LEVERAGING THE POSSIBILITIES RICHLAND COUNTY
ANNUAL REPORT 2025
“ACHIEVEMENT THRIVES IN THE FERTILE GROUND OF A NURTURING COMMUNITY.”
— ALICE WALKER
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2025 Richland County Annual Report
SHAPING TOMORROW TOGETHER Like many government organizations in 2026, Richland County finds itself striving to meet the fast-evolving needs and expectations of an increasingly diverse community in the digital era. As the second half of the decade opens, we face an important opportunity to provide a modern customer experience that our residents, businesses and partnering organizations expect. Helping to guide these efforts are a set of six strategic goals developed by Richland County Council. These goals clarify priorities for how the County governs and budgets for our community as we move forward. In this report, you’ll find many highlights from 2025 that showcase our employees’ commitment to these priorities, and in turn, to our stakeholders. Richland County Government is uniquely positioned to connect with our residents and fully focused on those who live, work and play here. By fostering and strengthening such connections, we can shape tomorrow together and forge ahead into a bright future.
Leonardo Brown
Richland County Administrator
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RICHLAND COUNTY COUNCIL Richland County operates under the Council-Administrator form of government. County Councilmembers are elected in November general elections from single-member districts for four-year terms beginning Jan. 1 of the following year. The 11-member Council appoints an Administrator to be the chief administrative officer of Richland County Government and to manage all departments under the jurisdiction of Richland County Council. The Administrator executes the policies, directives and legislative actions of Council, manages and coordinates operations, prepares operating and capital budgets and performs essential duties in overseeing the daily and long-term activities of County government.
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Jason Branham
Derrek Pugh
Tyra Little
Paul Livingston
Allison Terracio
District 1 2022-2026
District 2 2024-2028
District 3 2024-2028
District 4 2022-2026
District 5 2022-2026
Don Weaver
Gretchen D. Cooper
Tish Dozier Alleyne
Jesica Mackey
Cheryl English
Chakisse Newton
District 6 2022-2026
District 7 2024-2028
District 8 2024-2028
District 9 2024-2028
District 10 2024-2028
District 11 2022-2026
2025 Richland County Annual Report
COUNTY BY DISTRICT
Council Meetings Richland County Council generally meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers at the County Administration Building located at 2020 Hampton St., Columbia. All regularly scheduled Council meetings can be viewed live and on demand at richlandcountysc.gov. Contact Your Councilmember To contact a Councilmember, call or email the Clerk to Council’s Office at 803-576-2060 or rccoco@richlandcountysc.gov
2025 Richland County Annual Report
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RICHLAND COUNTY ELECTED OFFICIALS In addition to County Council, Richland County voters elect officials for seven other public office positions.
Paul Brawley Auditor
Jeanette McBride
Byron E. Gipson Solicitor
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Naida Rutherford
Auditor
Coroner
Leon Lott Sheriff
Amy McCulloch Probate Judge
Kendra L. Dove Treasurer
2025 Richland County Annual Report
LUSH WOODLANDS NEAR DECKER BOULEVARD WILL SHADE THE FUTURE SITE OF THE JACKSON CREEK GREENWAY, A TRANSPORTATION PENNY PROJECT NOW IN THE DESIGN PHASE. THE 1.3-MILE TRAIL AND BOARDWALK WILL PROVIDE RESIDENTS ACCESS TO THIS AREA’S NATURAL BEAUTY.
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G O A L 1 MAINTAIN THE
RICHLAND COUNTY’S STRATEGIC FOCUS The County will keep a clear and shared direction by setting realistic goals, tracking progress, and regularly updating the Strategic Plan. Leadership will work from a long-term vision and use dashboards to monitor results. This approach ensures that priorities stay aligned with community needs and changing conditions.
