Judicial Center

Lexington County operates under the Council/Administrator form of government implemented in January 1976 in accordance with the Home Rule Act enacted by the South Carolina General Assembly.

Office hours for most departments are from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday except for holidays.

Animal Services:
The Lexington County department of Animal Services assumes several roles in Lexington County. Its main purpose is to prevent animal attacks and to control the numbers of stray animals, but it is also active in a number of other areas. The top priority for Animal Services is to keep the public safe from animals that harm humans. These services include controlling vicious or rabid animals that can attack adults or children. 

Animal Services also picks up stray animals and enforces ordinances that require identification tags on pets. In addition, the department provides a temporary shelter for stray animals so they can be reunited with their owners or, if unclaimed, can be adopted out to new owners.

Educating the public about the County ordinances and about spaying and neutering pets is an increasingly important component of Animal Services' duties. Beginning in fall 1999, Animal Services will visit schools and talk to children about spaying and neutering their pets. Rabies clinics will also be used to teach the public about the danger of this disease and give animals vaccinations to keep rabies out of Lexington County.

Animal Services is currently undergoing several major changes and improvements to better serve the citizens of Lexington County. Most significantly, the department is acquiring a full-time veterinarian to help boost its adoption and reclamation rates. The veterinarian will be involved in the school programs to teach children about animals and how to stop them from reproducing. Animal Services is also expanding its facilities to add larger areas for the animals and to create more office space.

Animal Services is working on a number of projects to bring cost effective services to Lexington County citizens. All food for the animals is generously donated by Kal-Kan in Columbia, at an annual savings of $6,000 to the County. These projects will ensure that Animal Services can continue to serve the citizens of Lexington County and keep their communities safe.

Assessment & Equalization:
Appraises and reassesses real property and maintains records of property sales, building permits, tax maps and other records to determine the equitable assessment base on which the tax millage is set.

Assessor:
The Assessor conducts an assessment and valuation of all real property (land and buildings) in Lexington County except for those properties assessed by the South Carolina Department of Revenue (manufacturing facilities, for example). The Assessor's Office also operates a Reassessment Division, Maintenance / Mobile Homes Division, Mapping Division, and the Assessment Records Division.

The primary duties of the Assessor's Office are to inventory all real estate parcels, maintain the property tax mapping system, and maintain property ownership records. It also adds and values new properties and conducts a reassessment of all properties every five years.

Assessing properties is an ongoing process that requires continual corrections and record maintenance. Changes of address, new property or home sales, and changes in land uses of a specific area must be taken into account for accurate tax maps and valuations. The Assessor's Office must keep track of any changes in the 122,823 parcels in Lexington County. The department analyzes, researches, and processes 11,000 deeds annually to keep its database up to date.

Technological advances allow for a more accurate description of a property and calculation of its value. Maps are digitally created from aerial photographs, which become a key part of the County's Geographic Information System database. Computer assisted mass appraisal software is then utilized to assist in valuing properties based on the GIS database as well as property-specific data generated through building permit data and field inspections.

Property taxes continue to represent the main source of revenue for school districts, special tax districts and general-purpose units of local government under the taxing authority established by the general law of the State of South Carolina. They fund schools, libraries, law enforcement, courts, jails, and other public safety services. Consequently, the Assessor's Office provides an essential function for all entities in the County that rely on property tax revenues. 

Building Services:
Provides building maintenance and support for all County buildings and grounds.

Circuit Court:
The Circuit Court is the highest court in Lexington County and has general jurisdiction over cases for trial. The Circuit Court is known as the Court of Common Pleas in civil cases and as the Court of General Sessions in criminal cases. It received the name of "Circuit Court" after the traditional "circuit riding" system where judges traveled to other districts to hear cases if a judge could not be found in the district.

Circuit Court judges have general jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases. They hear appeals from Magistrate Courts, Probate Court, Administrative Courts, and worker compensation trials. They hear cases both with and without juries, the latter falling under the rubric of Master-In-Equity Court when they hear an appeal without a jury. The courts operate on a term basis, with a different term (jury trials, criminal trials, etc.) every six weeks.

Two Circuit judges serve in the 11th Circuit, encompassing Lexington, Saluda, Edgefield, and McCormick Counties. The state legislature elects the judges every six years, with the next elections occurring in 2000. Circuit Court judges have general jurisdiction over the entire state and can hear cases in any county in South Carolina. Usually, the judges serve six months in their "home" circuit and six months in another circuit to which they are assigned. This method prevents judges from becoming too familiar with the area lawyers and from amassing personal power bases in the state.

