Confused over County or City Services

I am often asked: "Do I live in Charleston City or Charleston County?"

"Who do I contact, the city or the county?

"What's the difference ?"

"If I live in the city, why do I have county services ?"

Basically, Charleston City and Charleston County are two branches of government, each performing different services for the citizens.

While the city provides specific services to its residences, the county provides specific services to ALL Charleston county residences, in the city or outside the city.

The CITY provides: Law enforcement

Roads

Drainage

Planning

Public parks

Trash pick-up

Municipal courts

The COUNTY provides: Public libraries

Public parks

Boat landings & beach parks,

Mosquito control

Landfill & incinerator

Recycle pick-up

Voter registration & elections

Court systems: The Courthouse,

Family Court

Circuit Court

Criminal Court

Public safety: EMS

Emergency operations center

Jail and Juvenile Detention center

School crossing guards

Drug and alcohol treatment to residences via Charleston

Center

If you aren't sure who to contact, call either entity. They will assist or direct you in finding the appropriate resource.