reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 20 - Community Recreation Special Tax District › Section 4-20-50. Inclusion of all or part of incorporated municipality within district, intergovernmental agreement required.

If any part or all of an incorporated municipality is included within the area of a community recreation special tax district, then pursuant to Article VIII, Section 13 of the South Carolina Constitution, the county council and the governing body of the municipality shall enter into an intergovernmental agreement setting forth the terms and conditions governing the transfer or use of real or personal property or other assets owned or in the possession of the municipality which may be used by the community recreation special tax district. The intergovernmental agreement must be approved by the county council and the governing body of the municipality prior to the county council's ordering the county election commission to hold a referendum on the creation of the district. However, this agreement may be amended after the creation of the district by agreement of the county council and of the governing body of the municipality.
HISTORY: 1994 Act No. 425, Section 1, eff May 27, 1994.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 20 - Community Recreation Special Tax District › Section 4-20-60. Issuance of bonds; levy of tax or service charge; council approval required.

Before the issuance of any general obligation bonds or any revenue bonds and the levy of a tax or service charge to retire the bonds at rates different from those levied in the remainder of the county, the county council shall first approve the issuance of the general obligation bonds or the revenue bonds and the levy of the tax or service charge to retire the bonds. The levy of a tax or service charge for general obligation bonds or revenue bonds is subject to the limitation imposed by referendum on the maximum level of taxes or user service charges authorized to be levied and collected for the district.
With the approval of the governing body of the county, the district may pledge collateral and borrow by means other than bonds for the same purposes for which bonds may be issued and subject to the same limitations on repayment of general obligation or revenue bonds.
HISTORY: 1994 Act No. 425, Section 1, eff May 27, 1994; 1996 Act No. 273, Section 3, eff May 6, 1996.
Effect of Amendment
The 1996 amendment revised this section, adding the second paragraph beginning "With the approval."
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 20 - Community Recreation Special Tax District › Section 4-20-70. Abolition of district; increase or decrease in boundaries.

(A) A community recreation special tax district may be abolished or its boundaries decreased in the same manner as provided in this chapter for its creation.
(B)(1) The boundaries of a community recreation special tax district may be increased:
(a) by ordinance of the county council upon filing with the council of a petition so requesting signed by at least fifteen percent of the qualified electors residing in the area proposed to be added to the district; or
(b) in the same manner provided in Section 4-20-20 for creation of a community recreation special tax district, except that no new petition is required to be submitted if a petition was submitted pursuant to subitem (a) of this item and that petition also complies with Section 4-20-20.
(2) An area proposed to be added to a community recreation special tax district must be contiguous to the existing boundaries of the current community recreation special tax district.
(C) No increase or decrease of boundaries of a district which after the increase or decrease will include any area within an incorporated municipality shall be effective unless the municipal governing body has by formal action concurred in the increase or decrease and provided written notice of its concurrence to the county council.
(D) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, if county council determines to provide for a countywide recreation program to be financed by a countywide tax or user service charge, or both, then county council by ordinance and with the consent of the governing body of each municipality in the county may abolish a community recreation special tax district.
HISTORY: 1994 Act No. 425, Section 1, eff May 27, 1994; 1996 Act No. 273, Section 4, eff May 6, 1996.
Effect of Amendment
The 1996 amendment revised this section, designating subsections (A) through (D).
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 21 - Fire Protection And Ambulance Services; Medical Clinic Facilities › Section 4-21-10. Counties may provide fire protection, ambulance services and medical clinic facilities; special tax, fees, and charges; municipalities may choose not to participate.

The governing body of any county may by ordinance or resolution provide that the county shall provide fire protection services, ambulance services and medical clinic facilities. Services may be provided by use of county employees and equipment or by contract with municipalities or private agencies. Counties may contract with water and sewer authorities to make provision for fire protection services. As used in this act "private agencies" shall include but not be limited to nonprofit corporations organized pursuant to Chapter 35 of Title 33 and financed in whole or in part by the Farmers Home Administration.
A special tax, fee or service charge may be levied against property or occupants thereof in areas receiving such services. Proceeds of such taxes, fees or service charges shall be used to defray the cost of providing the particular service for which they are levied, including the fulfillment of contract obligations with municipalities and private agencies.
Any municipality may by resolution choose not to participate in any such services or facilities provided such resolution is filed with the county governing body within ninety days after written notice is given the municipal governing body. The written notice shall specify the nature of the services to be rendered and the level of taxes to be levied.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 14-700.231; 1974 (58) 2277; 1975 (59) 318; 1975 (59) 619.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 21 - Fire Protection And Ambulance Services; Medical Clinic Facilities › Section 4-21-20. House Legislative Districts may choose not to participate.

