Sign ordinances, GASB rules and business licensing...hot topics at recent managers' forum

More than 70 city managers and administrators gathered in Columbia last Friday for their twice-a-year forum.

The Association's Tiger Wells reported on recommendations regarding a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that affects local temporary sign ordinances. He and and Sumter City Attorney Eric Shytle shared what they learned at a recent municipal lawyers' conference about how cities may need to change their sign ordinances as a result of this ruling. There's more about this issue in the November Uptown.

Managers also got a briefing about the Association's 2016 advocacy initiatives, and Executive Director Miriam Hair shared details about progress on business license legislation introduced last session. Miriam talked through several business licensing processes that can be streamlined to be more business-friendly.

Plus Miriam rolled out the proposed statewide online portal that would allow businesses to pay their business license tax online. The Association's board of directors approved moving forward with this concept at the recent board retreat. Stay tuned for more information about this as planning progresses.
 
A representative of the Public Employees Benefit Authority laid out next steps for cities to comply with GASB 68. This GASB statement relates to reporting pension liabilities on annual financial reports. An article in the November Uptown gives details on this.

Managers also got information about a seminar regarding GASB 77 on November 18. This GASB statement relates to local governments reporting tax abatements on financial reports and goes into effect for reporting periods after December 15, 2015. Learn more in the November Uptown.The Association is sponsoring this seminar in partnership with the SC Economic Developers Association.