About This Department

County administration, operations, and implementation of County Council policies.

Services & Responsibilities

The County Administrator oversees daily county operations, coordinates departments, reviews budget requests, and implements policies and decisions adopted by County Council.

The Administrator is appointed by County Council. Departments headed by independently elected officials have separate authority.

Phone

843-563-0103

About This Department

Animal ordinance enforcement and animal-related public safety concerns.

Services & Responsibilities

Dorchester County Animal Control operates through Neighborhood Services. Community enforcement officers investigate animal-related concerns and enforce applicable county animal ordinances.

Residents should consult the official county website for current reporting procedures, animal regulations, and contact information.

Phone

843-832-0015

About This Department

Property valuation and real estate assessment services.

Services & Responsibilities

The Assessor's Office determines assessed values for real estate and mobile homes. It assists residents with property assessment information and applications such as legal residence and agricultural assessments.

The Assessor does not collect tax payments or determine the amount of tax owed.

Phone

843-563-0162

About This Department

Vehicle and personal property assessments, exemptions, and tax administration.

Services & Responsibilities

The Auditor's Office handles motor vehicle, watercraft, and business personal property assessments, homestead exemptions, and certain tax adjustments and refunds.

For real estate valuation, contact the Assessor. For payment of current tax bills, contact the Treasurer.

Phone

843-832-0118

About This Department

Residential and commercial building permits and construction inspections.

Services & Responsibilities

Dorchester County Building Services administers building permit and inspection processes for residential and commercial construction within its jurisdiction.

Services include permit information, construction inspections, and assistance with applicable building requirements. Property owners and contractors should confirm whether their project falls under county or municipal jurisdiction before applying.

Phone

843-832-0011

About This Department

County budgeting, financial management, and purchasing services.

Services & Responsibilities

Dorchester County Business Services supports the financial and administrative operations of county government, including budgeting, financial management, and purchasing.

The department helps coordinate county financial processes and supports the responsible administration of public resources. Residents and businesses can consult its official website for department contacts and available information.

Phone

843-832-0018

About This Department

Circuit and Family Court records, filings, and court administration.

Services & Responsibilities

The Clerk of Court maintains records and provides administrative support for Circuit Court and Family Court, including civil, criminal, and family court matters.

Circuit Court functions are based at the Dorchester County Courthouse in St. George. Family Court operates at the Troy Knight Judicial Complex in Summerville.

Phone

843-563-0160

About This Department

Information about overdue real property taxes and collections.

Services & Responsibilities

The Delinquent Tax Office handles overdue property tax accounts, delinquency notices, collections, and county tax sales.

Current tax bills and vehicle tax payments belong with the Treasurer's Office. Consult the official county page for current delinquency procedures and deadlines.

Phone

843-563-0110

About This Department

Business recruitment, economic investment, and employment development.

Services & Responsibilities

Economic Development supports business investment, job creation, and economic growth in Dorchester County.

Businesses seeking information about locating, expanding, or investing in the county can begin with the county government directory and its economic development contacts.

Phone

843-875-9109

About This Department

Voter registration, elections, polling locations, and voting information.

Services & Responsibilities

Elections and Voter Registration assists residents with registering to vote, election information, and contacting the county election office.

Use official election resources to confirm polling locations, registration requirements, and upcoming election details.

Phone

843-832-0132

About This Department

Disaster preparedness, emergency planning, response, and recovery.

Services & Responsibilities

Emergency Management coordinates countywide preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery for natural and human-caused disasters.

The department supports the Emergency Operations Center, communications planning, emergency coordination, and community readiness. Its office contact is not a substitute for calling 911 in an emergency.

Phone

843-832-0341

About This Department

County ambulance response and emergency medical services.

Services & Responsibilities

Dorchester County Emergency Medical Services provides ambulance response and prehospital emergency medical care. The department also offers community paramedicine and public-event and ride-along request resources.

The listed office telephone number is for non-emergency business. For medical emergencies, call 911.

Phone

843-832-0025

About This Department

Fire response, prevention, rescue, and community safety.

