It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting BallentineShealy House in Chapin, SC gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Chapin, SC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Started in home care services with ABC for my mother recently. Kayla helped make the”
“Great service and communication. Caring staff. Kayla is wonderful. Highly recommend.”
“Got services started with Kayla in the Always Best Care Grandstrand office in SC about”
“Excellent services!! Kayla is great.”
“Always providing exceptional care and compassion to all of our surrounding areas.”
“Lisa helped my family understand the best options for my parents and the resources available.”
“Always Best Care has been a lifesaver for our family. We have worked with them”
“Thank you for the care you gave to my dad. He did not have any”
“Always Best Care provided excellent care when I was discharged from Atrium after surgery- the”
“Lisa and her team at Always Best Care have been a great partner and resource”
“Amazing staff and services. Much appreciated.”
“I will have to say having worked in healthcare myself, Darrell with Always Best Care”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care was just absolutely wonderful. I”
“I love working for this company.”
“I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not”
“I love being able to work with this company, the owners are great people and”
“Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing”
“I am a past client of this provider Services were geared according to need. We were”
“Nate is an exceptional mentor - he is extremely knowledgeable about senior care and gracious”
“Nate and his staff are wonderful people. It's great to know that when you need”
“I am a past client of this provider I used this nursing service for my cousin”
“Chuck and his personnel are truly the best. They helped us with mom and always”
“Started in home care services with ABC for my mother recently. Kayla helped make the process smooth and eliminated a lot of stress. Caregivers have been excellent and very helpful in day to day care.”
“Great service and communication. Caring staff. Kayla is wonderful. Highly recommend.”
“Got services started with Kayla in the Always Best Care Grandstrand office in SC about getting some assistance for my father. She was very knowledgeable and helped me get everything set up, and took a huge weight off my shoulders and was a consistent supporter throughout the entire process!”
“Excellent services!! Kayla is great.”
“Always providing exceptional care and compassion to all of our surrounding areas.”
“Lisa helped my family understand the best options for my parents and the resources available. She has great contacts and helped guide us thru the process. We received wonderful service. Thanks!”
“Always Best Care has been a lifesaver for our family. We have worked with them twice, both in emergency situations and they have treated us as if we were their only clients. Within an hour of our first call, we had paperwork completed and a caregiver on the way – and that was a holiday weekend. When the second emergency occurred, we knew exactly who to contact. We truly appreciate everything that Lisa, Melissa and the entire team have done for our family.”
“Thank you for the care you gave to my dad. He did not have any family living close to him. My sister and I were relived to know he was well taken care of. The caregivers truly care about your loved ones.”
“Always Best Care provided excellent care when I was discharged from Atrium after surgery- the office staff and caregivers were professional and caring- would definitely recommend if you need care at home-”
“Lisa and her team at Always Best Care have been a great partner and resource in providing services to our patients!”
“Amazing staff and services. Much appreciated.”
