A First: Town Gets Share of State Bingo Tax

State Rep. Wallace Scarborough (center) presents a $22,544.70 check

to the town of James Island for use in park and recreation projects.

James Island Mayor Mary Clark (left) and town Grants Administrator

Mary Jo Thomas (right) also were on hand for the presentation.

The "check" handed to James Island town officials was one of those ironing-board-size reproductions often used at staged events to celebrate the awarding of a grant or donation to a state or local entity, or a charity.

And although the amount on the mock check read just $22,544.70, the check seemed really BIG to town officials.

The check marks the first time the town has received a share of state bingo tax revenue that is dispensed by the S.C. Department of Revenue and Taxation for park and recreation projects. The town's status is in legal limbo, and officials there say they feel they don't get the respect a town deserves when it comes to other agencies sharing funds and services.

The money, along with other funds, will be used to improve Dock Street Park, a small community park at the end of Patterson Avenue. The park, which has large trees, magnificent views of the marsh and of three area bridges, has an old wooden pier that needs revitalization, James Island Mayor Mary Clark said.

Clark said the check is a significant event for the town, and it reinforces her belief that, "We are a town and we are here to stay," she said.

The park is in Bay Front subdivision, where neighbors such as Eric Draper are excited about the grant.

The first two incorporations were voided by state courts after the adjacent city of Charleston filed challenges maintaining the incorporation was not in accordance with state law. Charleston is again challenging the town's legal status, and the case is pending in Circuit Court.

State Rep. Wallace Scarborough, whose District 115 includes James Island, said he was angry when he heard that the town's application for a bingo revenue grant had been denied. He said he informed bingo fund program administrators that if they didn't give James Island its fair share, "I'd look at ways of cutting the program down."

Scarborough said he sought and received the support of state Sen. Glenn McConnell, chairman of the local legislative delegation.

The bingo tax provides municipalities with several hundred thousand dollars in assistance each year. "I felt James Island wasn't getting the assistance they deserved," Scarborough said.

Dock Street Park is owned by the James Island Recreation Commission, a group that rarely meets and does not have the authority to raise money on its own.