Local planners, longtime library manager saluted

On Tuesday, Richland County Council celebrated County departments and residents with resolutions: The County's Planning Department was recognized in tandem with National Community Planning Month. The resolution honored the department's work to ensure structured growth where we live. Leslie Tetreault, manager of Richland Library’s Children and Teen Department, was acknowledged for her 40-year career with the library, where she has helped generations of children discover a love of reading and learning.

NEWS AROUND THE COUNTY

County honors custodial staff for behind-the-scenes efforts

Last Friday, Richland County recognized National Custodian Day, giving staff a chance to acknowledge its Custodial Services team for the important work they do daily. The honors continued Tuesday, as County Council honored the team with a resolution recognizing its sustained commitment to keeping County facilities clean and germ-free for employees and residents. While much of their work happens behind the scenes, the impact of Custodial Services' efforts is visible at County facilities every day.

Fire Prevention Parade, festivities spread safety message

On Wednesday, County leaders, including Administrator Leonardo Brown, joined Columbia-Richland Fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins, firefighters and others for the fire department’s Fire Prevention Parade and Community Block Party. Parade-goers walked from W.A. Perry Middle School to Drew Wellness Center, greeting students and residents along the way.

The event concluded with a block party at Drew Wellness Center that featured free food, games and fire safety information. The annual event is a local highlight of National Fire Prevention Week. This year's theme, "Charge into Fire Safety. Safe Charging is a Superpower," focuses on everyday habits that can help keep homes and communities safer.

Customer Service Week highlights commitment to care

Happy Customer Service Week! Celebrated during the first full week of October, this week recognizes both employees who interact directly with customers and those whose behind-the-scenes work helps create a positive customer experience.

For Richland County Government, the week provides an opportunity to reconnect the daily work of staff to the people and communities the County serves. From helping residents pay taxes and obtain building permits to providing solutions over the phone for all things Richland County, our staff members strive to embody service excellence in all they do.

County employees lauded for going above and beyond

Richland County personnel were recently recognized for setting a high bar for remarkable service: Terri Bennett, of the County Assessor's Office, and Tetteaira Scott, of the County Auditor's Office, were commended for providing amazing customer service and going the extra mile to help a resident.  A resident complimented Officer Deborah Drakeford and the staff of the County's Special Services Division for helping to conduct a recent Clean Sweep in the Briarwood subdivision. Staff of the County Assessor's Office and the County Auditor's Office were commended by a resident for their pleasant, helpful and cheerful service overall.

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.