“I will have to say having worked in healthcare myself, Darrell with Always Best Care is the best! He truly cares about his clients! He takes personal interest in the client. Darrell works with you until your needs are addressed allowing your loved one to remain as independent as possible in their own home. Thank you Darrell Always Best Care! You have truly made a diffence!”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care was just absolutely wonderful. I needed to qualify people who could deal with my sister with brain cancer. My sister would throw people in and out of her house; it was crazy. She died on December 5th. Always Best Care sent incredible people. I don't know where they came from, but they had one girl who was the only person my sister never attempted to throw out of the house. I'd never hear one bad word about this woman who was actually pulling double shifts at the end because my sister liked her so much. For some reason, this woman understood my sister and brain cancer. Brain cancer is hard to deal with because people could be pretty mean and abusive and they don't know what they're doing really. My sister was also going blind at the same time. It was not easy. I just wanted to say what wonderful care we received from Always Best Care. It was amazing. They were just coming and being there. My sister was crazy, and she didn't want anybody overnight, until she finally let me have someone come in overnight. On that night, she died. She got to die in her home, which is what I'm trying to do because that too was the most important thing of all. Always Best Care was able to staff at short notice and send really good people. I was impressed, and I would highly recommend them. They would help my sister get to the bathroom. She weighed 70 pounds when she died, but she was still able to walk. She had cancers on both her femurs, and her blood pressure was 80/47. They just helped with everything, like fixing her small meals, fixing coffee, and talking to her if she wanted to talk or not talking to her if she didn't want to talk. They were just very great with their help. My sister had brain cancer and she was belligerent. Always Best Care would find people within their staff. Also, it didn't take them long, I didn't have to wait. We had letters from others saying they don't have staff right now. With Always Best Care, I did it over the phone with a woman who was a Godsend. I think the caregiver was sent almost the first day and was there every day except on the weekend when they sent someone else. That person seemed to work out OK, too, which amazed me. For some reason, these people knew how to appease someone who is really crazy. It was the cancer; it was in my sister's head. You have to be tough-skinned and just realize that this is the disease talking to you and not a person. They were able to do that, and I feel very blessed.”
“I love working for this company.”
“I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not express the level of care and compassion that was shown for her. The nurses felt like family! Especially Alicia. You treated my cousin as if she was your family and I can't thank you enough for that. You not only took care of her but us also. I would recommend this service 100%! We only used them for 1 month as my cousin passed quickly. I d not have a single negative remark. Thank you Chuck! Your nurses are amazing.”
“I love being able to work with this company, the owners are great people and support me daily! We have many calls to work on performance and continue to grow and learn!”
“Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing to see what was needed. Very flexible and focused needs of patient All caregivers were on time We had a great experience”
“I am a past client of this provider Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing to see what was needed. Very flexible and focused needs of patient All caregivers were on time We had a great experience”
“Nate is an exceptional mentor - he is extremely knowledgeable about senior care and gracious in his willingness to help others succeed.”
“Nate and his staff are wonderful people. It's great to know that when you need someone they will be there for your loved ones and care about their well-being.”
“I am a past client of this provider I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not express the level of care and compassion that was shown for her. The nurses felt like family! Especially Alicia. You treated my cousin as if she was your family and I can't thank you enough for that. You not only took care of her but us also. I would recommend this service 100%! We only used them for 1 month as my cousin passed quickly. I d not have a single negative remark. Thank you Chuck! Your nurses are amazing. Donna O.”
“Chuck and his personnel are truly the best. They helped us with mom and always focused on the care and not a much of processes and forms. I would highly recommend them to all.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Crooked Creek Park in Chapin, SC with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Chophouse of Chapin, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Chapin, SC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Chapin, SC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Chapin, SC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
A new Wendy’s restaurant is open for business at 564 Columbia Ave. in Chapin, its franchise owner has announced.Greater Chapin Chamber of Commerce leaders attended a ribbon-cutting celebration at the eatery on Friday, Oct. 2.“This restaurant has been updated with our customers in mind,” said Tad Dolbier, CEO of the Tar Heel Capital Corp. “We believe our fans will be delighted by our classic fresh menu offerings, breakfast lineup, late-night hours and by the fresh look and feel. Today’s consumers wi...
A new Wendy’s restaurant is open for business at 564 Columbia Ave. in Chapin, its franchise owner has announced.
Greater Chapin Chamber of Commerce leaders attended a ribbon-cutting celebration at the eatery on Friday, Oct. 2.
“This restaurant has been updated with our customers in mind,” said Tad Dolbier, CEO of the Tar Heel Capital Corp. “We believe our fans will be delighted by our classic fresh menu offerings, breakfast lineup, late-night hours and by the fresh look and feel. Today’s consumers will also love our mobile and kiosk ordering (and) contactless pick-up and delivery options when they dine with their family and friends. Delivery drivers and mobile customers can use our new convenient walk-up window and convenient parking.”
