County Offices, Drop-off Sites Closing for Holiday

Richland County Government offices will close for Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 1. Trash routes scheduled for Monday will be picked up Tuesday, Sept. 2, and all regularly scheduled collections for the week will be delayed one day. Richland County’s C&D Landfill Drop-off Center, Lower Richland Drop-off Center and Clemson Road Recycling Site will also be closed Monday.

While offices are closed, many services are accessible on the County’s website, including those of the Auditor, Treasurer, Assessor and other offices.

County Collaborates for Blight Cleanup

On Monday, Richland County Councilwoman Tyra K. Little (District 3), along with Administrator Leonardo Brown and members of County Administration, the Department of Public Works, the Richland County Sheriff's Department and the Columbia-Richland Fire Department, gathered to survey a blight remediation request on Eastman Street in District 3. This cleanup effort represents the County's collective mission to promote community pride and improve quality of life for residents who call our neighborhoods home. Watch for future updates on restoration efforts for this area.

'Reimagine' Forums Point Way Toward Future

The final phase of "Reimagine Richland," the planning process to update the County’s Comprehensive Plan, began Wednesday night at 701 Whaley in Columbia. County Planning staff joined consulting partners to discuss the County’s vision for future conservation and development. Councilmembers Tyra K. Little (District 3) and Allison Terracio (District 5) engaged with residents to learn their goals and ideas for preservation and growth in Richland County. The next Comprehensive Plan public forum is at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3 at Meadowlake Park, 600 Beckman Road, Columbia.

NEWS AROUND THE COUNTY

Denny Terrace's New Pickleball Courts Are Ready to Serve

Pickleball courts at the Richland County Recreation Commission’s Denny Terrace gym in North Columbia are ready for action. County Councilman Paul Livingston (District 4) and commission staff joined Tuesday's ribbon cutting and provided remarks. The freshly resurfaced courts feature new vinyl-coated fencing and are located at 6429-A Bishop Ave., Columbia. Find out how to sign up on the U.S. Tennis Association's website.

Richland County Earns Top Credit Ratings

Richland County recently earned top ratings from two of the nation’s premier credit rating bureaus, a nod to the County’s sound financial practices and policies.

• Moody’s Ratings assigned its Aaa rating to the County’s proposed $70 million general obligation bonds, which are used to fund capital projects. 
• S&P Global assigned its AAA long-term rating to the County’s general obligation bonds and affirmed its AAA long-term rating on the County’s outstanding general obligation debt.

These ratings, the highest assigned by each agency, are shared by only the nation’s most financially stable governments and signal to investors and taxpayers alike that Richland County is well-managed, fiscally responsible and well-positioned for long-term success. The ratings also allow the County to borrow at a lower cost, ensuring taxpayer dollars are maximized for public projects and community improvements.

Celebration Highlights School Supplies, Local Resources

Last Saturday, residents enjoyed food, games and musical performances at the Crane Creek Community Festival at Forest Heights Elementary School in Columbia. School supplies and clothing items were distributed to local children and vendors shared community resources at the event, which was jointly hosted by: Councilwoman Gretchen D. Barron (District 7) Forest Heights Elementary School Temple Zion Baptist Church and the North Monticello Community Outreach group State Rep. Chris Hart (House District 73)

New Challenge Coins Press High Standards

County Administrator Leonardo Brown presented the County's first Challenge Coins during Tuesday's Council meeting as part of a new County initiative. Inspired by a military tradition, the exchange of a Challenge Coin symbolizes the bond, respect and attributes shared between comrades. In his remarks, Brown read aloud the attributes inscribed on the coin: Servant Leadership, Integrity, Empathy, Governance, Humility and Transparency. Brown presented coins to members of County Council, along with Probate Judge Amy McCulloch, Treasurer Kendra Dove and Fifth Circuit Solicitor Byron Gipson.

County Staff Member Lauded for Helpful Service

A Richland County employee was recently recognized for providing valuable assistance. Terri Bennett, of the County Assessor's Office, was commended for showing patience and professionalism while assisting a resident and his son with tax documents. To recognize an employee for a job well done, call the County Ombudsman: 803-929-6000.

UPCOMING EVENTS

RICHLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

Richland County Council conducts regular session meetings the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers. All meetings are open to the public.

Councilmembers and contact info

• District 1
  Councilman Jason Branham / 803-542-0002
• District 2
  Councilman Derrek Pugh (Vice Chair) / 803-977-4339
• District 3
  Councilwoman Tyra Little / 803-422-0203
• District 4
  Councilman Paul Livingston / 803-765-1192
• District 5
  Councilperson Allison Terracio / 803-622-6029
• District 6
  Councilman Don Weaver / 803-995-3703
• District 7
  Councilwoman Gretchen D. Barron / 803-977-4337
• District 8
  Councilwoman Tish Dozier Alleyne / 803-457-2597
• District 9
  Councilwoman Jesica Mackey (Chairwoman) / 803-977-4338
• District 10
  Councilwoman Cheryl English / 803-949-0770
• District 11
  Councilwoman Chakisse Newton / 803-973-9652

For matters pertaining to Council, you may also email the Clerk of Council or call 803-576-2060.