The Commission shall be responsible for the improvement of communication and cooperation among existing and future programs and the administration of one or more new programs designed to improve the health, education, welfare, housing or employment of the residents of Berkeley and Dorchester Counties. To this end the Commission shall be empowered as follows:

(a) To sue and be sued;

(b) To adopt, use and alter a corporate seal;

(c) To make bylaws for the management and regulations of its affairs;

(d) To appoint a director of the Commission and such other officers, agents and employees that the Commission deems necessary, to prescribe their duties, to fix their compensation and to determine if and to what extent they shall be bonded for the faithful performance of their duties; provided, however, that the following persons shall initially be employed by the Commission in the following capacities, if such persons are willing and able to accept such employment: Mr. Thomas Myers, Director; Mr. Bernard Staggers, Assistant Director; Miss Andrea Spann, Executive Secretary; and Mrs. Beverly Jefferson, Bookkeeper;

(e) To undertake the improvement of communication and cooperation among existing and future programs administered by Federal, State, county and municipal governmental agencies and private nonprofit organizations designed to improve the health, education, welfare, housing or employment of the county residents and, with the consent of such agencies and organizations, to coordinate same;

(f) To enter into contracts and agreements for performance of its programs and duties with Federal, State, county and municipal governmental agencies and subdivisions thereof, and private nonprofit organizations;

(g) To accept and receive funds for the performance of its duties in the administration of its programs from such governmental agencies and subdivisions thereof and private nonprofit organizations, as well as any other sources and to this end, the Commission is specifically authorized to accept from the Berkeley, Colleton and Dorchester Counties Economic Development Corporation any gift or bequest of funds or real or personal property;

(h) To designate an executive committee from among the members of the Commission to which may be delegated one or more duties and responsibilities of the Commission; provided, however, that one third of the members of such a committee shall be representatives selected by the poor, and, from time to time, to appoint one or more subcommittees composed of residents of Berkeley and Dorchester Counties to advise and assist in the administration of its program and the performance of its duties;

(i) To maintain adequate accounts and records of its activities, receipts and expenses in conformance with requirements of any contract or agreement with any Federal, State, county or municipal governmental agency, or subdivision thereof, or any private nonprofit organization; and

(j) To acquire, own or hold in trust, preserve, restore, maintain or lease property, facilities and equipment reasonably necessary for the performance of its duties and the administration of its programs.

HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 14-700.16; 1973 (58) 150.