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2025 Richland County Annual Report
2025
SELECTED ACCOMPLISHMENTS The Grants & Community Outreach Department served more than 4,000 low-income and unhoused individuals through housing and public service programs. The department designed and administered high-impact initiatives to strengthen community resilience and improve quality of life, including: Community Development Block Grant funding: $1,254,977 for housing rehabilitation, public facilities, and public services benefiting low- and moderate-income residents Emergency Solutions Grant funding: $148,882 for emergency shelter, homelessness prevention, rapid rehousing, street outreach, and HMIS services HOME Investment Partnerships Program funding: $288,239 for homeowner rehabilitation, affordable housing development, and homeownership assistance HUD Total Investment funding: more than $1.8 million invested, leveraging an additional $1.4 million in matching funds from subrecipients Animal Care, a division of the County’s Animal Services Department, implemented an updated Animal Care Ordinance, providing more precise definitions, improved enforcement consistency, and enhanced guidance for the public and staff. These updates strengthen public safety and ensure humane standards of care. Richland County Administrator Leonardo Brown launched the County’s first Challenge Coin to members of County Council and select County staff. Inspired by a military tradition, the exchange of a Challenge Coin symbolizes the bond and attributes shared between comrades. Information Technology successfully implemented Cybersecurity Training, a mandatory County-wide program that achieved full compliance, with 100 percent of County employees completing the training. This program will recur annually. Animal Care responded to 8,502 service requests, achieving a 100 percent completion rate. These figures reflect initial service responses and do not include follow-up inspections or compliance checks. Animal Care also partnered with the S.C. Department of Public Health to investigate and respond to potential rabies exposures.
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G O A L 2 INVEST IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The County will strengthen the local economy by attracting high-paying jobs and supporting growth in areas that need it most. By promoting key industries, supporting small businesses, and partnering at the regional and state levels, the County will encourage long-term economic success. Tourism, recreation and entrepreneurship will also play a key role in balanced growth.
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2025 Richland County Annual Report
2025
SELECTED ACCOMPLISHMENTS The Conservation Division, part of the County’s Community Planning and Development Department, partnered with DFS Creative Concepts to create a GPS-based, self-guided tour of the County’s African American historic sites. Richland County’s Office of Economic Development was officially transitioned to the Columbia Area Development Partnership (CADP) in July 2025. As a standalone entity, CADP will work hand-in-hand with County leadership to help recruit new industry and support existing industry, as well as addressing areas of critical need for the community. The Grants & Community Outreach Department expended $1,145,466 in S.C. Department of Veterans Affairs funding for the development of the Fort Jackson Centennial Memorial Park, in partnership with the Gateway to the Army Association. A new location was successfully established for the offices for Court Appointed Special Advocates and the County’s Legislative Delegation. The office was supported by Information Technology through hardware setup and office relocation, with minimal operational downtime. The County’s Office of Small Business Opportunity produced informative workshops educating businesses on various topics. A year-round schedule of events included OSBO’s annual signature small-business conference, SURGE24, which drew 268 attendees and received positive feedback. The Conservation Division conducted the 2025 Ag + Art Tour in cooperation with the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District and the Central Midlands Council of Governments. From June 7-8, 2025, the tour welcomed 6,185 visitors to 17 County agricultural sites. Staff with Zoning and Development, part of the Community Planning and Development Department, reviewed 21 site additions, six major land developments, 59 minor land developments, and 65 map amendments, supporting business expansion, redevelopment and new development in the County. The County’s Building Department provided blight control services throughout Richland County. Property Maintenance staff identified and demolished 15 residential structures and one commercial building. Such demolitions help improve and revitalize communities, making them more attractive for redevelopment and economic growth.
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G O A L 3 COMMIT TO FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
The County will responsibly manage taxpayer dollars by aligning spending with Council priorities and fiscal policies. Clear processes will guide budgeting, improve efficiency, and support projects that provide the greatest value. The County will also seek new revenue sources to maintain strong and sustainable operations.
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2025 Richland County Annual Report
2025
SELECTED ACCOMPLISHMENTS The Assessor’s Office streamlined the County’s Legal Residence Application, easing the process for customers and reducing staff review times. The Grants & Community Outreach Department leveraged local, state, nonprofit and private funding to expand the impact of County investments, including the Hopkins Park pool renovation. The department ensured that 97.58 percent of Community Development Block Grant expenditures directly benefited low- and moderate-income residents. The Office of Budget and Strategic Management enhanced the County’s budget review and financial analysis to strengthen fiscal oversight by improving budget review processes, variance analysis, and financial reporting in support of informed decision-making by County leadership and Council. This initiative improved consistency across departmental budget requests, increased accountability in the use of public funds, and supported long-term financial sustainability through more disciplined planning. The Conservation Division began updating the 2010 Crane Creek Watershed Management Plan to improve water quality and guide sustainable watershed practices across the County. The Office of Budget and Strategic Management modernized County budget processes to improve efficiency, accuracy and accountability by refining internal workflows, standardizing budget documentation, and strengthening coordination with departments and Budget and Strategic Management partners. Information Technology completed an audit of the County’s cellphone accounts, ensuring all lines were active and on appropriate plans, resulting in $20,000 in annual savings. Vector Control, a division of the Animal Services Department, secured $22,350 in grant funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, administered through the S.C. Department of Public Health. Funds supported staff training, equipment acquisition, and software enhancements. Grants & Community Outreach administered more than $2.6 million in federal Housing and Urban Development entitlement funding in the County, while maintaining compliance with federal expenditure and administrative caps.