(1) Any House Legislative District located in one county only by petition executed by a majority of the qualified electors of the district and presented to the governing body of the county concerned may choose not to participate in the fire fighting, fire prevention or ambulance service phases provided by the county. Such petition shall be certified by the appropriate county election commission as containing the signatures of a majority of the qualified electors of the district.
(2) If a House Legislative District is composed of sections of more than one county, that portion of the district located in a particular county by petition executed by a majority of the qualified electors of the district from that county and presented to the governing body of the county concerned may choose not to participate in the fire fighting, fire prevention or ambulance service phases provided by the county. Such petition shall be certified by the appropriate county election commission as containing the signatures of a majority of the qualified electors of the district.
HISTORY: 1975 (59) 318.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 21 - Fire Protection And Ambulance Services; Medical Clinic Facilities › Section 4-21-30. County governing body shall give certain notices.

Beginning July 1, 1975, the county governing body, at least ninety days before implementing any additional fire fighting, fire prevention or ambulance service under the provisions of this chapter or before levying any additional tax therefor, shall give written notice to the governing body of each municipality affected and to the member of the House of Representatives representing each House Legislative District affected which shall specify the nature of the services to be rendered and the amount of taxes to be levied.
HISTORY: 1975 (59) 318.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 21 - Fire Protection And Ambulance Services; Medical Clinic Facilities › Section 4-21-40. Authority to promulgate rules and regulations.

The governing body of any county which engages in providing fire protection and ambulance services or medical clinic facilities is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations as deemed necessary to carry out and regulate such functions authorized by this chapter. Provided, that no rule or regulation shall become effective until the tenth day after it has been both filed with the county clerk of court and published in a newspaper having daily general circulation in the county.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 14-700.232; 1974 (58) 2277; 1975 (59) 619.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 21 - Fire Protection And Ambulance Services; Medical Clinic Facilities › Section 4-21-50. Penalties.

Any person violating the provisions of such rules and regulations shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 14-700.233; 1974 (58) 2277.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 21 - Fire Protection And Ambulance Services; Medical Clinic Facilities › Section 4-21-60. Chapter shall not limit powers of county; authority to contract for services.

The provisions of this chapter shall not be construed to be a limitation on the powers of counties and all counties may provide any service authorized by the general law in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, including specifically those provisions which authorize counties to contract with municipalities or private agencies to perform such services.
HISTORY: 1975 (59) 619.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 23 - Joint County Fire Districts › Section 4-23-10. District created; boundaries.

There is established the Murrell's Inlet-Garden City Fire District in Georgetown and Horry Counties. Effective January 1, 2016, the district consists of that area shown on the official map prepared by and on file with the Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office designated as document F-43-51-16, and as shown on certified copies of the official map which must be kept on file at the fire district.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 14-700.101; 1966 (54) 2205; 2016 Act No. 141 (S.1002), Section 1, eff March 14, 2016.
Editor's Note
2016 Act No. 141, Section 3, provides as follows:
"SECTION 3. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor. This act applies to all property tax years beginning after 2015, and the auditor of each respective county shall adjust the millage levy appropriately for each taxpayer within the district to reflect the provisions of this act."
Effect of Amendment
2016 Act No. 141, Section 1, rewrote the section.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 23 - Joint County Fire Districts › Section 4-23-15. Repealed.

HISTORY: Former Section, titled Murrell's Inlet-Garden City Fire District expanded, had the following history: 2015 Act No. 78 (S.754), Section 1, eff June 8, 2015. Repealed by 2016 Act No. 141, Section 2, eff March 14, 2016.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 23 - Joint County Fire Districts › Section 4-23-20. Board of Fire Control; appointment or election, terms and compensation of members; reports; chairman.

After the creation of the Murrell's Inlet-Garden City Fire District, there is established a Board of Fire Control for the District to be composed of three members from Georgetown County who must be appointed by the Governor upon the recommendation of a majority of the Georgetown County legislative delegation notwithstanding the provisions of Act 515 of 1996 and three members from Horry County who must be appointed by the Governor upon the recommendation of a majority of the members of the Horry County legislative delegation. The members of the board shall serve without pay and shall file annually a report with the governing bodies of Georgetown and Horry Counties not later than the first of November of each year, showing all activities and disbursements made by the board during the year. The board shall elect a chairman from its membership and such other officers as it considers necessary. The chairman shall not vote except in case of a tie.
If at least twenty percent of the qualified electors residing in the District petition the commissioners of election by the first of September of any general election year, the commissioners shall call an election to be held at the following general election for the purpose of electing a member to the board to succeed the member whose term expires during the year, for a four-year term. Thereafter, members must be elected in each succeeding general election for terms of four years.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 14-700.102; 1966 (54) 2205; 2013 Act No. 86, Section 1, eff June 13, 2013.
Effect of Amendment
The 2013 amendment rewrote the section.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 23 - Joint County Fire Districts › Section 4-23-30. Duties and responsibilities of Board of Fire Control.

