Archives > 1976 South Carolina Code of Laws - Previous Versions > 2008 Session > Title 5

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Title 5 - Municipal Corporations

CHAPTER 9.

MAYOR-COUNCIL FORM OF GOVERNMENT

SECTION 5-9-10. Applicability of Chapter 7.

Except as specifically provided for in this chapter, the structure, organization, powers, duties, functions and responsibilities of municipal government under the mayor-council form shall be as prescribed in Chapter 7.

SECTION 5-9-20. Structure of mayor-council form of government; election of council members.

(a) Under the mayor-council form of government there shall be a municipal council composed of a mayor and not less than four council members.

(b) The members of council shall be elected in accordance with Chapter 15.

SECTION 5-9-30. Responsibilities and powers of mayor.

The mayor shall be the chief administrative officer of the municipality. He shall be responsible to the council for the administration of all city affairs placed in his charge by or under Chapters 1 through 17. He shall have the following powers and duties:

(1) to appoint and, when he deems it necessary for the good of the municipality, suspend or remove all municipal employees and appointive administrative officers provided for by or under Chapters 1 through 17, except as otherwise provided by law, or personnel rules adopted pursuant to Chapters 1 through 17. He may authorize any administrative officer who is subject to his direction and supervision to exercise these powers with respect to subordinates in that officer's department, office or agency;

(2) to direct and supervise the administration of all departments, offices and agencies of the municipality except as otherwise provided by Chapters 1 through 17;

(3) to preside at meetings of the council and vote as other councilmen;

(4) to act to insure that all laws, provisions of Chapters 1 through 17 and ordinances of the council, subject to enforcement by him or by officers subject to his direction and supervision, are faithfully executed;

(5) to prepare and submit the annual budget and capital program to the council;

(6) to submit to the council and make available to the public a complete report on the finances and administrative activities of the municipality as of the end of each fiscal year; and

(7) to make such other reports as the council may require concerning the operations of municipal departments, offices and agencies subject to his direction and supervision.

SECTION 5-9-40. Establishment of municipal departments, offices and agencies by council; employment of administrator to assist mayor; offices and agencies under direction of mayor administered by officer appointed by mayor; annual budget.

The council may establish municipal departments, offices, and agencies in addition to those created by Chapters 1 through 17 and may prescribe the functions of all departments, offices and agencies, except that no function assigned by law to a particular department, office or agency may be discontinued or assigned to any other agency. The mayor and council may employ an administrator to assist the mayor in his office.

All departments, offices and agencies under the direction and supervision of the mayor shall be administered by an officer appointed by and subject to the direction and supervision of the mayor.

The council shall adopt an annual budget for the operation of the municipality and capital improvements.