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G O A L 4 PLAN FOR GROWTH
THROUGH INCLUSIVE AND EQUITABLE INFRASTRUCTURE The County will prepare for future growth by planning smart, equitable infrastructure that serves all residents. Departments will work together to meet needs for roads, water, sewer, broadband, facilities, and housing. These efforts will support a growing community while maintaining quality services and affordability.
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2025 Richland County Annual Report
2025
SELECTED ACCOMPLISHMENTS The Conservation Division continued supporting natural, cultural and historic preservation through its County-wide competitive grant program. In fiscal 2025, $300,000 in grants were awarded to local organizations and projects that protect and enhance the County’s conservation and heritage resources. Staff with County and Neighborhood Planning completed 75 percent of the update process for Reimagine Richland, the County’s Comprehensive Plan, a strategic guide to manage growth for the next 10 years and beyond. The Grants & Community Outreach Department invested more than $400,000 in public facility improvements supporting transitional housing and nonprofit service hubs. Geographic and Information Systems, a division of Information Technology, provided: (1) mapping support for the Grants and Community Development Office, helping identify and visualize potential home rehabilitation projects by council district; (2) support for the Richland County Comprehensive Plan update, including updating data and researching how land use categories were integrated in the previous plan; and (3) continued efforts to identify existing and potential customers in unincorporated low-to-moderate-income (LMI) areas without sewer and water service, supporting infrastructure planning and grant funding opportunities. Operational Services led efforts to complete the County’s Public Safety Center in November 2025. This involved completely renovating a former Columbia Place Mall anchor store into space to house the Richland County 911 Call Center, the S.C. Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services, the S.C. Department of Juvenile Justice, and the County’s Department of Voter Registration and Elections. The Conservation Division began updating and enhancing its Conservation Land Management and Open Space Strategies to strengthen management of existing conservation lands, improve protection efforts, prioritize resource allocation, and guide sustainable growth in the County. The project will develop a comprehensive inventory and analysis of conservation assets, partnership opportunities, and long-term open space strategies to inform the County’s new Comprehensive Plan.
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G O A L 5 ACHIEVE POSITIVE PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
The County will strengthen public trust through clear communication, community outreach, and shared storytelling. By highlighting successes, celebrating completed projects, and explaining County services, the County will ensure residents better understand and engage with their government. Strong partnerships with other governments will further improve service delivery.
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2025 Richland County Annual Report
2025
SELECTED ACCOMPLISHMENTS Vector Control conducted outreach through community meetings, school Career Day events, and public education initiatives. The division also provided mosquito treatment support for major community events, including the Sweet Potato Festival and the Tally Adams Block Party. The Conservation Division’s Richland Soil & Water Conservation District Seed Sanctuary distributed more than 13,844 seed packets to County residents at no cost, encouraging sustainable gardening practices and environmental stewardship. Through the County’s Neighborhood Enrichment Grant Program (NEGP), the Community Planning and Development Department built stronger connections with residents by sharing successes, celebrating community milestones, and creating more ways for people to understand and engage with County government. The program awarded $72,484 in NEGP funds. Information Technology led the charge to modernize the County’s website, www.richlandcountysc.gov, through a full redesign and migration to a cloud-based content management system, improving access and usability for all County residents. The Ombudsman’s Office expanded monitoring of phone calls and written correspondence to ensure residents receive accurate and professional information. Regular customer service training and knowledge checks strengthened staff skills and accountability. During Customer Service Week, the department successfully engaged employees through a Quote of the Day, newsletter, and interactive trivia, reinforcing a culture of service excellence. The County’s Office of Small Business Opportunity launched a quarterly newsletter to highlight the efforts of Small Local Business Enterprises, and a weekly newsletter to inform the local small-business community about available workshops and trainings. The County's Public Information Office (PIO) produced three regular newsletters, developed outreach strategies for six social media platforms, and created news releases and other communication about Richland County programs and services, while also organizing successful public events that improved transparency and fostered County partnerships. Covering more than 220 County events year round, the PIO team captured 60,000 photos and streamed more than 130 live County Council meetings, representing about 180 hours of public-access content.