The Board shall have the following duties and responsibilities:
(a) To buy such fire-fighting equipment as the Board deems necessary for the purpose of controlling fires within the money allocated or made available to the Board for such purposes.
(b) To select the sites or places within the area where the fire-fighting equipment shall be kept.
(c) To provide and select the drivers and other volunteer firemen to man such equipment who shall serve without compensation.
(d) To provide for the hiring and paying of such permanent, full-time firemen as shall be necessary to qualify this Fire District for the most advantageous fire protection classification as established by the rating authorities.
(e) To procure and supervise the training of the volunteer firemen selected to insure that the equipment shall be utilized for the best interest of the area.
(f) To be responsible for the upkeep, maintenance and repairs of the trucks and other fire-fighting equipment and to that end shall, as often as is deemed necessary, inspect such equipment.
(g) To promulgate such rules and regulations as it may deem proper and necessary to insure that the equipment is being used to the best advantage of the area.
(h) To construct, if necessary, buildings to house the equipment authorized herein.
(i) To borrow not exceeding twenty-five thousand dollars on such terms and for such a period as to the Fire Control Board may seem most beneficial for the Fire District, in anticipation of taxes. The indebtedness shall be evidenced by a note or notes issued by the members of the Board and the county treasurers of Georgetown and Horry Counties. The full faith, credit and taxing power of the Murrell's Inlet-Garden City Fire District is hereby irrevocably pledged for the payment of the indebtedness; provided, that in no event shall the credit of Georgetown or Horry Counties be obligated for any indebtedness of the District.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 14-700.103; 1966 (54) 2205.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 23 - Joint County Fire Districts › Section 4-23-40. Tax to be levied and collected; moneys credited to Fire District.

The auditors and treasurers of Georgetown and Horry Counties are hereby directed to levy and collect a tax of not more than five mills, to be determined by the Board of Fire Control, upon all the taxable property of the District for the purpose of defraying the expenses incurred by the Board. All moneys collected from this levy shall be credited to the Fire District.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 14-700.104; 1966 (54) 2205.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 23 - Joint County Fire Districts › Section 4-23-50. Supervision of equipment.

The fire chief or equivalent official of the truck company to which the equipment is assigned shall have complete supervision over its use and operation and it shall be his responsibility to insure that the equipment is readily available for use at all times.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 14-700.105; 1966 (54) 2205.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 23 - Joint County Fire Districts › Section 4-23-60. Control of traffic at fires; enforcement of laws.

All members of the truck company of the District may direct and control traffic at the scene of any fire in the area and enforce the laws of this State relating to the following of fire apparatus, the crossing of fire hose and interfering with firemen in the discharge of their duties in connection with a fire in like manner as provided for the enforcement of such laws by peace officers.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 14-700.106; 1966 (54) 2205.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 23 - Joint County Fire Districts › Section 4-23-70. Interference with firemen or apparatus is unlawful; violations.

It is unlawful to interfere with a member of a fire department in the discharge of his duties in the District or to interfere with any fire apparatus used by the fire department in the District, and any person so offending shall be subject to a fine of not exceeding one hundred dollars or imprisonment not exceeding thirty days.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 14-700.107; 1966 (54) 2205.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 23 - Joint County Fire Districts › Section 4-23-210. District created; boundaries shown on recorded plat.

There is hereby established the Pelham-Batesville Fire District in Spartanburg and Greenville Counties encompassed within the lines as shown on a plat to be recorded in the R.M.C. Offices of Spartanburg and Greenville Counties.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 14-700.151; 1971 (57) 1044.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 23 - Joint County Fire Districts › Section 4-23-220. Board of Fire Control; appointment or election, terms and compensation of members; annual report.

