides information about upcoming meetings.

Training is available on a range of topics including municipal governance, risk management and electric utility issues.