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G O A L 6 ESTABLISH
OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE AND ACCOUNTABLE GOVERNANCE The County will promote excellence by investing in employees, modernizing technology, and fostering a positive workplace culture. Clear standards for accountability, ethics, and performance will guide operations. These efforts will ensure reliable services and fair access for all residents.
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2025 Richland County Annual Report
2025
SELECTED ACCOMPLISHMENTS Staff with Animal Care expanded use of the Animal Services Department’s web-based animal management system to improve reporting accuracy and operational decision-making. The Building Department completed 28,890 building inspections for homeowners, builders and contractors. Inspections included major facilities such as Lexington Medical Center, the S.C. 911 Call Center, and the Richland County Voter Registration facility. The Emergency Services Department (ESD) achieved recognition for Richland County as a “Storm Ready” county by the National Weather Service. ESD also received the “Fire Safe” award from the state Fire Marshal for fire prevention efforts and risk reduction in Richland County. The Government and Community Services Department provided Employee Resource Groups to support County staff, along with year-round engagement activities and opportunities. The department also conducted over 50 anti-harassment training sessions and engaged with Limitless Community Development to form partnerships with Richland County’s Latino community. The Human Resources Department completed the first County-wide annual performance review cycle, using Workday, a technologically savvy platform, as a vehicle to track employee performance transparently. In fiscal 2025, the Human Resources Department onboarded 294 full-time employees; and Richland County partnered with the State of South Carolina to provide Supervisory Practices training to about 150 supervisors, managers and directors. Overall, more than 1,600 employees received training. The Information Technology Help Desk and technicians fielded and completed 8,657 calls, an increase of 713 from the previous year. On average, each technician completed over 100 work orders monthly. Geographic and Information Systems upgraded the existing online service that provides Auditor’s Office information, improving tax district accuracy by validating addresses from the S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles and business and personal property records against the County’s official address database. This ongoing enhancement reduces manual effort and ensures more consistent tax district assignments. New, custom-developed software was implemented by the County’s Probate Court. This new system will manage marriage licensing, estates, guardianship and conservatorship case files serving all County residents.
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RICHLAND COUNTY
FISCAL YEAR 2025 BUDGET Revenues vs. Expenditures $848,392,486
Property & Other Taxes
$65,954,200
Other Financing Sources
$1,820,368
$15,123,389
$36,551,730
$24,442,766
Charges for Services
$21,763,906
Miscellaneous Revenue
$96,788,394
Fees & Fines
Licenses & Permits
Fees in Lieu of Taxes
$37,074,465
Intergovernmental
Transportation Tax
$90,111,213
Operating Revenue
$8,467,543 Interest
Total Revenues
$1,246,490,460 Total Expenditures
$1,246,490,460 $536,380,277
$175,344,171
Millage Agencies
$231,633,738
Debt Service Fund
$231,870,365
Special Revenue Fund
General Fund
$71,261,909
Enterprise Funds
The County budget is the spending authority and single most important document Richland County Council uses to oversee the delivery of services, programs and resources to County residents. The County recognizes the importance of residents staying engaged in the budget’s development, which is why three public readings and a public hearing are all part of the budget adoption process.
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2025 Richland County Annual Report
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RICHLAND COUNTY
FISCAL YEAR 2025 BUDGET General Fund Expenditures Budgeted
General Fund Expenditures Actuals
Fiscal Year June 30, 2025
$88,320,671
General Government
Public Works
Health & Social Services
Capital Outlay
$81,609,991
General Government
$123,086,115
Public Safety
Fiscal Year June 30, 2025
Public Works
$11,055,283 $1,106,555
$126,798,633
Public Safety
Health & Social Services
$9,801,927 $1,103,174
Capital Outlay
$9,308,799
Principal Retirement
Principal Retirement
Interest & Fiscal Charges
Interest & Fiscal Charges
$744,025 $143,159
General Fund Revenues Budgeted
General Fund Revenues Actual
Fiscal Year June 30, 2025
$138,962,844
Property & Other Taxes
Fees-in-lieu of Taxes
$4,021,845
Intergovernmental
Interest
Medical Indigent Care Fund
Miscellaneous
$4,738,974 $20,895,149 $17,221,844
Licenses & Permits
$23,302,566
Charges for Services
$891,846
Fees & Fines
$7,891,699
Interest
$682,124
Medical Indigent Care Fund
$4,397,019
General Fund Balance Budget vs. Actual Fiscal Year June 30, 2025
$326,447
Intergovernmental
$15,630,936
Charges for Services
Fees & Fines
Property & Other Taxes
Fees-in-lieu of Taxes
$21,181,131
Licenses & Permits
Fiscal Year June 30, 2025
Miscellaneous
Budget
Actual
2025 Richland County Annual Report
$28,886,973 $863,269 $11,467,490 $682,124 $7,617,017
$74,594, 651
$102,608,779
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COUNTY DEPARTMENTS AND SERVICES Richland County is governed by a network of departments and services that collaborate to support communities, strengthen the economy, maintain infrastructure, promote diversity and equality, and responsibly manage resources. Following is a list of these departments and services that help further the County’s progress and enhance residents’ quality of life.
