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 County offices closed Monday for Presidents Day
Richland County Government offices will close Monday, Feb. 16 for Presidents Day. All County Solid Waste and Recycling facilities will also be closed Monday. Curbside collection services are not affected and will run on regular schedules.
While offices are closed, access many services on the County's website, including those by the Auditor, Treasurer, Assessor and other offices.
American SpiralWeld Pipe celebrated the grand opening of its new 44,000-square-foot blasting and coating facility in Southeast Richland with a ribbon cutting Thursday.
The facility has been in the works since 2021, when County Council approved incentives for the project, which brings an investment of $46 million and 100 new jobs. On Thursday, Jeff Ruble, CEO of the Columbia Area Development Partnership, discussed the boost to the County’s workforce as demand for large-diameter water transmission pipe continues to grow.
American SpiralWeld manufactures steel pipe in diameters up to 144 inches. The company also makes fire hydrants, valves, and ductile iron pipe for the waterworks industry, as well as high-frequency welded steel pipe for the oil and natural gas industries.
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Earlier this week, Richland County Council joined Columbia City Council and other local leaders downtown for the launch and overview sessions for the city’s Riverfront Park Project. Attendees learned about plans for the project and the future of Columbia’s Riverfront District along the Congaree River.
The idea behind a future riverfront park is to create a space that connects the existing Riverfront and Granby parks and also establish a development that serves as a regional attraction, celebrating the area's natural landscape and history.
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 Serenity now! County boosts massage studio's opening
Last Saturday, A Piece of Divine Serenity massage studio celebrated its opening with a ribbon cutting at 919 True St., Suite S, Columbia. The ceremony featured remarks by Richland County Councilwoman Chakisse Newton (District 11); La’Sasha Breland, assistant director of the County’s Office of Small Business Opportunity; and Ayesha Driggers, director of the City of Columbia Government's Office of Business Opportunities.
Ruble named one of Columbia's 50 'Most Influential'
Jeff Ruble, president and CEO of the Columbia Area Development Partnership, was recently named to Columbia Business Monthly’s 50 Most Influential People and Hall of Fame for 2025.
The magazine's list honors influential businesspeople who enrich the Midlands with their work in health care, education, marketing and communications, government and more. Ruble has served on regional and statewide economic development groups for 30 years, helping attract businesses to South Carolina.
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Council honors County's deputy clerk for 20-year service
During Tuesday’s County Council meeting, Michelle Onley, deputy clerk of Council, was recognized for 20 years of service to Richland County Government. In addition to her current role, Onley has served as assistant clerk of council and interim clerk of council during her tenure.
The County congratulates Onley on two decades of unwavering commitment and dedication to the Clerk of Council’s Office, with gratitude and appreciation for her work to support County Council and the community.
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On Thursday, Richland County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) celebrated "Galentine’s Day" with a bake sale at the County's Judicial Center in Columbia. Residents and employees could purchase sweet treats and stuffed animals, with proceeds going to CASA.
Session gives small businesses insights on construction
Richland County's Office of Small Business Opportunity (OSBO) recently hosted an exclusive engagement session for County-certified Small Local Business Enterprises. The session gave small-business owners the chance to interact directly with Batson-Cook Construction, an OSBO industry partner.
Attendees gained insight on Batson-Cook’s operations and subcontracting expectations, along with pathways for potential contracting opportunities.
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County employees lauded for excellent service to residents
Richland County staff members were recently recognized for going the extra mile in service to residents:
- A resident complimented Judy Johnson, of the Auditor's Office, for providing excellent customer service and showing great patience. The resident also praised the entire Assessor's Office and Auditor's Office staff.
- A second resident commended Mia Martin, of the County Assessor's Office, for showing exceptional professionalism, empathy and effectiveness while helping with an application for legal residence.
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. 24, 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
District 7 Town Hall Meeting
6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, Doko Manor, 100 Alvina Hagood Circle, Blythewood
County Councilwoman Gretchen D. Cooper (District 7) and County staff will discuss traffic study, Comprehensive Plan, and Transportation Penny updates at this public meeting.
More information
Special Cleanup: Woodfield Park Community
8 a.m.-10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18, Woodfield Park community, Columbia
County Councilmembers Cheryl English, Tish Dozier Alleyne and Tyra Little are teaming up with Richland County Public Works for this cleanup event.
More information
Voter Ambassador Program Training
5 p.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18, County Voter Registration and Elections Office, 300 Columbia Mall Blvd., Suite 210, Columbia
This program will train community members to serve as Voter Ambassadors, who will host voter registration drives, educate others about elections, and empower their communities to vote.
More information
District 2 Town Hall Meeting
6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, Upper Richland Community Center, 280 Camp Ground Road, Columbia
County Councilman Derrek Pugh (District 2) and County staff invite residents to participate in community developments during this public town hall meeting.
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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