Government

Berkeley County Council Votes In Favor Of Changing Form Of Government

by Nikki Gaskins Campbell
Pictured: Berkeley County Government Building

BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.—Berkeley County leaders have inched closer to changing the current form of government and eliminating the county’s long-standing supervisor position.

In a 6-2 vote, council advanced first reading of the measure on Friday. Two more readings are needed before it’s then put to a public vote.

If council approves the ordinance during the third reading, voters would have the final say on March 28th when they head to the polls for a special election.

The ordinance calls for a county-wide referendum to allow qualified electors of Berkeley County to vote to change to a council-administrator form of government. And, if changed, whether to add a ninth council member elected from a single-member district or retain the council-supervisor form of government.

The idea of a new form of government has generated mixed reaction within the county via social media. As the county continues to grow, some voters view the move, though, as a positive one.

Pictured: Bill Peagler, Berkeley County’s current supervisor

“It has worked well for the city of Goose Creek. I think it is a good idea. If the voters are unhappy with the supervisor, they can put pressure on the council,” stated resident Chris Samuelsen.

“We are one of only four counties that still have Council-Supervisor. And I kind of like the idea of Council being responsible for hiring a CEO instead of our only options being people who can afford to run for office,” stated resident Jennifer Ort.

Meanwhile, not everyone supports the ordinance—including Councilman Dennis Fish. In an interview with Live 5 News, he stated that he believes the ordinance is merely an attempt to oust Berkeley County Administrator Bill Peagler from office.

“We did this eight years ago and it was soundly defeated. Why are you bringing it now? With the new people coming on council I see it as a power grab,” Fish, who voted against the ordinance, stated.

Some voters questioned the timing of the ordinance and the need for a special election.

“Why the need for a special election? That costs money and only a very small fraction of voters will bother themselves to make the trip to the polls for one question. We just had an election and this wasn’t important enough then to put to the ballot,” posted resident Rindy Finch Ryan.

Other voters expressed concerns that the cost to hire a county administrator could be more than what the current supervisor earns, leaving taxpayers to foot an even higher bill. Peagler currently makes $131,448 a year as county supervisor.

Peagler hasn’t publicly commented in detail on the proposed change in government. However, he did address the timing of it all with a written statement during council’s special meeting on Friday.

“Pushing through a referendum by council as significant as this in less than a month is truly a disservice to the people of Berkeley County,” stated Peagler.

In 2008, 65% of Berkeley County voters voted against a similar change. However, some council members, including Jack Schurlknight, say with the county’s rapid economic growth, voters may feel a change in the government’s structure is finally needed.

If the referendum passes, it would take effect Jan 1, 2019, just one day after Peagler’s current term expires.
Nikki Gaskins Campbell
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