Indian Land Action Council - October 2025

INDIAN LAND ACTION COUNCIL

INDIAN LAND DEL WEBB LIBRARY

OCTOBER 23RD, 2025 MEETING

OFFICERS: A. Schwartzkopf, Pres: K. Rogosky, VP; J. Mertes, Sec’y: Vacant, Treasurer

The meeting was called to order by President Schwartzkopf at approximately 7:06PM, EDT.  The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all attendees (10 participants) after there was a moment of reflection.  Mertes presented the Treasurer’s Report: no income or expenditures for the past couple of months so the balance remained $2569.98.  Once the transition relative to banking occurs, Rogosky has $20 in dues to deposit.  Schwartzkopf announced that the organization still is seeking nominations for the Treasurer position.  No nominations were forthcoming.  She also referenced ILAC’s website (indianlandaction.org). 

Suzette Murphy (County Auditor), Dawn Faulkenberry (County Deputy Auditor) and Carrie Helms (County Treasurer) were the guest speakers.  Special guest Jose Luis (County Council Member).

also was present.

Suzette Murphy introduced Dawn Faulkenberry who presented about the responsibilities of the Auditor’s office.  Carrie Helms then made a short presentation on her office and its responsibilities. Their presentation is attached along with my notes (approved by all 3).

Dawn spent a fair amount of time discussing the South Carolina Homestead Exemption. It provides property tax relief for homeowners aged 65 and older, exempting the first $50,000 of their home's fair market value from property taxes.  To qualify for the Homestead Exemption in South Carolina, you must meet the following criteria:

• Age: You must be at least 65 years old as of December 31 of the year preceding the tax year for which you are applying.
• Residency: You must have lived in South Carolina as your permanent home for at least one full calendar year before applying.
• Ownership: You must hold complete title to your primary legal residence, which can include a life estate or be a beneficiary of a trust that holds the title.
• Disability or Blindness: Alternatively, you may qualify if you are totally and permanently disabled or legally blind, as certified by a licensed ophthalmologist.

The $50,000 number has been effective for decades; it has not been adjusted for the constantly increasing value of homes. There were a couple of bills in the SC Legislature recently to increase this amount in recognition of inflation.  However, the respective bills in the house and senate did not get out of committee.  You are encouraged to contact your local state representatives (Indian Land, Mike Neese, House; Michael Johnson, Senate) and advise them of your support to increase the Homestead Exemption.

During/after both presentations there was ample opportunity for the guest speakers and Luis to answer any all questions from the attendees.

The next meeting is on Thursday, November 20th at TBD.

Respectfully submitted,

Jim Mertes

Sec’y, Indian Land Action Council