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 County offices closing Monday to honor MLK Jr.
Richland County Government offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 19 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. All County Solid Waste and Recycling facilities will also be closed. Curbside collection will not be affected and will run as scheduled.
While offices are closed, residents can access services, including those by the Auditor, Treasurer, Assessor and other offices, on the County’s website.
On Tuesday, members of County Council and County staff joined City of Columbia leaders, state officials and community members for the unveiling of a historical marker for Villa Tronco, the state’s oldest continuously operating restaurant, on downtown's Blanding Street.
Villa Tronco formerly housed the city’s first paid fire department and Southern Bell Telephone Co. before becoming a restaurant in 1940. The marker recognizes the location's extraordinary past and celebrates Villa Tronco's 80+ years as a community hub.
County Councilmen Jason Branham, Paul Livingston and Don Weaver were on hand Tuesday, along with John McKenzie of the County’s Conservation Division and Conservation Commissioner Charles Weber. The historical marker was made possible in part through support of the Conservation Commission.
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Council unites to discuss aspirations for future
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Richland County's annual Strategic Planning Forum wrapped up Friday afternoon in Charlotte, N.C. Over two days, County Councilmembers and staff discussed the past year's achievements and focused on goals and opportunities for 2026.
To watch a video live stream from both days of the forum, just click the button below.
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Treasurer Dove advises of changes to Postal Service rules
Federal changes to the U.S. Postal Service’s (USPS) mail process could affect when Richland County receives residents' tax payments. Under the new rules, instead of letters being postmarked the day a post office receives them, those items will now be postmarked when the USPS processes them. This means time-sensitive mailings can take longer to process.
All County tax payments will continue to be processed based on the date mail is postmarked. And residents can continue to make payments in person, at kiosk locations, or online. The tax payment penalty date for 2025 real estate taxes was Thursday, Jan. 15.
Pugh speaks on Scout, infrastructure at breakfast meeting
Richland County Council Vice Chair Derrek Pugh attended the Greater Blythewood Chamber of Commerce’s monthly breakfast meeting Tuesday at Doko Manor. The breakfast featured a panel of local elected officials, including Blythewood Councilwoman Andrea Fripp and state Rep. Kambrell Garvin (District 77), who discussed topics impacting residents and business owners in Blythewood.
Councilman Pugh provided updates on the continued growth of Scout Motors and ongoing infrastructure projects in District 2, among other topics.
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County staff commended for exemplary customer service
Multiple Richland County staff members were recently recognized for providing excellent customer service to residents:
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Sade McCloud, of the County Assessor's Office, was commended for for providing a pleasant experience while answering a resident's questions about real estate property taxes.
- A resident complimented Rochelle Johnson, of the County Treasurer's Office, for being polite and professional while assisting with his tax payment.
- Another resident commended Terri Bennett and Sade McCloud, both of the Assessor's Office, for being patient and showing professionalism despite a busy day in the office.
To recognize an employee for a job well done, call the Ombudsman: 803-929-6000.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Richland County Council Meeting
6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, 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
Early Voting for Town of Arcadia Lakes Town Council Special Election
8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20-Friday, Jan. 30, County Voter Registration and Elections Office, 300 Columbia Mall Blvd., Suite 210, Columbia
The Special Election for Town of Arcadia Lakes Town Council will be held Feb. 3.
More information
District 1 Town Hall Meeting
6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26, Ballentine Community Center, 1009 Bickley Road, Irmo
County Councilman Jason Branham (District 1) and County Planning staff will discuss a property rezoning request and other topics at this public meeting.
More information
Homeownership Assistance Workshop
6 p.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, County Sheriff's Department Annex, 2500 Decker Blvd., Columbia
This workshop will discuss the homeownership process. Eligible individuals or families can receive a deferred forgivable loan of up to $24,500 to assist with down payment and closing costs.
More information
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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
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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. Cooper / 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 Council-related matters, you may also email the Clerk of Council or call 803-576-2060.
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