After the creation of the Fire District, there shall be established a Board of Fire Control for the District composed of five members appointed by the Governor upon the recommendation of a majority of the Spartanburg and Greenville County legislative delegations. Terms of office shall be for four years and until successors are appointed and qualify. Provided, however, that of those first appointed two shall serve a term of two years, one shall serve a term of three years and two shall serve a term of four years, the respective terms of office being designated by the Governor in his appointments. The members of the Board shall serve without pay and shall file annually a report with the Spartanburg County Board of Control and the Greenville County Council, not later than the first of November of each year, showing all activities and disbursements made by the Board during the year.
If at least twenty percent of the qualified electors residing in the district petition the commissioners of election by the first of September of any general election year, the commissioners shall call an election to be held at the following general election for the purpose of electing a member to the Board to succeed the members whose terms will expire during such year, for a four-year term. Thereafter, members shall be elected in each succeeding general election for terms of four years.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 14-700.152; 1971 (57) 1044.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 23 - Joint County Fire Districts › Section 4-23-230. Duties and responsibilities of Board of Fire Control.

The board has the following duties and responsibilities:
(a) to buy such firefighting equipment as the board considers necessary for the purpose of controlling fires within the money allocated or made available to the board for these purposes;
(b) to select the sites or places within the area where the firefighting equipment must be kept;
(c) to provide and select the drivers and other volunteer firemen to man this equipment who shall serve without compensation;
(d) to procure and supervise the training of the volunteer firemen selected to ensure that the equipment must be utilized for the best interest of the area;
(e) to be responsible for the upkeep, maintenance, and repairs of the trucks and other firefighting equipment and shall inspect this equipment as often as is considered necessary;
(f) to promulgate regulations as it considers necessary to ensure that the equipment is being used to the best advantage of the area;
(g) to construct, if necessary, buildings to house the equipment authorized in this section;
(h) to borrow not exceeding twenty thousand dollars on such terms and for such a period as to the Fire Control Board may seem most beneficial for the fire district in anticipation of taxes. The indebtedness must be evidenced by a note issued by the members of the board and the treasurer of each county. The full faith, credit, and taxing power of the fire district is irrevocably pledged for the payment of the indebtedness;
(i) to contract for construction, engineering, and other services, for purchase of water, and for maintenance of water pipes, hydrants, valves, and equipment necessary to provide water for protection against and control of fire;
(j) to appoint and hire officers, agents, employees, and servants, prescribe their duties, fix their compensation, and determine if and to what extent they must be bonded for the faithful performance of their duties;
(k) to acquire, purchase, hold, use, lease, mortgage, sell, transfer, and dispose of any property, real, personal, or mixed, or any interest in the property, and to acquire by purchase or by exercise of the power of eminent domain.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 14-700.153; 1971 (57) 1044; 2000 Act No. 255, Section 1, eff May 1, 2000.
Effect of Amendment
The 2000 amendment added Items (i), (j) and (k) and made other nonsubstantive changes.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 23 - Joint County Fire Districts › Section 4-23-240. Tax to be levied and collected; moneys credited to Fire District.

The auditors and treasurers of Spartanburg and Greenville Counties are hereby directed to levy and collect a tax, to be determined by the Board of Fire Control, upon all taxable property of the District for the purpose of defraying the expenses incurred by the Board, which shall reflect any difference in assessment procedures between the two counties. All moneys collected from this levy shall be credited to the Fire District.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 14-700.154; 1971 (57) 1044.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 23 - Joint County Fire Districts › Section 4-23-250. Supervision of equipment.

The fire chief or equivalent official of the truck company to which the equipment is assigned shall have complete supervision over its use and operation, and it shall be his responsibility to insure that the equipment is readily available for use at all times.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 14-700.155; 1971 (57) 1044.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 23 - Joint County Fire Districts › Section 4-23-260. Control of traffic at fires; enforcement of laws.

All members of the truck company of the District may direct and control traffic at the scene of any fire in the area of the District and to enforce the laws of this State relating to the following of fire apparatus, the crossing of fire hose and interfering with firemen in the discharge of their duties in connection with a fire in a like manner as provided for the enforcement of such laws by peace officers.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 14-700.156; 1971 (57) 1044.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 23 - Joint County Fire Districts › Section 4-23-270. Interference with firemen or apparatus is unlawful; violations.

It is unlawful to interfere with a member of a fire department in the discharge of his duties in the District or to interfere with any fire apparatus used by the fire department in the District, and any person so offending shall be subject to a fine of not exceeding one hundred dollars or imprisonment for not exceeding thirty days.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 14-700.157; 1971 (57) 1044.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 23 - Joint County Fire Districts › Section 4-23-420. Gowensville Fire District Commission; commissioners.