A new program that will impact the Circuit Court is the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) program. Lexington County is a pilot county for this program that will eventually expand to the entire state. In ADR, the Court hears all cases using mediation or arbitration. This reduces the number of cases that a judge hears, removes non-essential cases from the dockets, and solidifies those cases that are already on the docket.

Community Development:
The Community Development Department coordinates the permitting and development functions for the current and future residential, commercial, and industrial interests of Lexington County. These activities are accomplished by several divisions in cooperation with other County departments and outside agencies.

The Development Division and Building Safety/Inspections Division are responsible for many of the County's development review services. This includes zoning permits, building inspections and permits, and landscape permits. Subdivision review also is administered through this office in conjunction with the County's engineering and stormwater management teams, which are part of the Public Works Department.

The Department also promotes community development through the County's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program funded by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). CDBG project activities are targeted to provide decent housing, a suitable living environment, and to expand economic opportunities for low and moderate income neighborhoods located in the unincorporated areas of the County.

The jurisdiction for most activities of the Department is the unincorporated portions of Lexington County.

Court of Common Pleas:
In the Court of Common Pleas, citizens and businesses in Lexington County can bring a civil case before a court to resolve their differences with another party. The judge hears cases to resolve problems and effect an equitable outcome in the situation.

The Court of Common Pleas handles civil cases involving over $5,000 in damages. These cases usually include automobile accidents, contract disputes, foreclosures, personal injury, and medical malpractice. The Court of Common Pleas also takes appeals from the Magistrate level, but the majority of cases originate in the Court.

Two resident civil judges hear cases in the Court of Common Pleas and periodically travel to other counties to preside there. Court of Common Pleas judges are elected by the state legislature and are part of the unified judicial system of South Carolina under the Office of Court Administration that is headed by the Chief Justice of the South Carolina Supreme Court. County government is required to provide court-related facilities and support to the court system.

The judges hear many of the 3,000 cases filed annually in the Court of Common Pleas in Lexington County. Their hard work for Lexington County citizens and businesses ensures that complaints between neighbors or businesses may be resolved in an equitable manner.

County Council:
The County is divided into nine districts from which member of Council are elected for four-year terms. The Council serves as the governing body of the County and enacts laws by ordinance. In addition, the County Council members appoint the membership of eight special boards and have an influence on several other regional commissions. Boards for which Council members are responsible include: the Assessment Appeals Board, the Accommodations Tax Advisory Board and the Athletic Commission. In addition to these boards, County council appoints member and has influence on other various boards and commissions. Members of the various boards and commissions are chosen from the community. They are people who have displayed an interest in the board’s work and possess leadership skills that would be an asset to the board and the County.

County Administrator:
The County Administrator is appointed by the County Council and oversees the day-to-day operations of the County. The following departments/divisions are under the direct supervision of the County Administrator:

9-1-1 Communications

The 9-1-1 Communications division primarily handles the operation of the 9-1-1 Center, which dispatches emergency workers to the scene of emergency situations.  The Consolidated 911 Communications Center operates twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week and is responsible for receiving and dispatching all 911 calls from citizens living in and visiting Lexington County.  County Communications is also responsible for dispatching for the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, Lexington County Fire Service, Lexington County Emergency Medical Service, Lexington County Coroner and 13 municipal police agencies.  These police agencies include: Airport, Gaston, Chapin, Irmo, Lexington, South Congaree, Pelion, Swansea, Springdale, Pine Ridge, Irmo-Chapin Park Rangers, Midlands Technical College (Airport) and Wil-Lou Grey. 

Communications receives approximately 30,000 “911” calls per month which results in approximately 8,635 fire calls; 21,715 EMS calls; 61,214 municipal police calls; and 104,593 Sheriffs calls per year.

Lexington County 911 Telecommunications operators undergo a tremendous training regiment.  They are state certified by the state of South Carolina as 911 Telecommunications operators and receive training in Emergency Medical Instructions, Fire Dispatching, Emergency Medical Dispatching, Police Dispatching and Call Taking.  They also receive NCIC “National Crime Information Computer” certification through the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy and attend regular in-service training on topics such as stress management, quality assurance, Criminal Domestic Violence and severe weather to name a few.

The Communications division through public education stresses the importance of calling 911 when one has an emergency. It is important to relay the location of an incident as calmly and accurately as possible to insure information is gathered correctly for emergency responders. The relationship between the citizens of Lexington County and 911 Communications is a partnership that demonstrates the County theme of "good friends" and great (as well as safe) communities.

