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  Children's advocates show volunteers some love
Richland County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) recognized its volunteers' compassion, service and commitment Wednesday during an Appreciation Luncheon.
The event at the County Voter Registration and Elections Office in Columbia was a chance to thank those volunteers, which include college students, volunteer advocates and child welfare professionals for being a voice for vulnerable children in the County’s family court system. Volunteers support the work of CASA through fundraising, community events and advocacy.
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Give your input on the County's proposed budget
Richland County welcomes public feedback on its operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins July 1. An in-person public hearing is set for 6 p.m. Thursday, May 21 in Council Chambers at the County Administration Building, 2020 Hampton St., Columbia. The meeting will stream live on the County’s YouTube and Facebook pages.
Residents interested in giving comments on the budget at the public hearing must pre-register by emailing the Clerk to Council's Office by 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 19. Those who cannot attend the public hearing may also send written comments to the same email address to be read into the record. The deadline to submit written comments is also 5 p.m. May 19. Residents may attend the hearing even if they do not sign up to speak.
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 Discussion highlights nonprofit's collaborative message
The Richland County Neighborhood Improvement Program’s April SPEED (Sustainability, Planning, Education, Engagement and Development) meeting April 23 featured a discussion on collaboration between local law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.
At the County Administration Building in Columbia, Kassy Alia Ray, founder and CEO of local nonprofit Serve & Connect, gave an overview of the organization's core programs, including Greg’s Groceries and the Decker Collective, a segment of the Compass Program. Compass aims to transform neighborhoods by bridging gaps between police and the community. Attendees learned about Serve & Connect's work and discovered ways to connect with local law enforcement for the collective good.
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County keeping safety in mind as mosquito control begins
Richland County Vector Control crews are set to begin spraying for mosquitoes in densely populated unincorporated areas of the County to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illness.
Crews routinely spray between midnight and dawn, although operations could begin earlier as conditions warrant. When spray trucks are nearby, residents should stay inside to allow crews to effectively cover the area. Pesticides will not be applied to private property. Have questions? Contact Vector Control through the County Ombudsman’s Office: 803-929-6000.
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Residents recognize County personnel for excellent service
Richland County employees were recently recognized for setting a high bar for remarkable service:
- A respondent shared their recent positive experience with Grace Thomas and Tiffanie Benson, both of the County's Register of Deeds Division, saying working with Grace and Tiffanie was “very pleasurable."
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Sade McCloud, of the Richland County Assessor's Office, was commended by a resident for being kind, earnest, helpful and professional during a recent interaction.
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, May 5, 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: Rezoning
6 p.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, Killian Park gym, 1424 Marthan Road, Blythewood
County Councilwoman Gretchen D. Cooper and County staff invite residents to participate in community developments during this public meeting.
More information
Public Hearing: FY2026-2027 Budget
6 p.m. Thursday, May 21, County Administration Building (2nd-floor Council Chambers), 2020 Hampton St., Columbia
The County welcomes feedback from the public on its operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Residents interested in giving comments at the public hearing must pre-register by emailing the Clerk to Council's Office by 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 19.
More information
Public Information Meeting: Transportation Upgrades on Polo Road
5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, Northeast Presbyterian Church, 601 Polo Road, Columbia
This drop-in style meeting will feature a general discussion of overall project updates on Polo Road. Residents can attend at their convenience, discuss concerns related to the project with County staff, and provide comments.
More information
Probate Court Workshop
1 p.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, Judicial Center, 1701 Main St., Columbia
Richland County Probate Court offers workshops to assist attorneys, paralegals and the general public on the procedures of probate court. Upon completing the workshop, representatives will be familiar with the forms and the process.
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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