Wendy’s is known for its square hamburgers, chicken nuggets, chili and Frosty shakes. The chain is also promoting its morning menu, which includes the Breakfast Baconator, French toast sticks, croissants and biscuits. Coffee options include vanilla, chocolate and caramel cold brew.
The interior footprint was designed to have a lower impact on the environment and showcases open, bright dining areas with multiple seating options and Wi-Fi, according to a news release.
A Coca-Cola Freestyle beverage dispenser allows for contact-free, customized drink choices. The touch-free mobile pouring fountain offers over 150 regular and low-calorie beverages, including a variety of branded waters, sports drinks and sparkling beverages, all controlled from customers’ smartphones. Fresh lemonade in a variety of flavors has also become a Wendy’s favorite.
“Our ultimate goal is for our customers to have an easy, fast and tailored dining experience while enjoying the freshly made, delicious Wendy’s food they love,” Dolbier said. “We think they will find that at their new Wendy’s.”
Based in Boone, North Carolina, the Tar Heel Capital Corp. operates 88 restaurants in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.
Jobs are still available at the Chapin location, which is expected to employ about 40 people. For information on employment opportunities, visit TarHeelCapital.com or text WEN83 to 25000.
CHAPIN, S.C. (WIS) - The South Carolina Attorney General’s Office has weighed in on a power struggle between Chapin’s mayor and other members of its town council.Despite it not being a formal opinion, the office said that based on state law and previous opinions, Chapin Mayor Bill Mitchell does not have sole authority to hire and direct a town attorney.WIS on Thursday obtained a letter dated Aug. 3 from Chapin Town Councilwoman and Mayor Pro Tem Ainslee Bost, sent to the attorney general’s office requesting an...
CHAPIN, S.C. (WIS) - The South Carolina Attorney General’s Office has weighed in on a power struggle between Chapin’s mayor and other members of its town council.
Despite it not being a formal opinion, the office said that based on state law and previous opinions, Chapin Mayor Bill Mitchell does not have sole authority to hire and direct a town attorney.
WIS on Thursday obtained a letter dated Aug. 3 from Chapin Town Councilwoman and Mayor Pro Tem Ainslee Bost, sent to the attorney general’s office requesting an opinion on the matter.
As outlined in state law, Chapin operates under a mayor-council form of government that is more commonly referred to as a “strong mayor” system.
However, Bost and other council members have recently gone public, citing issues with the mayor making some decisions — including the hiring of a town attorney — without their knowledge or input.
That led to weeks of heated council meetings throughout late July and into August, with Mitchell insisting that his actions aligned with state law.
“During approximately the past eight months, the town has experienced unprecedented instability in its legal representation,” Bost’s letter to the attorney general’s office read in part. “Four municipal attorneys have either been terminated or have resigned after being engaged by the Mayor without prior approval or authorization from Town Council.”
Those claims echo those raised by Bost and other council members during a July 21 council meeting, with one council member saying “nobody wants to work with us” because of Mitchell’s reputation.
That meeting led to other council members giving Mitchell a vote of no confidence, urging him to consider stepping down. The mayor has since said he will not resign.
Three days after Bost sent her letter, Mitchell announced that he had hired a new town attorney, Georgia-based Bubba Samuels. The other council members, however, began moving to curtail what Mitchell asserted as his sole authority to, among other things, hire the town’s legal counsel. Mitchell then threatened legal action against the other members of council.
Bost’s letter also highlighted allegations of Mitchell telling town employees not to communicate with council members without his knowledge, or be at risk of termination. This was an allegation also brought up publicly at the July 21 meeting.
She also wrote that the lack of transparency from Mitchell greatly limits the rest of council’s ability “to obtain complete and timely information necessary to perform its legislative, budgetary, and oversight responsibilities.”