The district shall be governed by a commission to be known as the Gowensville Fire District Commission. The commission shall consist of five resident electors of the district who shall be elected by the qualified electors of the district. The election shall be conducted by the Greenville and Spartanburg County Election Commissions upon a date set by the commissions. The commissions shall give notice by publication sixty days prior to the election and a second notice two weeks after the first notice, in one or more newspapers with general circulation in the district. The election commissions in both counties shall certify the five candidates receiving the highest vote as the elected commissioners of the district. Beginning with the election in 1982, the terms of the three commissioners who receive the highest number of votes shall expire December 31, 1985, and an election shall be held on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November 1985 to elect their successors. The terms of the remaining two commissioners shall expire December 31, 1983, and an election shall be held on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November 1983 to elect their successors. Beginning with the election in 1983, all terms shall be for four years and such terms shall commence on the first day of January in the year following the election. The election shall be held on the Tuesday following the first Monday of each of the odd years. Any vacancy occurring by reason of death, resignation, or otherwise, shall be filled by the Governor, upon recommendation by the members of the House of Representatives in Greenville County from Districts 17, 18, and in Spartanburg County, from District 38 for the remainder of the unexpired term. Upon any commissioner moving out of the area of the district, his position shall become vacant. During the period between the initial election of commissioners, and December 31, 1982, the Gowensville Fire District shall continue as provided by Greenville County Council Ordinance No. 644, adopted September 19, 1978.
Any resident qualified elector of the district may be a candidate for the position of commissioner by filing with the election commission of the county in which he resides at least thirty days prior to the election.
HISTORY: 1982 Act No. 346, Section 2; 1982 Act No. 408, Section 1.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 23 - Joint County Fire Districts › Section 4-23-450. Rates charged for services by revenue producing facility.

The rates charged for services furnished by any revenue-producing facility of the district, as constructed, improved, enlarged or extended, shall not be subject to supervision or regulation of any state bureau, board, commission or other like instrumentality or agency thereof.
HISTORY: 1982 Act No. 346, Section 5.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 23 - Joint County Fire Districts › Section 4-23-460. Exemption of property and income of district from taxation.

The property of and income of the district shall be exempt from all taxes levied by the State, county, or any municipality, division, subdivision or agency thereof direct or indirect.
HISTORY: 1982 Act No. 346, Section 6.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 23 - Joint County Fire Districts › Section 4-23-470. Indebtedness of district; contract provisions between district and holder of obligations.

So long as the district shall be indebted to any person on any bonds, notes or other obligations issued pursuant to the authority of this article, the provisions of this article and the powers granted to the district and the Commission shall not be in any way diminished or restricted, and this provision of this article shall be deemed a part of the contract between the district and the holders of such obligations.
HISTORY: 1982 Act No. 346, Section 7.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 23 - Joint County Fire Districts › Section 4-23-480. Supervisory powers of fire chief or equivalent official; readiness of equipment.

The fire chief or equivalent official of the truck company to which the equipment is assigned shall have complete supervision over its usage and operation, and it shall be his responsibility to insure that the equipment is readily available for use at all times.
HISTORY: 1982 Act No. 346, Section 8.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 23 - Joint County Fire Districts › Section 4-23-490. Traffic control at fire scene.

All members of the truck company or fire districts, employees or volunteers may direct and control traffic at the scene of any fire in the area of the county and enforce the laws of this State relating to the following of fire apparatus, the crossing of fire hose and interfering with firemen in the discharge of their duties in connection with a fire in the same manner as provided for the enforcement of such laws by law enforcement officers.
HISTORY: 1982 Act No. 346, Section 9.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 23 - Joint County Fire Districts › Section 4-23-500. Interference with firemen; damage to property of fire district; penalties.

It shall be unlawful for any person to wilfully destroy or damage any facility of the district, or equipment used in the operation of such facility, to interfere with a member of a fire department in the discharge of his duties in the district or to interfere with any fire apparatus used by the fire department in the district. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined not exceeding one hundred dollars or be imprisoned not exceeding thirty days.
HISTORY: 1982 Act No. 346, Section 10.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 23 - Joint County Fire Districts › Section 4-23-820. South Lynches Fire District Commission; members.

