County offices closed Friday to honor Juneteenth

Richland County Government offices will close Friday, June 19 to observe Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. All County Solid Waste & Recycling facilities will also be closed Friday and return to their regular schedules Saturday, June 20. Curbside trash and recycling collection will not be affected and will run as scheduled.

While government offices are closed, you can access many County services, including those by the Auditor, Treasurer, Assessor and other offices, on the County's website.

Fire station's groundbreaking points to equitable infrastructure, future growth in northwest area

Richland County celebrated the future home of the Upper Ballentine Fire Station on Monday morning at a groundbreaking in Chapin.  County leaders and fire department staff were on hand to welcome this investment in public safety and emergency response services in an area that has seen progressive development. Council Chair Jesica Mackey (District 9), Councilman Jason Branham (District 1), Administrator Leonardo Brown and Fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins spoke about the enhanced emergency preparedness and service delivery the new station will provide.

Council lauds Risk Management, Vector Control teams for keeping staff, residents safe, healthy

During Tuesday’s Richland County Council meeting, Councilmembers recognized County entities focused on proper preparedness and pest control. These included:  A Council resolution honoring June as National Safety Month in Richland County and praising the efforts of the County’s Office of Risk Management. Council recognized the office for using Enterprise Risk Management principles to foster a safe, secure work environment.

A proclamation naming June 21-27 as National Mosquito Control Awareness Week. The recognition commended the County’s Vector Control Division for raising awareness of mosquitoes as carriers of deadly diseases and protecting public health through effective vector management.

NEWS AROUND THE COUNTY

Staff make time for baseball, bonding at Fireflies' ballpark

Richland County held an Employee Appreciation Night for County staff last Saturday at Segra Park in downtown Columbia, with attendees enjoying baseball action between the Columbia Fireflies and the Delmarva Shorebirds. The evening gave employees a chance to engage outside the office and spend time with family and friends. Employees in attendance received a treat, as County Administrator Leonardo Brown kicked off the night in style by throwing out the first pitch. To top off the evening's good vibes, the hometown Fireflies held on to beat the Shorebirds, 9-6.

County Council adopts new budget, Comprehensive Plan

During their meeting Tuesday, Richland County Councilmembers adopted the County budget for fiscal year 2026-2027. The budget includes $1.65 billion toward workforce and public service deliverables, public safety improvements, strategic capital and infrastructure enhancements, and intentional investments that advance the County's strategic priorities. Also Tuesday, County Council adopted “Reimagine Richland,” the 10-year update of the County’s Comprehensive Plan that will serve as a long-term guide for future development. This initiative, which outlines the County’s vision for growth, development and preservation over the next two decades, will be used to guide future policies, zoning decisions and capital investments.

Workshop offers custodial connections to small-biz owners

Last Friday, Richland County's Office of Small Business Opportunity (OSBO) held a workshop for County-certified Small Local Business Enterprises that offer custodial, property maintenance and other specialty services. The event introduced small-business owners to Bettina Bennett-Walker, owner and founder of Miss Annie's Janitorial and Decluttering Services. Bennett-Walker provided creative ways for small businesses to market their services and access new contracting opportunities. Attendees also learned about sub-contracting opportunities available through Bennett-Walker’s business.

County staff receive kudos for providing valuable service

Richland County employees were recently recognized for setting a high bar for remarkable service: A resident contacted the County to commend Rochelle Johnson of the Treasurer's Office. The resident said Johnson showed patience while guiding them through every step of the tax payment process. Kelly Fleming of the County's Ombudsman's Office received a comment of appreciation after a recent interaction. The writer said "Kelly's initiative turned what could have been a frustrating experience into a genuine win" while solving their problem. To recognize an employee for a job well done, call the Ombudsman: 803-929-6000.

UPCOMING EVENTS

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

• District 1
  Councilman Jason Branham / 803-542-0002
• District 2
  Councilman Derrek Pugh (Vice Chair) / 803-977-4339
• District 3
  Councilwoman Tyra Little / 803-422-0203
• District 4
  Councilman Paul Livingston / 803-765-1192
• District 5
  Councilperson Allison Terracio / 803-622-6029
• District 6
  Councilman Don Weaver / 803-995-3703
• District 7
  Councilwoman Gretchen D. Cooper / 803-977-4337
• District 8
  Councilwoman Tish Dozier Alleyne / 803-457-2597
• District 9
  Councilwoman Jesica Mackey (Chairwoman) / 803-977-4338
• District 10
  Councilwoman Cheryl English / 803-949-0770
• 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.