“The resulting uncertainty has significantly impaired the Town’s ability to obtain stable legal representation and has raised substantial questions regarding which municipal body possesses statutory authority,” Bost continued.
Bost also provided copies of ordinances passed by the town council regarding its ability to create and organize departments, hire and direct attorneys, as well as another that would appoint two members as liaisons between the council and town attorneys.
The town gave final approval to those ordinances on Aug. 20.
In a response to Bost’s letter on Aug. 6, Assistant Attorney General David Leggett acknowledged the office could not give a formal opinion, as that would require a request from all of town council.
However, he did note that state law says the mayor does not have sole authority to hire an attorney. Under Title 5 of South Carolina law, that responsibility would fall on all of town council, regardless of the type of municipal government.
The city council may elect or appoint a municipal attorney and a judge or judges of the municipal court, whose duties shall be as prescribed by law. No mayor or councilman shall be so elected or appointed to serve as municipal judge during his term of office. The provisions of this section do not apply to a mayor who presides over a mayor’s court in his capacity as mayor as authorized in SECTION 5-7-90.
SC Code of Laws - Section 5-7-230
Leggett also noted that while Title 5 gives the mayor sole authority as a supervisor of city employees under a mayor-council form of government, it exempts things from that supervision. Citing that law and previous opinions from the attorney general’s office, Leggett said among those exemptions is the hiring and direction of a town attorney.
“As is discussed in the attached opinions, authority over the town attorney has been granted to council, not the mayor,” he wrote.
Title 5 also requires the mayor to submit a “complete report on the finances and administrative activities” and other reports that council requires.
Regarding council’s lack of communication with town employees, Leggett noted that the law only applies to council-manager forms of government, citing a previous opinion from the attorney general’s office.
“As such, the ability of council members to speak with municipal employees should be even wider than what is discussed in the opinion,” he wrote.
However, Leggett said the office could not comment further on the matter and encouraged separate legal counsel for more advice. Leggett also did not comment on the ordinances provided by Bost, saying they “appear to be born out of political disputes, not questions of law.”
“Overall, we encourage you, the other members of Town Council, and the Mayor to work collaboratively in pursuit of an amicable resolution to these problems. A functioning government is in the best interest of the public you represent. If you are unable to resolve through discussion and compromise, it may become necessary to pursue litigation,” Leggett’s response concluded.
Bost said discussions with the mayor did not resolve the disagreement.
“Conversations just kept going in circles. We felt like we were not being heard. He was very dead set on the fact that he was the only person who could hire special counsel, and we felt like that was not true. We’re not asking for anything more than what we were voted to do. We were voted in to help make these decisions and to hire people to represent our town, and that’s all we are trying to do,” Bost said.
Bost and her peers claim four attorneys have either quit or been fired since the mayor started hiring legal counsel without their approval.
Mitchell said he is not at odds with the AG’s findings and said his most recent hire was different.
“Regarding the AG’s opinion, I totally agree with everything he has said -- nor did I ever disagree. We need some clarity here. I hired the Samuels firm with an engagement letter that I singlehandedly signed to represent us about utility laws,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell said that hire was narrow in scope, bringing on a specialist for utility matters, not a general town attorney, a distinction he argues falls outside council’s authority.
Bost disagrees and said all attorneys fall under the blanket of responsibility, no matter the specification.
Mitchell also responded to continuing disagreements within Chapin council.
“I am not negotiating my job description with the other council members for peace. You have a job description that we all share and I have a job description -- can we please stay in our lanes? I’m not in charge of the whole world over here,” Mitchell said.
Chapin Town Council has rescheduled its meeting to Monday, Aug. 31, with one agenda item regarding “discussion of employment of attorneys.”
The council is also expected to discuss a lawsuit recently filed by Lexington County over Mitchell’s attempts to block the county’s nearly $20 million land sale of the vacant Chapin Technology Park.
