§ 2-99. Ordinances and resolutions.

(a)

Definitions. Prior to introduction, all proposed ordinances and resolutions shall be submitted by the departments/agencies to be approved by the administrator and county attorney as to form and draftsmanship. As used herein, the term "ordinance" shall be an ordinance having the force of law. Resolutions shall not have the force of law, but shall express the opinion, feeling or recommendation of council concerning a particular thing or matter.

(b)

Written ordinances and resolutions. All proposed ordinances and resolutions should be typed or printed. As practical, a copy for each member of the council provided at least 24 hours before introduction.

(c)

Reading of ordinances and resolutions. If all members of council are furnished with a copy of a proposed ordinance or resolution, a verbatim reading thereof shall not be read unless such reading is specifically requested by a member.

(d)

Introduction of ordinances and resolutions. Any member or committee of council may introduce an ordinance for the first reading at any public meeting of council and, if practical, by placing the matter on the agenda with the administrator at least three business days prior to the meeting and, if practical, a copy of said ordinance shall be forwarded to each member of council by the clerk prior to the council meeting.

(1)

First reading. At the first reading of an ordinance, the ordinance may be referred by the chairman to an appropriate committee.

(2)

Second and third reading. Committee reports on a proposed ordinance shall ordinarily be made at the next consecutive council meeting following introduction and first reading. At least one day prior to the second reading of an ordinance, type written or printed copies of the text, of the ordinance and the committee report thereon shall be delivered to every member of the council. After all amendments and privileged motions, if any, are disposed of, the question shall be, shall the ordinance receive second reading. After the ordinance has received second reading, it shall be given third reading at a subsequent meeting of council, and amendments may be offered on third reading. After all amendments and privileged motions, if any, are disposed of, the question shall be the passage of the ordinance.

(3)

Adoption of resolutions. A resolution does not have the force and effect of law and may be adopted at any meeting of council. A report of the committee shall ordinarily be made on the next meeting and the resolution may be adopted by council at that meeting or any subsequent meeting. Any resolution which is up for adoption may be amended. All amendments must be in writing and germane to the proposed resolution. After all amendments and privileged motions, if any, are dispensed with, the question shall be the adoption of the resolution.

(4)

Vote of council. Except as otherwise provided herein, all ordinances, resolutions, codes or policies may be passed or adopted by a majority of the members present for its passage or adoption.

(5)

Emergency ordinances. In accordance with S.C. Code 1976, as amended, council may adopt emergency ordinances.

(Ord. No. 81-15, § 3-4, 9-21-1981; Ord. No. 97-05, § III, 2-25-1997)