Services & Responsibilities

Dorchester County Fire Rescue provides fire suppression, rescue, prevention, public education, and emergency-response services in areas served by the county department.

Residents can find fire safety information, volunteer opportunities, and department records procedures through the county website. For emergencies, call 911.

Phone

843-832-0214

About This Department

County mapping, geographic data, and online property information.

Services & Responsibilities

The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) division maintains and provides geographic information and mapping services for Dorchester County.

Residents can access county mapping resources, property information tools, and GIS data services through the official county website.

Phone

843-832-0208

About This Department

County employment, recruitment, employee benefits, and personnel programs.

Services & Responsibilities

Human Resources supports county recruitment, staff training, employee benefits, compensation, and personnel administration.

The department also provides employment information, orientation, policy assistance, and employee development services.

Phone

843-832-0141

About This Department

Magistrate-level civil and criminal matters, including small claims and certain traffic cases.

Services & Responsibilities

Magistrate Court handles qualifying criminal and traffic matters, small claims civil cases, evictions, and certain other proceedings including preliminary hearings and warrants.

Dorchester County has Magistrate Court offices in both Summerville and St. George. Check the official page for the correct office, telephone number, and court forms.

Phone

843-563-0370

About This Department

Land-use planning, zoning, and development review.

Services & Responsibilities

Planning & Zoning administers county zoning and land development requirements. Services include zoning verification, development review, planning assistance, and coordination with the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals.

Its official page provides current forms, project resources, and meeting schedules.

Phone

843-832-0020

About This Department

Estates, marriage licenses, guardianships, conservatorships, and probate proceedings.

Services & Responsibilities

Probate Court handles estates, wills, marriage licenses, guardianships, conservatorships, and other matters within its jurisdiction.

The Probate Court is located at the Dorchester County Courthouse in St. George. The official county page provides information about its divisions and available application procedures.

Phone

843-832-0105

About This Department

County road maintenance, drainage, engineering, and public infrastructure.

Services & Responsibilities

Public Works manages county-maintained roads, drainage systems, engineering activities, and public infrastructure services.

The department also oversees solid waste and recycling functions. Residents should check which roads and services fall under county jurisdiction before requesting assistance.

Phone

843-832-0070

About This Department

Recording and access to property deeds and other land records.

Services & Responsibilities

The Register of Deeds records and maintains deeds, mortgages, plats, liens, and other documents affecting real property in Dorchester County.

The office helps residents, businesses, and researchers access recorded land documents and related public records.

Phone

843-832-0181

About This Department

County law enforcement, investigations, and public safety services.

Services & Responsibilities

The Sheriff's Office provides law enforcement, criminal investigations, community safety programs, and related services throughout Dorchester County.

The agency also provides access to records requests and information about community engagement programs. For emergencies, call 911.

Phone

843-832-0300

About This Department

County convenience sites, recycling, waste disposal, and related services.

Services & Responsibilities

Solid Waste & Recycling manages county convenience sites, recycling services, and waste disposal programs through Dorchester County Public Works.

The division also addresses illegal dumping and helps ensure county waste disposal follows applicable regulations.

Phone

843-832-0074

About This Department

County tax payments, receipts, and revenue collection.

Services & Responsibilities

The Treasurer's Office collects current county property taxes, vehicle and watercraft taxes, and other county revenues. It also maintains and disburses county funds.

Residents can consult the official office website for payment methods and available online tax services.

Phone

843-832-0165

About This Department

Assistance with veterans benefits, claims, and related services.

Services & Responsibilities

The Veterans Affairs Office assists eligible Dorchester County veterans and their families with veterans benefits, claims, and related guidance.

The county provides office services in Summerville and St. George. Residents should consult the official page for appointment requirements, office hours, and locations.

Phone

843-832-0050

About This Department

County water and wastewater utility services and customer assistance.

Services & Responsibilities

Dorchester County Water & Sewer provides water and wastewater services within designated service areas.

Customers can find billing and payment information, request service, review rates, and report utility issues. Not every Dorchester County address is served by this utility; residents should verify service availability.

Phone

843-832-0075