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Two Midlands towns are taking steps to change the ways their communities are run, and they are going about it in very different ways.In the town of Irmo, voters will be asked this November to approve a change in town government by referendum, moving from a council-led model to one that empowers a town manager to run Irmo’s day-to-day affairs. Up Interstate 26 in the town of Chapin, a power struggle is underway under a different style of government, between the town’s “strong” mayor and the town council trying t...
Two Midlands towns are taking steps to change the ways their communities are run, and they are going about it in very different ways.
In the town of Irmo, voters will be asked this November to approve a change in town government by referendum, moving from a council-led model to one that empowers a town manager to run Irmo’s day-to-day affairs. Up Interstate 26 in the town of Chapin, a power struggle is underway under a different style of government, between the town’s “strong” mayor and the town council trying to exert its own authority.
The contrast shows how South Carolina’s towns and cities can operate under very different rules, often with very different results.
The state allows municipalities to operate under three forms of government, as explained by the S.C. Municipal Association — and all three are in evidence in the suburbs northwest of Columbia.
Irmo leaders say the vote won’t change how the town operates so much as solidify how it already operates.
“The reality is we have operated as council-manager forever, longer than I’ve been involved with the town,” Mayor Bill Danielson previously told The State, pointing to ordinances that vest most of council’s nominal authority in the town administrator already.
Irmo Town Administrator Jim Crosland, who previously worked as the city manager in nearby Cayce, said town residents wouldn’t notice a difference in town operations, but if the referendum passes, it would bring the town more in line with how it’s actually run.
Until late last year, Chapin had a similar structure to Irmo, with Town Administrator Nicholle Burroughs overseeing much of the town’s operations day-to-day. But unlike in a council-manager government, an administrator is a subordinate town employee to the mayor.
When Mayor Bill Mitchell was elected in November 2025, he eliminated the administrator position and took over administration of the town as a full-time mayor.
Since leaving her job in Chapin, Burroughs has moved down the road and become deputy administrator in Irmo.
Mitchell has disagreed with Chapin’s town council over his management style. In recent weeks, council members have voted no confidence in Mitchell’s leadership, and passed measures to allow the council to hire and direct a town attorney outside the mayor’s control.
At a town council meeting on Thursday, Mitchell said his council colleagues’ maneuvers were going against the spirit of Chapin’s adopted form of government.
“You can’t ordinance your way into a council form of government,” the mayor said.
South Carolina law requires that a town adopt one of the three forms of government by a voter referendum, just like Irmo is pursuing now. Chapin adopted its current mayor-council form in a townwide-vote in 1976, according to the town website.
So far, Chapin’s town council has not moved to change the town’s form of government outright, thought Mitchell suggested at Thursday’s meeting that the council may want to try in the future.
Not every attempt to get voter approval for that kind of change succeeds. Back in 2013, then-Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin tried to get the capital city to approve a change from council-manager to strong mayor when Benjamin was at the height of his popularity in the city.
He handily won re-election to a second term that year, but a separate referendum on changing Columbia’s form of government went down to defeat by 14 percentage points. Opponents warned that it would place “absolute power” in the hands of the mayor.
CHAPIN — Town council and the mayor were again at odds, arguing about the legality and language in proposed amendments to several local ordinances at a special called meeting on July 30.Bill Mitchell claimed the council was attempting to strip him of the authority vested in him as mayor, while council argued he was “mischaracterizing” an attempt to update the language to match South Carolina law.It’s the latest conflict in what has been months of escalating tension between the mayor and council, culminat...
CHAPIN — Town council and the mayor were again at odds, arguing about the legality and language in proposed amendments to several local ordinances at a special called meeting on July 30.
Bill Mitchell claimed the council was attempting to strip him of the authority vested in him as mayor, while council argued he was “mischaracterizing” an attempt to update the language to match South Carolina law.
It’s the latest conflict in what has been months of escalating tension between the mayor and council, culminating in a surprise vote of “no confidence” in Mitchell at a meeting on July 21.
