The Manning Times invited candidates in local and state races to participate in a question-and-answer feature addressing their backgrounds, qualifications, priorities and positions on issues affecting our communities.
Candidates seeking the same office received identical questions, allowing readers to compare their responses on the same topics. Questions were tailored to the responsibilities of each office, with some addressing recent developments covered by The Manning Times. The Q&As are organized by race, with candidates listed alphabetically by last name within each race.
Candidates were asked to limit their responses to approximately 100 to 150 words per question and were offered the option of participating through a phone or in-person interview. Candidates seeking the same office received identical response guidelines. Answers are published as submitted, with only minor edits for grammar, spelling, punctuation, clarity, space and AP style. Response lengths vary according to the information provided by each candidate.
All candidates were given the same deadline to participate, which was subsequently extended to 10 p.m. Oct. 19 to allow additional time for responses.
Patricia Pringle (D), incumbent
Tell voters about yourself, including your education, professional experience, community involvement and what motivated you to seek or continue serving as Clarendon County auditor. What qualifications and experience would you bring to the office?
A lifelong resident of Clarendon County, I am the daughter of the late Rev. J.H. Pringle and Lillie Mae Brunson Pringle, both strong community advocates.
I have served as Clarendon County auditor for more than 23 years. I am an honors graduate of Scott's Branch High School and earned a bachelor's degree in professional biology, with a minor in chemistry and an emphasis in mathematics, and a master's degree in biology, with an emphasis in education, from South Carolina State University.
Before becoming auditor, I worked as a process development chemist and senior quality control analyst at Albemarle Corp.
I currently chair the Auditor's Manual Committee for the South Carolina Association of Auditors, Treasurers and Tax Collectors. I previously chaired the Clarendon School District One Board of Trustees and have been active in church, Rotary and other civic organizations.
My continued focus is on providing accurate, efficient and professional service to Clarendon County residents.
What values or principles led you to affiliate with your political party? Are there positions within your party's platform that you disagree with or would approach differently? If so, what are they, and how would you ensure that your responsibilities as county auditor are carried out fairly and independently of political affiliation?
With the responsibilities of county auditor offices in South Carolina, party affiliation has no role in carrying out the duties of the office. It is relevant only when running for election.
Every taxpaying citizen must be treated equally, with respect and courtesy. Everyone receives a tax bill based on the assessment of their property, and exemptions are granted according to state law.
There is no room for partisanship in administering the office. Using government property for political purposes is also unethical and illegal.
What do you believe are the most important responsibilities of the county auditor, and what would be your top three priorities during the next four years?
The auditor is responsible for maintaining accurate real and personal property tax records and ensuring that taxes are properly levied to meet the budget requirements of the county, municipalities, school district, fire and rescue district, EMS district and library.
My top three priorities are:
It is also important to stay informed about legislative changes affecting local government and maintain strong working relationships with other agencies throughout the county and state.
Clarendon County has postponed its property reassessment process by one year. Although reassessment is primarily the responsibility of the assessor's office, changes in property values can affect tax calculations and create confusion for residents. How would you work with other county offices to ensure accurate tax bills and help taxpayers understand how reassessment affects them?
We currently work with other county offices by staying informed about changes and keeping those offices and the public aware of how changes may affect tax bills.
The assessor's office determines the assessed values of real property, including mobile homes. Our office uses information provided by the assessor and other agencies to prepare accurate tax bills.
When changes are made to property assessments or exemptions, our office makes the necessary adjustments to tax bills.
The auditor, treasurer and tax collector attend mandatory annual training provided by the South Carolina Department of Revenue. The assessor's office also participates in legislative updates with us each fall to help ensure we remain informed about changes in state law.
When residents believe their property tax bills are incorrect, they may not know which county office to contact or how to challenge the information. How would you help taxpayers understand the process for resolving errors or appealing assessments, and what steps would you take to ensure their concerns are addressed promptly and fairly?
All real and personal property tax bills issued by our office include information about the appeal process as required by South Carolina law.
When taxpayers have questions or concerns that fall outside our office's responsibilities, we direct them to the appropriate county office or state agency.
Although our office issues tax bills, the information used to prepare them comes from the assessor's office and other agencies. When corrections are needed, we process the appropriate adjustments, including abatements and refunds, in a timely manner.
Our goal is to ensure taxpayers receive accurate information and are treated with courtesy and respect.
Some residents may qualify for property tax exemptions or other forms of relief but may not know what is available or how to apply. How would you ensure eligible residents, particularly seniors, veterans and people with disabilities, are informed about programs administered through the auditor's office?
Each property tax bill we issue includes information about available exemptions, eligibility requirements and how to apply. This information is also available on the county's website.
We participate in career days at elementary and high schools, senior citizen programs such as OATS, and visits to churches and other community organizations to inform residents about exemptions and benefits available through our office.
We also assist eligible veterans and other individuals who qualify for exemptions with accurately filing their information with the South Carolina Department of Revenue and the auditor's office in a timely manner.
What improvements, if any, would you make to the auditor's office's technology, online services or day-to-day operations to improve efficiency, make tax information more accessible and help residents better understand their tax bills?
One of my priorities is to modernize and streamline our software systems to improve efficiency and provide more timely service to taxpayers.
It is also important to maintain a professionally trained and properly equipped staff capable of meeting the demands of the office and assisting residents with their needs.
Transparency and openness are essential to public service. Our office works to keep residents informed through education, community outreach and civic engagement.
As Clarendon County continues to grow, we must be prepared to meet increasing demands rather than play catch-up. My focus is on maintaining an office that provides accurate, efficient and professional service to every resident.
The auditor works with County Council, the assessor, treasurer and other taxing authorities in administering property taxes. What role should the auditor play in helping county officials and residents understand property tax revenues and millage, and how would you maintain the independence and accountability of the office while working with other county departments?
The county tax offices have separate responsibilities, but their work is closely connected. What happens in one office often affects the work of another.
For example, the assessor's office appraises real property, including mobile homes. If a taxpayer applies for a legal residence or agricultural exemption and the assessor approves it, our office must adjust the tax bill.
If the bill has not been paid, we process an abatement. If it has already been paid, a refund is processed through the treasurer's office.
Our office does not handle money. The auditor's office issues tax bills, while the treasurer's office collects payments and issues refunds.
Maintaining accurate records, understanding the budget needs of the county and other taxing entities, and working with the appropriate agencies are essential to carrying out our responsibilities.
