SOUTH CONGAREE, S.C. (WIS) -After hearing concerns from local nonprofit organizations, the South Congaree Town Council voted on first reading Tuesday night to eliminate a $350 special event licensing fee that had been required for events held on town property.
The ordinance, passed in June of last year, was originally intended to help larger events avoid paying a full business license fee. However, nonprofits argued the fee was unfair, especially for community events that are free and generate no revenue.
“Our intent was never to put a financial strain on nonprofits,” said Mayor Cindy Campbell. “Some thought the permit fee was meant for them, but it was never intended for churches or nonprofit groups.”
Events affected by the ordinance included community staples such as Veterans Day programs and Christmas plays. Leaders from local organizations voiced their concerns to WIS in recent weeks.
“We have a hard enough time getting volunteers,” said Jimmy Williams of Jesus Is His Name Ministries. “Don’t charge the nonprofits — all of this is for the community.”
Sylvia Corley-Drennan of Congaree Cares echoed the sentiment. “We do this because we love bringing the community together. We don’t charge or sell anything — it’s all free.”
In response, the council drafted an exemption for nonprofits last week. But on Tuesday, they unanimously voted to remove the ordinance entirely.
Mayor Campbell said the town is now working on a new policy that would better support special events without burdening organizers with high fees.
“We’re talking about creating a new policy to help those folks not have to pay a large business license fee,” she said.
The second reading and final approval of the ordinance’s removal is scheduled for the next council meeting in October.
Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WIS. For more free content like this, subscribe to our email newsletter, and download our apps. Have feedback that can help us improve? Click here.