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 County adjusts schedules for Memorial Day
Richland County Government offices and collection sites will close Monday, May 25, as the County observes Memorial Day. There will be no curbside solid waste collection service Monday. All routes scheduled for that day will be picked up Tuesday, May 26, as all regularly scheduled collections for the week will be delayed one day. Collection routes scheduled for Friday, May 29 will be picked up Saturday, May 30.
While government offices are closed, you can access many services on the County’s website, including those by the Auditor, Treasurer, Assessor and other offices.
 Training, recognition and big machines: Events show pride in County's Public Works team
From maintaining roads and storm drainage, to ensuring timely and consistent solid waste and recycling services and managing Jim Hamilton-L.B. Owens Airport, Richland County's Public Works Department provides an array of vital services. The County annually celebrates the Public Works team during National Public Works Week, held May 17-23 this year.
On Monday, Public Works participated in an “all hands” training event in Columbia. County Councilwoman Cheryl English noted the pivotal role of Public Works staff and thanked them for all they do to sustain the County’s infrastructure. The program also recognized staff for their service and included discussions on safety and best practices. The gathering culminated with a backhoe rodeo, with staff showing off their skills on the big machines.
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On Wednesday, Public Works staff were the guests of honor for a barbecue luncheon at the department's headquarters in Columbia. County Councilmembers, Administration and other County staff were on hand to interact with the Public Works team, and staff were commended for their dedication as stewards of exceptional infrastructure and quality of life. |
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 Council recognizes first responders, National Tennis Month
County Councilmembers recognized two local entities during their meeting Tuesday in Columbia:
- A resolution recognized May 17-23 as Emergency Medical Services Appreciation Week and praised the County’s EMS team for safeguarding human health by providing urgent and timely emergency response to residents.
- A resolution declared May as National Tennis Month in the County. Local tennis organizations were on hand to help commemorate this month-long celebration of the sport, which researchers say promotes longer life expectancy.
Vice Chair Pugh among S.C. Ports program graduates
Earlier this month, S.C. Ports held commencement for the 2025-2026 Port Ambassador class. Richland County Council Vice Chair Derrek Pugh (District 2) was among the list of graduates, which includes community leaders from around the state in diverse industries including government, law enforcement, banking and more.
The Port Ambassador program educates individuals on the work, contributions and future goals of the Ports Authority. Its contributions span environmental and historic preservation, economic growth and community engagement.
Richland County personnel earn kudos for great service
Richland County employees were recently recognized for setting a high bar for remarkable service:
- A resident commended Alicia Ortiz of the County Assessor's Office after a recent phone interaction. The resident said Ortiz provided excellent customer service while assisting with all of their concerns.
- Another resident complimented multiple County staff members: Terri Bennett of the Assessor's Office, and Jacqueline Wilson, Vodray Hollis and Craig Freeman, all of the County Treasurer's Office. The resident noted that it was a pleasure to be helped by these County staff.
To recognize an employee for a job well done, call the Ombudsman: 803-929-6000.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
County Council Meeting
6 p.m. Tuesday, June 2, 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
Public Info 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
OSBO Workshop: Doing Business with Richland County
10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Thursday, June 4, County Administration Building (2nd-floor Council Chambers), 2020 Hampton St., Columbia
This free workshop is designed to help businesses better understand the County’s procurement process. Participants will get an overview of the solicitation portal, learn how to navigate bid opportunities and understand registration and submission requirements. Please register online to attend.
More information
Statewide Democratic and Republican Primaries
7 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday, June 9, various polling locations
Any person wishing to vote in the state's Democratic or Republican primary must be registered in person by May 8.
More information
Homeownership Assistance Workshop
6 p.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, Sheriff’s Department Annex, 2500 Decker Blvd., Columbia
This workshop offers information on the homeownership process and offers eligible individuals or families 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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