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Richland County's first tax payment kiosk was unveiled Wednesday at the Hopkins Magistrate's Office, 5425 Lower Richland Blvd. County Treasurer Kendra L. Dove, whose office spearheaded the kiosk launch, was joined at the ribbon cutting by local and state leadership, including S.C. Sen. Darrell Jackson, S.C. Reps. Jermaine Johnson and Robert Reese, County Councilwoman Cheryl English (District 10) and County Administrator Leonardo Brown.
The payment kiosk, the first of its kind in South Carolina, uses a touch screen that allows taxpayers to search for their bills, make a credit card payment, and obtain a paid receipt. In addition to the Hopkins kiosk, two additional locations are planned for the Ballentine and North Springs Park community centers later this month.
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Last Friday, members of Richland County Council, Administration and the Office of Community Development joined local leaders and elected officials in a ribbon cutting for Greg’s Place, the home of Serve & Connect 's newest headquarters. The facility at 8131 Brookfield Road, Columbia, will also serve as a space to connect communities along Decker Boulevard and surrounding areas.
Greg’s Place is named in honor of Greg Alia, a former Forest Acres police officer who was tragically slain in the line of duty.
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County Council, Administration review strategic goals with an eye toward the future
A central aspect of Richland County’s strategic goal to foster good governance is reevaluating its strategic plan to adjust as needed. Members of County Council and Administration highlighted this goal Monday at the County’s Strategic Plan Work Session in downtown Columbia.
The day included a review of current strategic goals and their ongoing progress, plus a discussion of organizational strengths, challenges and areas for improvement.
Today's the deadline! Volunteer to serve your County
Richland County has several vacancies for volunteers on numerous advisory councils, boards and committees. County Council will accept applications for openings through 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10. If you've ever wanted to help shape the future of our communities and the prosperity of our County, now is the time.
Check the list of current openings on the County's website and consider being a new voice in County government.
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Watershed symposium focuses on flood preparedness
District 6 Councilman Don Weaver gave opening remarks during the Gills Creek Watershed Flood Symposium on Thursday.
Officials from Richland County’s Public Works, Conservation, and Emergency Services departments attended the event, which began with a remembrance of the 2015 “1,000-year” flood. Attendees learned about watershed flooding, weather forecasting, emergency warning systems, and preparedness.
The event was sponsored by Richland County, the S.C. Department of Environmental Services, and the Gills Creek Watershed Association.
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Carnaval spotlights diversity with parade, other festivities
Last Saturday, members of County Administration and County Council, including District 3 Councilwoman Tyra K. Little, joined other local leaders for Carnaval del Barrio at Columbia’s R2i2 Conference Center.
The festival included live music, traditional dancing, food trucks, and a parade of nations highlighting the diversity of Hispanic countries.
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CADP helps launch international Quantathon event
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Columbia Area Development Partnership (CADP) CEO Jeff Ruble gave opening remarks at the International Quantum Circuit’s Quantathon v2 event, held at the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina during a kickoff event on Thursday.
The event, which brings together students from colleges throughout the Southeast, gives participants 48 hours for quantum problem-solving and opportunities for collaboration.
Richland County District 4 Councilman Paul Livingston, chair of the Economic Development Committee, also attended.
CADP is a platinum sponsor of the event.
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Councilman helps honor local all-stars with governor
Last week, District 1 County Councilman Jason Branham, by invitation of Gov. Henry McMaster and first lady Peggy McMaster, joined other guests at a reception to honor the Irmo Little League All-Stars. The team claimed the 2025 Southeastern Little League World Series title.
In addition to meeting the governor and first lady and touring the Governor’s Mansion, the Irmo team posed for a photo with the governor and received accolades for representing the Palmetto State before a national audience.
Pictured: Councilman Branham, left, with assistant coach Mike Beckworth.
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County staff receive kudos for helpful customer service
Richland County staff were recently recognized for providing valuable customer service.
A resident commended LaRonda Blocker, of the County Assessor's Office, for showing friendliness and professionalism while reviewing local properties.
Another resident commended the crew from the County's Roads and Drainage Division, who performed work on Old Creek Road recently. The resident stated this is the best the road has looked in many years.
To recognize an employee for a job well done, call the County Ombudsman: 803-929-6000.
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Richland County Council Meeting
6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, County Administration Building (2nd-floor Council Chambers), 2020 Hampton St., Columbia
Meetings are streamed live on the County's YouTube and Facebook pages.
More information
Annual Planning Conference: Places, Plans & Neighborhood Pride
10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St., Columbia
Get information on neighborhood planning and more at this event hosted by the Richland County Neighborhood Improvement Program. Learn the roles of County departments and what you can do to improve your neighborhood.
More information / register
THRIVE 25: Taking Hold of Resources to Ignite Visibility and Expansion
8 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, The Meeting Place Banquet and Conference Center, 201 Columbia Mall Blvd. #201, Columbia
Through dynamic networking, exhibitor showcases, and powerful conversations, the annual Small Business Forum creates direct pathways for small businesses to connect with buyers, procurement officers and prime contractors.
More information / register
Early Voting for Richland County Municipal Elections
8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 20-31 (Monday-Friday), County Administration Building, 2020 Hampton St., Columbia
Vote early for elections in Arcadia Lakes, Blythewood, Cayce (no eligible voters), Columbia, and Irmo.
More information
District 2 Town Hall Meeting: Rezoning
6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, Upper Richland Community Center, 356 Camp Ground Road, Columbia
Councilman Derrek Pugh and County Planning staff invite residents to participate in community developments during this public town hall meeting.
More information
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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
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District 1
Councilman Jason Branham / 803-542-0002
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District 2
Councilman Derrek Pugh (Vice Chair) / 803-977-4339
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District 3
Councilwoman Tyra Little / 803-422-0203
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District 4
Councilman Paul Livingston / 803-765-1192
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District 5
Councilperson Allison Terracio / 803-622-6029
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District 6
Councilman Don Weaver / 803-995-3703
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District 7
Councilwoman Gretchen D. Barron / 803-977-4337
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District 8
Councilwoman Tish Dozier Alleyne / 803-457-2597
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District 9
Councilwoman Jesica Mackey (Chairwoman) / 803-977-4338
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District 10
Councilwoman Cheryl English / 803-949-0770
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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.
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