S.C. Code Ann. § 4-7-40

Whenever a petition is filed for the formation of a new county the petitioners shall deposit with the clerk of court of any county affected thereby an amount of money sufficient to cover expenses of survey and plats, of the commissioners and of the election to be held to determine whether the proposed new county shall be formed. In case the result of the election be unfavorable to such formation, the deposit so required and designated shall become a part of the funds of the county or counties from which such new county was proposed to be formed.