Page 4 - Florence County, SC Florence County 2032: Connecting Our Past, Defining Our Future

planning arena, where Counties normally have a more direct and extensive role than in other areas that
residents value, such as education and social services. Of necessity, comprehensive plans, as vision and policy
documents, also must remain relatively general.
• The resulting plan may not touch on every challenge before the County, but it is meant to set a tone and
motivate concerted efforts to move the community forward in coming years.
• There are certainly recommendations contained in the plan for future study of specific areas. If the County
wishes to expand and explore study on specific needs, funding should be set aside to program and prepare
for those specific deep dives.
Next Steps

A comprehensive plan, if embraced by leadership and residents, has the potential to take a community to
a whole new level in terms of livability and tangible accomplishments.
The plan is ultimately a guidance document for County officials and staff, who must make decisions on a
daily basis that will determine the future direction, financial health, and “look and feel” of the community.
These decisions are carried out through:
• Targeted programs and expenditures prioritized through the County’s annual budget process,
including routine but essential functions such as code compliance.
• Major public improvements and land acquisitions financed through the County’s budgeting efforts.
• New regulations that stem from this plan.

• Departmental work plans and resources in key areas.
• Support for ongoing planning and studies that will further clarify needs, costs, benefits and
strategies.
• Pursuit of external grant funding to supplement local budgets and/or expedite certain projects.
• Initiatives pursued in conjunction with other public and private partners to leverage resources and

achieve successes neither could accomplish on their own.

Florence County, SC | Comprehensive Plan pg. 3