July 11, 2025

North Charleston Councilman Continues Salary Amid Charges

News Summary

Despite being suspended and facing federal corruption charges, North Charleston Councilman Mike A. Brown continues to receive his annual salary of $23,260. This situation raises concerns regarding the compliance of the city with state laws, especially as other officials have faced different consequences post-indictment. The legal framework regarding salary payments for suspended officials appears inconsistent, and calls for immediate policy changes are emerging as the ethical implications continue to be debated.

North Charleston, South Carolina – Councilman Mike A. Brown of North Charleston continues to receive his city salary of $23,260 per year despite being suspended from office and facing federal corruption charges. Brown was indicted on these charges in February and subsequently had his position suspended by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster. However, the city has not made any moves to discontinue his salary payments, raising concerns regarding compliance with state law.

According to current practices, there are no existing plans by the city to halt Brown’s salary, which contrasts with how other elected officials, such as S.C. Representative RJ May, have been treated following indictment. In May’s case, he was suspended without pay after being indicted. This discrepancy points to a broader inconsistency in how pay is managed for officials facing indictments, highlighting variances between state legislators and local elected officials.

The legal framework regarding the suspension and payment of public officials in South Carolina is clear: state legislators automatically forfeit their pay upon indictment unless an alternative decision is reached by either the House or Senate. However, this law does not extend the same requirement to local elected officials like Brown. As a result, municipalities, including North Charleston, have discretion over salary payments for suspended officials, which can lead to differing practices.

Opinions from the South Carolina Attorney General emphasize that typically, suspended officials should not receive compensation unless their suspension is deemed unlawful. The South Carolina Supreme Court has supported this notion, reinforcing that public officials may be denied pay during their suspension period. However, in Brown’s circumstances, a city spokesperson remarked that since the suspension ordered by the governor did not mention withholding pay, it is interpreted that the city lacks authority to terminate Brown’s salary.

The ongoing payments to Brown have raised eyebrows and sparked conversations around potential violations of state law by North Charleston. Concerns have been raised from various quarters regarding the ethical implications of continuing to compensate an official under indictment for corruption. This situation has led to suggestions for immediate cessation of payments to Brown, alongside recommendations for new ordinances aimed at regulating pay suspensions for any elected officials who are indicted.

Currently, Brown maintains his position as a council member while the legal proceedings unfold. The North Charleston city council’s decision to continue his payments, despite the suspension and indictment, poses questions about accountability and governance. As the situation develops, the attorney general’s office remains available for legal guidance and clarification on the matter, with North Charleston employing at least three staff attorneys to navigate the complexities involved.

This unusual case reflects the broader issues regarding how municipalities handle the financial consequences of criminal allegations against their elected officials. With evolving legal interpretations and shifting public expectations, cities could face greater pressure to ensure that similar situations are approached with greater uniformity and respect for ethical standards moving forward. The council’s actions, or lack thereof, may set a precedent for how local governments manage financial accountability in cases of corruption, ultimately influencing future policy discussions within both local and state governance frameworks.

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Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.