Counties get reports full of local data

A new report by the South Carolina Association of Counties will give local officials another tool to attract new industries and reassure citizens that their tax dollars are being used wisely.

The association sent its "2008 County Profiles" to county officials last week. It's also posted online for anyone to study.

"I would definitely think it's useful to everybody, not just officials but citizens," said Berkeley County Deputy Supervisor Chip Boling.

The report shows how fast each county has been growing, new jobs, debt ratios and how much money the county collects and spends.

Dorchester County Council Chairman Larry Hargett called it "the most interesting document I've seen since I've been on council."

The report shows Dorchester County as the fastest-growing county in the state, always a nice point when officials are comparing their measurements with each other, which is one of the reasons the association publishes the report.

Berkeley and Charleston counties also are among the top 10 fastest-growing counties.

From 2000 through 2007, Dorchester County averaged an annual growth rate of 4 percent, tops in the state.

Berkeley County posted a 2.1 percent growth rate to come in at No. 6, and Charleston County grew at 1.5 percent, No. 10.

The report also shows each county's debt and credit ratings, key factors in borrowing more money.

In terms of per capita debt, the amount owed compared to the population, Dorchester County is carrying the heaviest load locally and Berkeley the least.

Dorchester County has borrowed tens of millions of dollars the last few years for more sewers and roads to handle its growth.

More growth will be needed to pay the debts, but Hargett said he's not concerned.

"I think it shows we have a very healthy balance," Hargett said.

"When (counties) stop growing, the first thing they do is raise taxes."

A key factor in a county's ability to grow and attract new industries is its credit rating. The better the rating, the easier it is to borrow money at lower interest rates.

All three counties have good credit ratings, especially Charleston County.

Charleston County is the only local county with a Standard & Poor rating. S&P gives Charleston County its highest rating, AAA.

Moody's rates Charleston County at Aa1, almost the highest possible (Aaa). Berkeley and Dorchester counties are both rated at A1, which is better than good (A) but less than excellent (Aa)

Dorchester County led the region in population growth, but Berkeley County created new jobs the fastest between 2000 and 2006.

Overall, though, most of the new jobs created during those years were in Charleston County, fueling the trend for more houses and continuing the dominant traffic patterns of driving toward Charleston in the morning and away from the city in the afternoon.

It's easy to find a job in the Charleston area, where unemployment is among the lowest in the state, according to the report. Only Greenville, Beaufort and Lexington counties are better.

But it's harder to find a job that pays well, with salaries well below the national average.

The average wage per job is $36,365 in Charleston County, $36,012 in Berkeley County and $29,966 in Dorchester County.

Reach Dave Munday at 745-5862 or dmunday@postandcourier.com.