Emergency Preparedness:
The Emergency Preparedness division works to avert potential disasters.  Emergency Preparedness is responsible for determining a course of action when natural or man-made disasters occur; these may include floods, fires, earthquakes, or winter storms. It also plans recovery programs when disasters strike to ensure a quick return to normalcy. 

Future plans for Emergency Preparedness include educating the public as to the best course of action before, during, and after a disaster. Through increased education, the public will know how to better react to severe conditions; lives may be saved as a result. 

Finance:
Administers the annual budget; responsible for proper disbursement of funds and payroll functions; supervises bids and purchases of the County.

Fire Service

Fire Service:
The Lexington County Fire Service currently employs 65 salaried firefighters and over 400 volunteers. One of its goals is to have a fire station located within five miles of every home in Lexington County. This placement of fire stations can save lives when fires occur and also results in lower insurance premiums for homeowners. These services, combined with the support web of other organizations, allow the Fire Service to effectively combat fires and minimize casualties. A good and responsive Fire Service can directly help save lives and give people the peace of mind that an excellent fire service provides.

The Fire Service Coordinator coordinates the efforts of 20 fire stations with other organizations like the Emergency Medical Service, Communications, and law enforcement divisions. The Fire Service Coordinator's team also is responsible for training new firefighters. The Coordinator is associated with the Hazardous Material Response Team and leads arson investigations in the County.

The Fire Service is currently working on several major projects to bring better fire services to Lexington County. A new six-acre facility is being constructed to train both salaried and volunteer fire fighters. The new facility will have a two-story "Burn Building," a six-story drill tower, a drivers training course, and other support facilities.

The best ways to reduce fire-related fatalities are through preventive measures in the home. Citizens should check the batteries in all smoke alarms once a week and replace them once a year. Homeowners should have their street numbers prominently displayed on their homes so firefighters can easily read them. By following these simple practices, citizens can reduce the severity of fires and save lives.

Fleet Services:
Provides upkeep for County vehicles and heavy equipment.

Information Services:
Provides data processing support services for County departments.

Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission:
The Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission exists to enhance the quality of life for all citizens of the district through the development of recreation programs that promote a lifestyle of wellness, physical activities and cultural experiences for all ages.

The Commission offers a variety of facilities, activities, and events at three different locations:

Crooked Creek Park	Saluda Shoals Park	Seven Oaks Park
53,000 square-foot community center with full gymnasium, racquetball courts, fitness areas, indoor walking track and meeting rooms Six athletic fields Six tennis courts 18 hole disc golf course Picnic facilities Paved/Unpaved walking trails Playgrounds	11,000 square foot Environmental Education Center and Exhibit Hall 10,000 square foot state-of-the-art conference facility, the River Center ICRC Administration Center Paved/Unpaved trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding River observation deck Boat ramp/canoe/kayak launch Picnic shelters Fish cleaning station	30,000 square-foot community center with full gymnasium, fitness area, dance studio and meeting rooms Nine athletic fields Six tennis courts Paved/Unpaved walking trails Picnic shelters Playgrounds

For more information, visit the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission online at: www.icrc.net.

Lexington County Museum

Lexington County Museum:
The Lexington County Museum, founded in 1970, offers a rare and unforgettable experience – the chance to see and touch a way of life gone forever.  Structures and furnishings focus on the early history of Lexington County and interpret the everyday lives of its residents from ca. 1770 until the Civil War.  The Museum complex, located in the heart of Lexington, encompasses seven acres and features 36 historic structures.  Exhibits focus on locally made artifacts including furniture and quilts.

Some of the historic structures include the original Lexington County post office, the oldest documented house in Lexington, and the house where the traditional song "Give Me That Old Time Religion" was composed.

Most notable among the buildings is the ten-room, two-story John Fox House that was built in 1832. Originally a plantation home, the John Fox House is furnished and decorated with period pieces from Lexington County that truly evoke pre-Civil War living conditions. At one time, over 50 people lived on the Fox House grounds (then encompassing 400 acres) that included a separate kitchen, a spinning room with a loom, and slaves' quarters. Now, the Fox House is open to the public to see how residents lived in the mid-nineteenth century.
 
The Museum serves as an invaluable educational tool by promoting the county's history and attracting school groups, many of which annually take tours of its grounds and buildings. It is a place where the citizens of Lexington County may take pride in their heritage and form a more closely-knit community through a heightened knowledge of their history.