Almost a week ago, Mitchell posted a video to Facebook in an attempt to “extend an olive branch” to his colleagues and apologize for his behavior at the meeting. He pledged that council would find a way to work together going forward.
At the July 30 meeting, council proposed changing:
The town’s code currently places the authority for both of those functions with the “mayor and council.”
Councilmember Mike Clonts clarified during the meeting that state law considers the mayor to be a part of council, so any reference to “the council” in the ordinance would include the mayor’s vote.
“Mr. Mayor, as you clearly stated, you are a member of council. You are the chairman,” Clonts said. “So when we say council, that includes you. We haven’t excluded you.”
“Then why change the wording?” Mitchell fired back. “I consider that talking out of both sides of your mouth. You’re saying one thing and you’re doing another.”
Mitchell claimed that this was an attempt to supersede Chapin’s mayor-council form of government — where the mayor is the town’s chief administrator, and the council is vested with the authority to pass legislation.
“That is disenfranchising every citizen of this town,” Mitchell said, pointing to the fact the Chapin residents voted in 1977 and 1989 for the current form of local government.
Even in this form of government, however, the mayor is still considered a part of the whole council.
Mitchell said he plans to reach out to the Attorney General’s office for guidance on the ordinance changes.
The council also proposed creating a new ordinance that would create a “council liaison” to the town attorney.
Mitchell read the new ordinance aloud, in part, at the meeting: “The town council intends that the appointed council liaisons serve solely as communication and coordination representatives and shall possess no independent authority to direct litigation, strategy, settle claims, waive attorney client privilege, retain experts, authorize expenditures, or otherwise bind the town, except as expressing authorized by the council.”
Since Mitchell took office, the council alleged that five attorneys have either been fired by the mayor or quit, citing a hostile work environment created by Mitchell.
In one case, Mayor Pro Tem Ainslee Bost said Mitchell “sabotaged” the council’s attempt to hire a new attorney by “belittling” the man in a closed-door meeting.
“This level of turnover is extraordinary and has made it increasingly difficult to recruit a qualified legal council willing to represent the town,” Bost said at the meeting. “Our responsibility is to create a professional working environment that allows the town attorney to effectively advise the governing body without becoming entangled in unnecessary conflict.”
The town still does not have an attorney, despite an ongoing legal battle with Lexington County over its plan to sell the Chapin Technology Park and add it to the proposed Brighton development, which would add 600 homes on the door step of the municipality of roughly 2,000 people.
Mitchell said he" “strongly disagreed” with this new ordinance, claiming it would give two councilmembers more authority than him.
Councilmember Warren Burritt clarified that the ordinance was designed to create “a bridge between the lawyers and the council.”
“The two liaisons will have no power to make decisions without council approval,” he said.
Town Council will vote on the ordinance, as well as the other proposed amendments, at a future meeting.
An attorney hired by Chapin’s mayor challenged whether a flurry of changes the town council has passed are valid, even as council members approved a measure that means he may not represent the town going forward.Bubba Samuels was hired by Chapin Mayor Bill Mitchell to give legal advice to the town for employment and utility matters, but the other four members of Chapin Town Council say they were unaware of that until a few weeks ago. Council members before Thursday’s meeting claim to have never met the Buford, Georgia,-bas...
An attorney hired by Chapin’s mayor challenged whether a flurry of changes the town council has passed are valid, even as council members approved a measure that means he may not represent the town going forward.
Bubba Samuels was hired by Chapin Mayor Bill Mitchell to give legal advice to the town for employment and utility matters, but the other four members of Chapin Town Council say they were unaware of that until a few weeks ago. Council members before Thursday’s meeting claim to have never met the Buford, Georgia,-based attorney before he appeared to defend his hiring at a specially-called town council Thursday.
This week’s meeting was the latest in a back-and-forth between the mayor elected last year and the rest of the town council who have voted no confidence in his leadership of the town, called on him to resign and pushed through a slew of measures to wrest more oversight of the town, over the mayor’s strenuous objections.
