Berkeley County Commission getting Ready to Reorganize

Although the Berkeley County Commission will not be reorganized for another 17 months the county is already preparing for the transition.  County Administrator Deborah Hammond told commissioners Thursday that now is the time to start planning for the coming changes.  She says two new commissioners mean new considerations will be needed for space, equipment needs, and the extra cost their addition creates due to a mandatory name change.

 

Voters decided to bring the total number of commissioners to five by adding two commissioners last November.  This requires that the name of the commission be changed to the Berkeley County Council.  Hammond points out that will create expense because as of December 31, 2010 all stamps, envelopes, business cards and anything else that says “Berkeley County Commission” will be irrelevant and must be replaced.

 

The money for the added salaries as well as replacement of materials must be factored into the county budget when that process begins next March.  Hammond said getting started now will make the process run more smoothly and also ensure that the needed money is there when the council needs it.