Personnel:
Responsible for employee payroll deductions, recruiting of prospective employees, administration of employee policies and procedures and the administration of various employee benefits as well as the County’s classification and compensation plan.

Planning & GIS:
Responsible for the coordination of much of the County's mapping, graphics and addressing functions.

Procurement:
Purchases all the goods and services authorized for acquisition by county government as well as manages various term and service contracts.

Public Works:
The Department of Public Works maintains over 1,000 miles of road and associated drainage in Lexington County. Through "C" Funds, a portion of the gas tax the State collects, about eight miles of dirt roads are paved annually. Also, a number of sidewalks are constructed through "C" Funds. Petitions requesting these types of improvements to roads are available through this office.

Maintenance of street signs in the unincorporated areas of the County is also included along with potholes, etc. Approximately 15 miles of new paved roads are added to the system annually, primarily subdivisions paid for and constructed by developers.

The Public Works Department consists of 72 employees in three Divisions: Administration, Engineering, and Transportation. Nine maintenance crews perform the required maintenance of the roads and drainage. There are four geographical crews, two drainage crews, two special projects crews, and one asphalt maintenance crew. In some cases, one or two crews will work on paving existing dirt roads and also County building sites when necessary.
There are over 2,500 miles of publicly maintained roads in Lexington County. Of this, Public Works maintains approximately 750 miles of dirt roads and 270 miles of paved roads.

Public Works:
The Public Works department maintains County roads, streets, bridges and drainage.

Recreation and Aging Commission:
The Recreation and Aging Commission constantly explores new ways to enhance the quality of life for Lexington County residents. It was created in 1968 as a Special Purpose District by the Legislature of the state of South Carolina and absorbed an existing program for senior citizens administered by the Richland Lexington Council on Aging in 1980. Through sports, event programming, and facilitation, the Commission helps the young and old alike to take advantage of the recreational opportunities in Lexington County.

The Recreation Commission sponsors many sports and lifestyle activities to help residents live healthier and fuller lives. Some popular sports include baseball, youth and adult softball, youth soccer, basketball, volleyball, and racquetball; the Commission sponsors competitive events for these sports and many others to bring Lexington County citizens closer together. The Pine Grove Sports Complex, for example, has five lighted softball fields and the Oak Grove Sports Complex, located in Lexington, has four lighted softball fields where many local, state, regional, and national tournaments are held each year for all ages.

Three leisure centers in Batesburg-Leesville, Lexington, and West Columbia offer access to weight rooms, racquetball courts, and gymnasiums. Citizens may pay to use these sites on a daily basis or they may sign up for yearly, semi-annual, quarterly, or monthly memberships at a nominal charge.

Besides organized sports, the Recreation Commission also conducts a variety of programs designed to further older people. The Aging Commission operates Senior Centers in Batesburg-Leesville, Gilbert, Lexington, Pelion, Pine Ridge, Swansea, and West Columbia to provide the area's senior citizens with programs to augment their lifestyles and meet other people. Sports leagues, singing programs, and pageants are some of the many programs that the Aging Commission offers for senior citizens.

The "Classic Travelers" program is a popular activity where seniors travel on group field trips around the Carolinas and take in area landmarks. Past trips have included a tour of the Newberry Opera House, a visit to the upcountry in South Carolina, and lunch at the Georgetown Plantation.

For more information about Lexington County's recreational opportunities and its programs for senior citizens, contact them at 359-4048, visit the Recreation and Aging Commission's web site at www.lcrac.com, or ask for a copy of their quarterly "Leisure Lines" magazine available in Lexington County.

Solid Waste Management

Solid Waste Management:
The Solid Waste Management department fulfills several essential functions for Lexington County citizens. It maintains three closed-out landfills, provides sites for landfills, and operates 12 convenience stations and recycling centers. It also operates a construction, demolition, and yard waste landfill and enforces state statues against littering. The efforts of Solid Waste Management have resulted in Lexington County being awarded, in 1996, the South Carolina Clean and Beautiful State Award.

Waste collection and recycling account for the bulk of Solid Waste Management's duties. It collects small amounts of yard waste, household garbage, and recyclable materials at convenience stations, located throughout the County. It monitors the collection of household trash by outside contractors and also monitors the three landfills located at Highway 321, Chapin, and Batesburg-Leesville.