(A) The district must be governed by a commission to be known as the South Lynches Fire District Commission (commission). The commission shall consist of five resident electors of the district who shall be elected by the qualified electors of the district.
(B) The initial five commissioners shall be appointed by the Senators and members of the House of Representatives who represent any portion of the district. They shall be appointed upon a date not later than ninety days after the effective date of this article, their terms expire December 31, 1984. Thereafter, all commissioners shall be elected as provided by this article.
(C) The election shall be conducted by the Florence and Williamsburg County Election Commissions at the time of the general election. The commissions shall give notice by publication sixty days prior to the election and a second notice two weeks after the first notice, in one or more newspapers with general circulation in the district. The election commissions in both counties shall certify the candidates receiving the highest number of votes as the election commissioners of the district as provided by this section. In order to stagger the terms, beginning with the election in 1984, the terms of the three commissioners who receive the highest number of votes shall begin January 1, 1984, and expire December 31, 1988, and the two commissioners receiving the lowest number of votes shall receive two-year terms to begin January 1, 1984, and expire December 31, 1986. At the expiration of these terms, all commissioners shall be elected for terms of four years.
(D) Any vacancy occurring by reason of death, resignation, or otherwise must be filled by the Senators and members of the House of Representatives representing any portion of the district for the remainder of the unexpired term. Upon any commissioner moving out of the area of the district, his position shall become vacant.
(E) Any resident qualified elector of the district may be a candidate for the position of commissioner by filing with the election commission of the county in which he resides at least thirty days prior to the election.
HISTORY: 1983 Act No. 149 Section 2.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 23 - Joint County Fire Districts › Section 4-23-840. Exemption of property and income of district from taxation.

The property of and income of the district is exempt from all taxes levied by the State, county, or any municipality, division, subdivision, or agency thereof direct or indirect.
HISTORY: 1983 Act No. 149 Section 4.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 23 - Joint County Fire Districts › Section 4-23-850. Indebtedness of district.

So long as the district is indebted to any person on any bonds, notes, or other obligations issued pursuant to the authority of this article, the provisions of this article and the powers granted to the district and the commission may not be in any way diminished or restricted, and this provision of this article is deemed a part of the contract between the district and the holders of such obligations.
The district must assume a portion of indebtedness from the Florence County Fire District to be determined by agreement of the Florence County Fire District, the South Lynches Fire District Commission, and the governing body of Florence County.
HISTORY: 1983 Act No. 149 Section 5.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 23 - Joint County Fire Districts › Section 4-23-860. Supervisory powers of fire chief or equivalent official; readiness of equipment.

The fire chief or equivalent official of the truck company to which the equipment is assigned shall have complete supervision over its usage and operation, and it is his responsibility to insure that the equipment is readily available for use at all times.
HISTORY: 1983 Act No. 149 Section 6.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 23 - Joint County Fire Districts › Section 4-23-880. Parking in vicinity of fire apparatus or emergency vehicle.

It is unlawful in the fire district to park within five hundred feet of a place where fire apparatus or an emergency vehicle is stopped in answer to an emergency and no person shall cause any highway, road, either public or private, in the area of fire apparatus or emergency vehicles to be blocked by his vehicle in such a manner that fire apparatus or emergency vehicles will be hindered from reaching the scene of the emergency. It is also unlawful to drive a vehicle over any unprotected hose of a fire department without the consent of the fire department official in command on any street, road, or private driveway when the hose is being used for fire fighting. A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than ten dollars or more than one hundred dollars.
HISTORY: 1983 Act No. 149 Section 8; 1998 Act No. 392, Section 1, eff June 15, 1998.
Effect of Amendment
The 1998 amendment substantially rewrote the section to include emergency vehicles.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 23 - Joint County Fire Districts › Section 4-23-890. Traffic control at fire scene.

All members of the truck company of fire districts, employees or volunteers may direct and control traffic at the scene of any fire in the area of the county and enforce the laws of this State relating to the following of fire apparatus, the crossing of fire hose, and interfering with firemen in the discharge of their duties in connection with a fire in the same manner as provided for the enforcement of such laws by law enforcement officers.
HISTORY: 1983 Act No. 149, Section 9.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 23 - Joint County Fire Districts › Section 4-23-900. Damage to property of fire district; penalty.

It is unlawful for any person to wilfully destroy or damage any facility of the district, or equipment used in the operation of such facility, to interfere with a member of a fire department in the discharge of his duties in the district or to interfere with any fire apparatus used by the fire department in the district. Any person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction must be fined not less than thirty dollars nor more than one hundred dollars or be imprisoned not exceeding thirty days.
HISTORY: 1983 Act No. 149, Section 10.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 23 - Joint County Fire Districts › Section 4-23-1000. Legislative findings.