“It’s clear you need some legal advice and counsel,” Samuels told council members after observing much of the three-hour meeting at town hall. “You need a town attorney to advise you.”
That’s the intent of one measure the town council passed Thursday, to make the town attorney a post that reports to the council and not the mayor. Council members complained the mayor has withheld information about legal challenges facing the town and made decisions — like hiring an attorney — without their knowledge.
Mitchell, who was the only vote against the measure, contends he is empowered to make hiring, firing and spending decisions on his own as long as he operates within the town budget. Now, an attorney in theory would report to the council as a whole and would work with two designated council members in addition to the mayor.
Samuels, who drove three hours from his Georgia law office on 24 hours’ notice to be at Thursday’s meeting, told council he believed that measure violated the mayor’s authority under Chapin’s “strong mayor” form of government.
“The respective duties and obligations of the mayor and council are set out in statute,” Samuels said. “They have been analyzed over and over by the courts. The chief executive officer has to be in a position to work with the lawyers of the town.”
But many council members questioned Samuels’ ability to represent the town while living and working out of state. Many point out his law license was listed as “inactive” by the state bar association until recently. Samuels blamed that on changes to the mutual recognition of licenses between Georgia and South Carolina and has since been corrected, he said.
Council members also publicly questioned Samuels about a previous disciplinary action from the bar association. He said while serving as a county attorney, he inadvertently took a call from a magistrate judge about a case he was involved in separately from his work with the county. He said he self-reported the violation to the bar, and the incident taught him to be more careful in how he represents local governments.
He told council members, who may now decide if he remains the town’s attorney, that he would still like to use that experience to help them in what appeared to be an impromptu job interview.
“I don’t know why you want to,” Mitchell told the attorney at one point. “Many would not.”
Samuels said his practice works with many municipalities “whose governing body is dysfunctional.”
Council members agreed they needed legal advice on how to handle pressing town concerns, including potential litigation with Lexington County over whether the town will provide sewer service to a new development outside of town that Chapin leaders oppose.
“We don’t know what litigation is being discussed or what meetings are happening,” said Councilwoman Ainslee Bost. “Our constituents ask us questions about it and we don’t know, so we look like fools.”
Discussion about lawyers was only one item the council majority approved over Mitchell’s objections Thursday, including other changes to how town council agendas are set and who can call council meetings. One measure introduced at the meeting would require a town council member to co-sign any spending decisions made by the mayor or a town department head.
“That’s not to say we think anything is going wrong or anyone’s doing anything bad,” Bost said at the meeting. “This is about providing oversight... so there’s a third party who is objective because they are not working here.”
Mitchell said before those motions passed that he would like to refer the motions to the S.C. Municipal Association or the attorney general’s office for an opinion on their legality, but the council pushed through the measures in 4-1 votes. Mitchell reiterated a previous threat to challenge the council’s motions in court, which would create the possibility of a mayor suing his own town.
Speaking to The State after the meting, Mitchell said he would “put on pause” any legal action to see if he and the council members can improve their working relationship moving forward, and said Thursday’s meeting had actually helped put them on the same page.
”What’s on display here is the raw reality of a brand new municipal council in place, a brand new mayor and two new council members,” Mitchell said. “And that is quite difficult to manage for all of us and painful for that to be on display while we’re working through it. But my desire is to be transparent, albeit I don’t want to put unelected people out in public like that.”
He acknowledged his council colleagues will now decide on the town’s attorney, but said he hoped they would decide to retain Samuels in that role.
“He took a six-hour round trip to be here and answer questions,” Mitchell said. “His heart for municipalities is quite impressive... we struck gold with him.”
The last motion passed Thursday was to ask the Municipal Association to provide training for all members of town council on their responsibilities. Mitchell suggested that training should take place at a future public meeting.
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