The Solid Waste Management department operates many recycling programs to control the waste stream and save citizens money. The department has won numerous awards for their oil-recycling program and possesses the only oil filter cuber in the state. They also recycle a variety of goods like paper, plastic, glass, and textiles, and are building a glass-recycling bunker to separate glass colors. By actively recycling trash, the County cuts the tonnage of waste it sends to the landfill, thereby lowering the total cost of placing trash in a landfill. Revenue is also generated through recycled commodities, which makes possible more waste management programs to serve Lexington County.

A goal for the Solid Waste Management department is to educate the public about the benefits of recycling and preventing litter in Lexington County. Solid Waste Management conducts group tours by appointment to view its 500-acre facility. By involving citizens more heavily in the recycling program, Solid Waste Management can apply for bonus grants to advance its recycling and waste management programs.

Elected Officials

The County Administrator also plans and coordinates with the following departments headed by elected officials.

Auditor:
The duties and responsibilities of the Auditor's Office are directed by the Code of Laws for South Carolina. Its most important responsibility is setting and recommending the annual county millage.

The Auditor's Office assembles all the data necessary to create the tax base for each individual tax district and for the total county. All the final millage rates are calculated and taxes are levied from this information.

The tax base is the total assessed value of all properties, not the appraised value. The tax base includes the following:

* Real estate (over 130,000 parcels)
* Vehicles (over 200,000 vehicles)
* Business personal property
* Manufacturing
* Aircraft
* Watercraft

Under the South Carolina Constitution, there must be a uniform statewide system of ad valorem property taxation. The SC General Assembly has enacted a number of laws to accomplish this through the SC Department of Revenue and the County tax offices (Tax Assessor, Auditor, and Treasurer). Specific assessment classifications, tax exemptions, credit, etc. have been enacted by the General Assembly, reflecting the state's policy goals. Examples of the credits include:

* Homestead
* Tax relief
* Non-taxable property

State law has created a system of checks and balances in the tax offices of County government to protect both the taxpayer and the County. When taxing a property, the Tax Assessor assigns a value, the Auditor places a millage, and the Treasurer collects money from the taxes. These checks and balances guard against tax offices becoming too powerful and abusing their authority.

Clerk of Court:
The Clerk of Court is a constitutional officer that the citizens of Lexington County elect to a four-year term. The Clerk's Office maintains and administers the schedules of cases before the criminal, civil, and family courts.The Clerk of Court's Office fulfills a number of other duties in the court system. It keeps records on all proceedings, orders and verdicts as well as other noncourt duties such as managing passport requests, maintaining the records room, certifying public notaries, registering businesses, and granting fireworks licenses.

The Clerk of Court's Office is heavily involved with the proceedings in civil and criminal trials. It handles all documentation from the time a warrant goes through. The judge, the clerk, the prosecution, and the defense use this paperwork so they have a good foundation about the particulars of a case. The Clerk coordinates jury selection and jury support services. The Clerk's Office processes applications for persons requesting court appointed indigent defense services. When a verdict is reached, the Clerk collects fines, criminal restitution, and fees.

The Clerk of Court is also involved with the collection and distribution of Family Court ordered child support. The Clerk's office currently collects over $1 million per month in child support and sends the money to each child's guardian.
To improve its service to Lexington County citizens, the Clerk of Court is undertaking an ambitious plan to place all public records in the dockets on a computer database. This will save people time because they will be able to find exactly what they are looking for on one database. It will also promote efficiency by facilitating the transfer of files between departments. Finally, the modernization of the Clerk of Court's office will save the County money by reducing the costs to process and mail paperwork in a case.

Coroner:
Ascertains cause of death in cases not attended by a doctor; conducts inquests.

Probate Judge:
Settles estates, handles mental commitments, guardianship of minors, wrongful death settlements and records, and issues marriage licenses.

Recorder of Deeds:
Keeps real property records, such as deeds, plats and mortgages.

Sheriff:
Provides law enforcement protection and support services for all unincorporated areas of the County; operates the County jail, substations and resident deputy program.

Solicitor:
The chief prosecutor for the 11th Judicial circuit, which encompasses Lexington, Edgefield, Saluda and McCormick Counties. Administers the Drug Court, Pre-Trail Intervention and Juvenile Arbitration Programs.

Treasurer:

The office of the Treasurer engages in many duties, from collecting taxes and investing public funds to distributing funds to the organizations for which revenues have been collected. The Treasurer serves as the Tax Collector, Banker, Investment Agent, and Custodian for all funds received on behalf of Lexington County, school districts, municipalities, and special purpose districts.