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2025 Richland County Annual Report
ANIMAL SERVICES
ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE Serves as the chief administrative officer of Richland County, directing and coordinating the operation of agencies and administrative activities established by County Council. AIRPORT (Jim Hamilton-L.B Owens Airport) The Jim Hamilton-L.B. Owens Airport provides facilities for general aviation aircraft in support of the transportation needs and economic development of the County. ALVIN S. GLENN DETENTION CENTER Serves as the intake center for unsentenced misdemeanor and felony detainees/inmates and as an incarceration facility for sentenced offenders. ANIMAL SERVICES Animal Services consists of two divisions: Animal Care and Vector Control (see Vector Control for description). Animal Care is responsible for the enforcement of laws that protect people, animals and property. ASSESSOR’S OFFICE Appraises all property at fair market value and places properties on the tax rolls to generate revenue for the County.
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AUDITITOR’S OFFICE
AUDITOR’S OFFICE Prepares and issues all tax bills in the County. BUDGET & GRANTS MANAGEMENT Develops, prepares and monitors the County’s budget and oversees the Accommodations and Hospitality Tax Grant and Discretionary Matching Grant programs. BUILDING CODES AND INSPECTIONS Issues building permits for new construction and processes applications for building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical renovations for new and existing structures. BUSINESS SERVICE CENTER The source of business tax and licensing information for the County’s diverse business community. CLERK OF COUNCIL Provides support and research services to members of County Council and disseminates information to the public concerning policies, directives and actions. CLERK OF COURT Responsible for overseeing the operations of the Richland County Judicial Center and serving as the official record keeper of circuit and family court records.
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2025 Richland County Annual Report
COMMUNITY PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Uses federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to benefit and impact the quality of life for low- and moderate-income residents. COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT One of the County’s largest departments, overseeing all aspects of land development, zoning, long-range planning, building services, conservation, neighborhood enhancement and community resources. CONSERVATION Helps achieve the missions of the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District and Richland County Conservation Commission. CORONER’S OFFICE Responsible for investigating all suspicious, violent, sudden and unexpected deaths that occur in Richland County. COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES (CASA) Richland County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) provide victims of child abuse and neglect with volunteers and legal representation to ensure every child has a safe, permanent and nurturing home
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EMERGENCY SERVICES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Works to expand, diversify and sustain the local economy by assisting companies that provide meaningful job opportunities and generate new wealth for residents. It seeks to attract new industry, assist with company expansions and ensure buildings and industrial sites are available for prospects. ELECTIONS AND VOTER REGISTRATION OFFICE Provides eligible residents the opportunity to register to vote and participates in fair and impartial elections. EMERGENCY SERVICES Provides professional and cost-effective emergency and public safety planning, preparedness programs, prevention, response and recovery to Richland County residents and visitors in order to save lives and property. FINANCE Maintains the fiscal integrity of the County’s financial records and provides accounting, financial operations and reporting services for other departments, residents and users of the County’s financial information.
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2025 Richland County Annual Report
GRANTS & COMMUNITY OUTREACH
FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT Protects property owners by regulating uses in flood-prone areas that are dangerous to their health, safety or property in the event of flooding. GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY SERVICES Helps with satisfying unresolved issues and works to improve public involvement in the governmental process. GRANTS Manages grant opportunities available to residents, community groups and qualified organizations. HEALTH DEPARTMENT Offers a wide variety of health care services at a low cost or for free and promotes and protects the health of the public and the environment. HUMAN RESOURCES The Human Resources Department develops, implements and provides services through policies, guidelines, procedures and programs focused on past, present and future employees of the County.
