Institute of Government for County Officials
The Institute of Government for County Officials (the Institute) is a training program designed to equip county officials with the tools needed to enhance their skills and abilities to function more effectively in their positions. SCAC provides the Institute in cooperation with the Joseph P. Riley Jr. Center for Livable Communities at the College of Charleston. Clemson University’s Master of Public Administration Program is a sponsor of the Institute.
First offered in 1989, the Institute curriculum has been enhanced over the years to reflect current information that county officials need to know in order to be effective leaders.
Schedule of Courses
9:30 a.m. Registration
10:00 a.m. — 1:00 p.m.
Level I: Public Speaking [E]
This course provides an opportunity for county officials to enhance their public presentation skills. The characteristics of effective presentations will be discussed, and participants will be given the opportunity to practice their presentation skills.
Level II: Financial Management
The focus of this course will be on understanding the basic elements of financial management and the role elected officials have in county financial decisions. The various budgeting methods of local governments will be explored with particular emphasis placed on the connection between financial decisions and council policy-making and goal setting. Participants will also discuss the basics of fund accounting, financial audits, and county credit ratings. Lessons learned from the recession, updates on any new or pending rules issued by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board, and new or pending state legislation that will affect county government finances will also be discussed.
1:30 p.m. Registration
2:00 p.m. — 5:00 p.m.
Level I: Managing and Conducting Meetings [E]*
The overall goal of this course is to help county officials conduct successful meetings. The ingredients for an effective meeting will be covered with significant attention given to parliamentary procedure. During class discussions, participants will work to develop their meeting management skills.
Level II: Economic Development*
If planned and implemented effectively by local government leaders, economic development strategies can yield msore jobs, increased incomes, and greater resource productivity for the community. This course will explore the economic development planning process; locally-based economic development strategies; financing tools for economic development projects; and methods for evaluating economic development efforts. Roles of the major players in the economic development process and economic development incentives available to local government will also be discussed.
[E] – Elective course in Level I
* Approved for three hours of continuing education credit for planning/zoning officials and employees.