The General Assembly finds that a certain portion of Darlington County primarily consisting of Interstate 95 from the Florence County line northward to Exit 169 in Darlington County is presently served by fire departments in Florence County because no fire department in Darlington County provides service to this area. This therefore presents concerns for the safety and well-being of citizens residing and traveling in this area in addition to placing additional burdens on fire personnel in Florence County which are called on to provide fire service in this area. The General Assembly has therefore determined to create a joint county fire district in the same manner other joint county fire districts have been established pursuant to this chapter, consisting of areas in two counties, to solve this problem, and to provide fire service to all areas of the district on the most economically feasible basis possible.
HISTORY: 2014 Act No. 183 (H.5225), Section 1, eff May 28, 2014.
Validity
For validity of this section, see County of Florence v. West Florence Fire District, 422 S.C. 316, 811 S.E.2d 770 (2018).
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 23 - Joint County Fire Districts › Section 4-23-1005. West Florence Fire District.

There is created in Florence and Darlington counties the West Florence Fire District (district). It consists of areas of Florence and Darlington counties as follows:
(1) the unincorporated areas of the present West Florence Fire Subdistrict of the Florence County Fire District as established by Act 1817 of 1972;
(2) the area of Darlington County reflected in the rights of way for Interstate 95 beginning at the boundary line of Florence County and Darlington County and extending northward into Darlington County for approximately three miles to Exit 169. Additionally, areas described by the following Tax Map Sheet numbers in Darlington County also are included in the area of the district:
(a) TMS 218-14-01-013;
(b) TMS 219-03-01-001; and
(c) TMS 219-03-01-002.
HISTORY: 2014 Act No. 183 (H.5225), Section 1, eff May 28, 2014; 2015 Act No. 89 (H.3670), Section 1, eff July 7, 2015; 2015 Act No. 89 (H.3670), Section 6, eff July 7, 2020.
Validity
For validity of this section, see County of Florence v. West Florence Fire District, 422 S.C. 316, 811 S.E.2d 770 (2018).
Editor's Note
2015 Act No. 89, Section 6, provides as follows:
"SECTION 6. The provisions of this act shall expire five years from its effective date."
Effect of Amendment
2015 Act No. 89, Section 1, rewrote (1), clarifying the original boundaries.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 23 - Joint County Fire Districts › Section 4-23-1006. Repealed.

HISTORY: Former Section, titled New areas of district, had the following history: 2015 Act No. 89 (H.3670), Section 2, eff July 7, 2015. Repealed by 2015 Act No. 89, Section 6, eff July 7, 2020.
Validity
For validity of this section, see County of Florence v. West Florence Fire District, 422 S.C. 316, 811 S.E.2d 770 (2018).
Editor's Note
2015 Act No. 89, Section 6, provides as follows:
"SECTION 6. The provisions of this act shall expire five years from its effective date."
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 23 - Joint County Fire Districts › Section 4-23-1020. Exemption of property and income of district from taxation.

The property of and income of the district is exempt from all taxes levied by the State, county, or any municipality, division, subdivision, or agency thereof direct or indirect.
HISTORY: 2014 Act No. 183 (H.5225), Section 1, eff May 28, 2014.
Validity
For validity of this section, see County of Florence v. West Florence Fire District, 422 S.C. 316, 811 S.E.2d 770 (2018).
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 23 - Joint County Fire Districts › Section 4-23-1025. Indebtedness of district; transfer of real and personal property to district.

(A) So long as the district is indebted to any person on any bonds, notes, or other obligations issued pursuant to the authority of this article, the provisions of this article and the powers granted to the district and the commission may not be in any way diminished or restricted, and the provisions of this article are considered a part of the contract between the district and the holders of these obligations.
(B) The real and personal property of the present West Florence Fire Subdistrict of the Florence County Fire District now titled in the subdistrict's name shall be transferred to the new West Florence Fire District created by this article. However, the district must assume a portion of the current indebtedness of the Florence County Fire District, if any, to be determined by agreement of the Florence County Fire District, the West Florence Fire District Commission, and the governing body of Florence County. The real property on Hoffmeyer Road in the county which the governing body of Florence County has acquired to construct a new fire station for the West Florence Fire Subdistrict also must be transferred to the new district established by this article with the consideration for it to be determined by agreement between the district commission and the governing body of Florence County.
HISTORY: 2014 Act No. 183 (H.5225), Section 1, eff May 28, 2014; 2015 Act No. 89 (H.3670), Section 4, eff July 7, 2015; 2015 Act No. 89 (H.3670), Section 6, eff July 7, 2020.
Validity
For validity of this section, see County of Florence v. West Florence Fire District, 422 S.C. 316, 811 S.E.2d 770 (2018).
Editor's Note
2015 Act No. 89, Section 6, provides as follows:
"SECTION 6. The provisions of this act shall expire five years from its effective date."
Effect of Amendment
2015 Act No. 89, Section 4, in (A), added the second sentence, and rewrote (B).
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 23 - Joint County Fire Districts › Section 4-23-1030. Rates charged for services.