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INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Provides technological vision and leadership to reinvent, re-engineer and streamline government processes wherever technology can align with the County’s strategic goals. LEGAL DEPARTMENT Led by the County Attorney, reviews and approves all contracts entered into by Richland County Council for Richland County Government operations and provides legal support to County Council, County employees and elected officials. LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION AND VETERANS' AFFAIRS Serves as a liaison between the government and individual residents and those residents and their elected legislators and handles the administration of the state-funded County Transportation Committee Funds, Water Recreational Resource Funds and Richland County’s Game and Fish Funds. MAGISTRATE COURT SYSTEM Provides County residents with a fair and impartial Summary Court system across all 11 districts and issues criminal arrest and search warrants, conducts bail bond hearings, holds preliminary hearings, jury trials and more.
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2025 Richland County Annual Report
OPERATIONAL SERVICES
MASTER-IN-EQUITY COURT A division of Circuit Court, it may handle any civil cases but only those assigned by a circuit court judge. Also collects fees such as those associated with foreclosures of liens on property or deed preparations, which are turned over to the County General Fund. OFFICE OF SMALL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Supports, strengthens and advances the local small-business community, especially those businesses specialized in construction, architectural and engineering services projects, professional services, non-professional services and commodities. OMBUDSMAN’S OFFICE The County’s centralized contact center for the general public. OPERATIONAL SERVICES Consists of Facilities and Grounds and Central Services, which provide day-to-day necessities and support to County departments. PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT Balances environmental and economic concerns in County land use regulations, creating plans and incentives for redeveloping sites and revitalizing communities.
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PUBLIC WORKS
PROBATE COURT Consists of an estate division, guardian and conservatorship division, records division, marriage license division, commitment division and mental health court. PROCUREMENT AND CONTRACTING Responsible for soliciting and negotiating fair and reasonable prices on products and services used by the County. PUBLIC DEFENDER’S OFFICE Represents adults and minors who cannot afford an attorney in criminal cases. PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE Disseminates information about County programs, services, events and initiatives to media and the general public through multiple platforms and community outreach efforts. PUBLIC WORKS Maintains the County’s infrastructure, manages County assets and provides technical services through its five divisions: Engineering, Roads and Drainage, Solid Waste & Recycling, Stormwater Management and Special Services, and the Jim Hamilton-L.B. Owens Airport.
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2025 Richland County Annual Report
TRANSPORTATION PENNY DEPARTMENT
REGISTER OF DEEDS Records, organizes and maintains all real estate transactions and other pertinent documents. RISK MANAGEMENT Works to protect County assets and provide a safe and healthy environment for employees and members of the public. SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT Employs effective community policing strategies to improve the quality of life for all residents. SOLICITOR’S OFFICE Responsible for prosecuting criminal offenses in the Fifth Judicial Circuit. SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLING Provides high-quality solid waste management services for County residents and businesses. TRANSPORTATION PENNY DEPARTMENT Manages all items of the Transportation Penny, funded by a 1 percent sales and use tax approved by voters in 2012 and in 2024.
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TREASURER’S OFFICE
TREASURER’S OFFICE Responsible for collecting taxes, maintaining the County’s bank accounts, overseeing investment of funds, and certain disbursements. UTILITIES Provides water and sanitary sewer to residents and operates three wastewater treatment facilities. VECTOR CONTROL Provides residents with efficient and effective control of organisms that transmit disease to humans, such as mosquitoes, ticks and flies.
“IF EVERYONE IS MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER, THEN SUCCESS TAKES CARE OF ITSELF.” — HENRY FORD
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2025 Richland County Annual Report
“WE ARE MADE WISE NOT BY THE RECOLLECTION OF OUR PAST, BUT BY THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR OUR FUTURE.” — G E O R G E B E R N A R D S H AW
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RICHLAND COUNTY
RESOURCES Below is a short list of online resources for learning more about Richland County Government. Use these resources to keep informed and stay in touch.
Richland County Online richlandcountysc.gov Richland County Ombudsman’s Office richlandcountysc.gov Transportation Penny Program richlandpenny.com Sheriff’s Department rcsd.net Richand County CASA
Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children
rccasa.org
Follow Richland County Government on social media.
RichlandSC
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richlandcountysc
richland-county-sc
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2025 Richland County Annual Report
THE MOON SHINES BRIGHTLY OVER SOUTH CAROLINA’S CAPITAL COUNTY.
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RichlandCountySC.gov
Richland County Government 2020 Hampton Street Columbia, SC 29204