Georgetown County Taxpayer Academy offers residents look inside local government

Georgetown County recently started its fourth annual Taxpayer Academy, a four‑week program designed to give residents an inside look at how county government operates and how tax dollars are used.

Held in conjunction with National County Government Month, the academy includes a class of 10 participants who will tour county departments and facilities over four consecutive Thursdays during the month of April. The small class size allows for discussion, questions and direct interaction with county officials while participants learn about day‑to‑day operations. 

The program is open to any Georgetown County resident, though space is limited and seats are filled on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Interest has grown in recent years, with classes filling quickly and a waiting list already forming for future sessions.

One of those former participants, retired county resident Kenneth Baeszler, said the experience offered valuable insight into the breadth of county operations. In feedback from last year’s class, Baeszler highlighted visits to the Georgetown County Airport and the Board of Elections as particularly eye‑opening, citing both departments as essential to economic development and public confidence in elections.

Baeszler said the academy helped him better appreciate the organization and effort required to manage county services and reinforced his sense that tax dollars are being used effectively. He added that the program provides residents with perspective that is easy to overlook in day‑to‑day life.

For more information, contact Jackie Broach, Georgetown County’s Public Information Officer at [email protected].