The rates charged for services furnished by any revenue-producing facility of the district, as constructed, improved, enlarged or extended, shall not be subject to supervision or regulation of any state bureau, board, commission or other like instrumentality or agency of it.
HISTORY: 2014 Act No. 183 (H.5225), Section 1, eff May 28, 2014.
Validity
For validity of this section, see County of Florence v. West Florence Fire District, 422 S.C. 316, 811 S.E.2d 770 (2018).
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 23 - Joint County Fire Districts › Section 4-23-1035. General obligation bonds.

The district commission is authorized and empowered to issue general obligation bonds of the district in the manner provided in Article 11 of this chapter.
HISTORY: 2014 Act No. 183 (H.5225), Section 1, eff May 28, 2014.
Validity
For validity of this section, see County of Florence v. West Florence Fire District, 422 S.C. 316, 811 S.E.2d 770 (2018).
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 23 - Joint County Fire Districts › Section 4-23-1040. Other millage levy or uniform service fee for the provision of fire services.

Upon the establishment of the district, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no other millage levy or uniform service fee may be imposed in the district by any other political subdivision or entity for the provision of fire services.
HISTORY: 2014 Act No. 183 (H.5225), Section 1, eff May 28, 2014; 2015 Act No. 89 (H.3670), Section 5, eff July 7, 2015; 2015 Act No. 89 (H.3670), Section 6, eff July 7, 2020.
Validity
For validity of this section, see County of Florence v. West Florence Fire District, 422 S.C. 316, 811 S.E.2d 770 (2018).
Editor's Note
2015 Act No. 89, Section 6, provides as follows:
"SECTION 6. The provisions of this act shall expire five years from its effective date."
Effect of Amendment
2015 Act No. 89, Section 5, added the second sentence.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 23 - Joint County Fire Districts › Section 4-23-1045. Agreements with other departments to provide fire services.

The district commission, upon agreement with another fire department or district not located in the service area of the district, may permit the other department or district to provide fire services in certain parts of the district if this is considered to be a more cost-effective solution to the provision of fire services in that particular location, and alternatively also may agree to provide fire services in parts of Florence or Darlington counties outside the service area of the district if this is considered to be a more cost-effective solution to the provision of fire services in that particular location.
HISTORY: 2014 Act No. 183 (H.5225), Section 1, eff May 28, 2014.
Validity
For validity of this section, see County of Florence v. West Florence Fire District, 422 S.C. 316, 811 S.E.2d 770 (2018).
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 23 - Joint County Fire Districts › Section 4-23-1050. Supervisory powers of fire chief or equivalent official; readiness of equipment.

The fire chief or equivalent official of the truck company to which the equipment is assigned shall have complete supervision over its usage and operation, and it is his responsibility to ensure that the equipment is readily available for use at all times.
HISTORY: 2014 Act No. 183 (H.5225), Section 1, eff May 28, 2014.
Validity
For validity of this section, see County of Florence v. West Florence Fire District, 422 S.C. 316, 811 S.E.2d 770 (2018).
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 23 - Joint County Fire Districts › Section 4-23-1055. Emergency vehicles.

Vehicles of the fire departments and vehicles of individual members of the fire departments in this district are designated and are considered emergency vehicles while traveling to fires.
HISTORY: 2014 Act No. 183 (H.5225), Section 1, eff May 28, 2014.
Validity
For validity of this section, see County of Florence v. West Florence Fire District, 422 S.C. 316, 811 S.E.2d 770 (2018).
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 4 - Counties › Chapter 23 - Joint County Fire Districts › Section 4-23-1060. Parking in vicinity of fire apparatus or emergency vehicle; penalty.

It is unlawful in the fire district to park within five hundred feet of a place where fire apparatus or an emergency vehicle is stopped in answer to an emergency and no person shall cause any highway, road, either public or private, in the area of fire apparatus or emergency vehicles to be blocked by his vehicle in such a manner that fire apparatus or emergency vehicles will be hindered from reaching the scene of the emergency. It is also unlawful to drive a vehicle over any unprotected hose of a fire department without the consent of the fire department official in command on any street, road, or private driveway when the hose is being used for firefighting. A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than ten dollars nor more than one hundred dollars.
HISTORY: 2014 Act No. 183 (H.5225), Section 1, eff May 28, 2014.
Validity
For validity of this section, see County of Florence v. West Florence Fire District, 422 S.C. 316, 811 S.E.2d 770 (2018).