First, the Treasurer collects property taxes and other funds. Second, he accounts for each fund. Third, the Treasurer invests the money to create interest revenue that is distributed to the various taxing entities. The Treasurer thus acts as a purser and banker and as a depository and distributor for public funds.

Over the past six years, Lexington County has experienced tremendous growth in its tax base and in its total revenue. The Treasurer's Office collects over $300 million in revenue per year. The amount of interest earned on funds while in the custody of the Treasurer's office has increased from $750,000 in 1993 to over $3.8 million in 1999.

Future projects for the Treasurer's office include further technological modernization of the workplace and a heightened professionalization of the staff to manage a rapidly increasing revenue base. A new Deputy Treasurer, for example, specializes in investments to maximize investment returns within strict policy guidelines. The Office of the Treasurer is also consolidating some accounts and eliminating others to manage and invest funds more efficiently. 

Clemson Extension Service:
Provides educational programs and assistance in agriculture, natural resources, home economics and human resources.

Environmental Health:
Enforces health and environmental regulations involving food protection, general sanitation, water and wastewater, rabies and vector control.

Library

Library:
The Lexington County Public Library System provides timely, accurate, and useful information to the citizens, families, businesses and organizations of Lexington County and surrounding areas. The Library System encourages children to develop a life-long interest in reading and learning; offers current high-demand materials for all ages; and assists patrons meet educational objectives. The library supports these commitments by providing materials, services, and well-trained, courteous and knowledgeable staff.

The Lexington Main Library’s “Virtual Library” consists of 16 computers available to the public. A “South Carolina Room” is invaluable for citizens interested in genealogy and history. The experienced professionals in the Lexington Main Library’s Reference Department assist with research and reference queries. A large children’s area, a meeting room, two conference rooms, and a popular materials area are also important features of the Main Library. The Main Library and the Cayce/West Columbia and Irmo Branch libraries are open 67 hours a week. Other branches are open hours ranging from 33 to 56 hours per week.

Nine branch libraries and a bookmobile serve various purposes such as reference centers, educational support centers, popular materials centers, and preschoolers’ doors to learning. Each branch has computers available for Internet searching, e-mail, word processing, and educational database use.

A variety of library programs are offered in all branches for different ages throughout the year. These programs not only further literacy, but also promote cultural and educational experiences. Some programs are recreational, but all foster a love of reading. Many branches have meeting facilities available for use by outside groups.

The library system is constantly expanding its materials collection and facilities to serve the rapidly growing population of Lexington County. . Future plans include the construction of additions to the Chapin Branch, Gilbert-Summit Branch, and the Gaston Branch libraries and a new building for the Swansea Branch Library. The system will add a tenth branch in South Congaree to serve an area that has never had a library.

Additional information about the Lexington County Public Library System can be found at the web site www.lex.lib.sc.us.

Magistrates:
The Magistrate's Court is the lower criminal court and the small claims court for South Carolina residents under the SC Unified Judicial System supervised by the SC Supreme Court Chief Justice through the Office of Court Administration. The Magistrate's Court is responsible for trying all traffic cases and misdemeanor criminal offenses that carry up to a 30-day prison sentence or a $500 fine. It also handles small claims disputes up to $5,000 in value and landlord-tenant disputes. Cases that have more severe consequences or involve third-time offenders are referred to the General Sessions Court.

Magistrate

Seven magistrates serve in six offices throughout Lexington County. The Offices are Bond Court, Traffic Court, Lexington, Irmo, Batesburg, Swansea, and Cayce-West Columbia. The Governor with the advice of the state Senate appoints magistrates to four-year terms. Each magistrate has countywide authority, with a chief judge coordinating their efforts. The chief judge is designated annually by the Chief Justice of the SC Supreme Court.

The magistrates coordinate their work to efficiently allocate time to each case, exchange ideas and opinions, and cover a district if one of the magistrates is sick or on vacation. Their support for each other and ability to interpret legislation and procedures in the same way ensures a fair and equitable trial for both sides. These efforts are aided through mandatory schooling provided through the state Court Administration.

An ongoing project for the Magistrate's Office is to provide better service to Lexington County citizens. Computers are being utilized, for example, to provide rapid access to files and to contain the cost of hiring new employees. Through these methods, magistrates can serve Lexington County citizens in more efficient ways.

Master-in-Equity:
Handles property matters, such as mortgage foreclosures and liens.

Registration and Elections:
Registers voters, assigns voters to appropriate precincts and conducts elections.

Veterans’ Affairs:
Assists war veterans and their families in applying for and receiving benefits from the federal government.