Budget Department

Responsibilities

The Budget Department administers and monitors the County's annual operating, long-term capital enterprise fund and grant budgets. By developing an operating budget that meets the requirements and directions of County Council, this Office serves the citizens of Charleston County while trying to meet their needs and keep taxes as low as possible.

Duties

Prepare annual operating budgets, including revenue projections and expenditure requests for the County's various funds.
Monitor budgets to ensure that expenditures are within budget confines and funds are spent as intended by County Council.
Process budget transfer requests.
Review the budgets of six special purpose districts.
Evaluate Trident Technical College's annual request of the County to fund its facilities' maintenance and make a recommendation to Council regarding the amount to be funded.

Contact

Lonnie Hamilton, III, Public Services Building

4045 Bridge View Dr., N. Charleston, SC 29405

Suite 200

Phone: (843) 958-4600

Fax: (843) 958-4645

Office Hours: M – F | 8:30AM – 5PM

State Accommodations Committee Meeting

January 29, 2025

1:00PM

Agenda

Council Learn More

Reports View Now

Community Investment

The Community Investment Program is designated for organizations that provide community-based programs and services within Charleston County.

The maximum award that an organization can receive is capped at $10,000.

Every organization that intends to apply must complete the Community Investment application in the online portal.

The responses submitted in the application will determine which organizations are award-eligible based upon their program expenditures and their intended utilization of awarded funds.

The application period has CLOSED. August 11, 2025 through September 12, 2025.

Local Accommodations Tax

The Local Accommodations Tax Program is designated for nonprofit organizations that advertise and promote tourism for the benefit of Charleston County.

The event or attraction must be conducted in Charleston County and must be for the benefit of the county citizens.

Every organization that intends to apply must complete the Local Accommodations Tax application in the online portal.

The information provided will be used to assess each organizations total score by the Charleston Visitors Bureau (CVB).

The total score helps determine the total award each organization will be designated.

The application period has CLOSED. August 11, 2025 through September 12, 2025.

State Accommodations Tax

The State Accommodations Tax Program is designated for nonprofit organizations that perform renovations, and/or maintenance of tourist-related buildings or facilities.

The building must be located in Charleston County and the organization must own or directly and entirely maintain said facility.

Every organization that intends to apply must complete the State Accommodations Tax application in the online portal.

The information provided will be used to assess each organizations total score.

The total score helps determine the total award each organization will be designated.

The application period has been EXTENDED.

For more details please view the News Release.

To apply visit the Budget Contribution Program Application.