Why Join the Town of James Island?

Why Join the Town of James Island?

The Town is Here to Stay
The Town of James Island was incorporated for the fourth time in April of 2012.   There is no legal challenge to the Town's existence, so the Town is here to stay.   Approximately 1/3 of the Town's former population was left out to make sure there was no challenge.   As it becomes possible to annex these lost neighborhoods, the Town is organizing annexation elections.    There is an annexation election on Tuesday, February 25.   This is your opportunity for your neighborhood to rejoin the Town.

Property Taxes
If your neighborhood rejoins the Town of James Island your property taxes will be lower.   The Town receives money from the Local Option  Sales Tax and can use those funds to reduce the property taxes of Town residents.  We anticipate the average homeowner will pay 10 percent less property tax next year.

Better Crime Prevention
The Town has formed the Island Sheriff's Patrol.   The Sheriff's Office will continue to fight crime in your neighborhood, but the Town funds additional Sheriff's Deputies for added protection.   If your neighborhood rejoins the Town, any time you have a crime or traffic problem, you can call Town Hall.   The Island Sheriff's Patrol will be dispatched to help solve your neighborhood's problem.

Excellent Fire Protection
If your neighborhood joins the Town, you will continue to received excellent fire protection from the James Island Public Service District.   Because of the mutual aid agreement with the City of Charleston, both Fire Departments on the Island will  continue to help protect your home.

Excellent Garbage and Trash Pickup
The Town remains within the James Island Public Service District.   If your neighborhood rejoins the Town, you will continue to enjoy twice weekly garbage pickup and public servants willing to take away yard and other household debris each week.   

Convenient Building Services
When you plan an addition to your house or a major home improvement, do you want to drive to North Charleston?   If your neighborhood rejoins the Town, these services will be found here on the Island, at Town Hall on the corner of Camp and Dills Bluff.    While the Town continues to work closely with Charleston County, a top priority is to make sure that average homeowners do not need to drive to the County Office Building to obtain local services.

Roads and Drainage
Do you have a problem with drainage or potholes in your neighborhood?   If your neighborhood rejoins the Town, our Public Works Coordinator will work with State and County public works departments to make sure your problem is fixed promptly.   The Town is funding the expansion of sidewalks in Town neighborhoods, including along Camp Road.

Having a Say About Our Island
If your neighborhood stays in unincorporated Charleston County, you will have no voice in choosing the Town's Mayor and Council.   If you rejoin the Town, you will continue to vote for Charleston County Council, but will also be represented in decisions made by the Town.

Election Tuesday February 25.

Don't Forget to Vote