As we enter the final months of the year, we must focus on our region’s economic recovery, getting people back to work and helping our business community grow.

In this Government Relations update, Scott Barhight, Chamber Senior Vice President of Government Relations, was joined by special guest Johnny Cribb, Berkeley County Supervisor and Chairman.

State House Update

Before Scott and Johnny started their conversation, George Ramsey, Senior Director of Legislative Relation, gave an update on what’s happening in the State House:

• The Senate and House both passed CARES Act funding packages with a few differences.
• The Senate moved forward with changes to the continuing resolution, spending portions of the surplus funds from last year.
• Representatives Chandra Dillard and Bill Herbkersman intend to amend Senate Bill 207 with the affordable housing legislation in H.4675. The legislation gives affordable housing partnerships the same property tax exemptions currently afforded nonprofit affordable housing corporations.
• The Business License Reform bill will be taken up by the Senate next Tuesday when the General Assembly returns

Conversation with Johnny Cribb on Berkeley County

COVID-19 check-in – How is Berkeley County doing?

“We’ve taken the hand that we’ve been dealt and tried to play it the best we can.”

Johnny Cribb, Berkeley County Supervisor and Chairman

Johnny’s remark sums it up well. As we all know, things are very different due to the coronavirus, but the county has managed the crisis well. In fact, the county had the second lowest infection rate in the entire state.

They also closed the last fiscal year stronger in deeds and permitting than they ever have, with deeds up 33% over revenue projections and the planning department exceeding its budget by 47%

Johnny noted that even with the coronavirus’ challenges, it also provided the county with a number of opportunities:

• More people able to do online permitting and payments
• Projects that were in the works got accomplished at a greater speed
  • Dropbox system
  • Streamlining various processes
  • Major progress in road projects because of decreased traffic
• Permits, growth and development have increased since COVID-19

Berkeley County is looking forward to continued economic growth coming out of the pandemic. Out of the 46 counties in South Carolina, Berkeley County accounted 29-30% of the economic development for the entire state. Johnny said that the county’s good schools and low tax rates make it a desirable place to live. Johnny is committed to increasing the number of people who live and work in the county.

Hear more about Berkeley County in the full webinar