HOW YOUR GOVERNMENT WORKS To borrow from an old saying, behind every great community is a great government. It’s the kind of government that touches the lives of residents each day and lays a foundation for the future. It keeps residents safe during emergencies and responds to calls for help day and night. It supports efforts to improve neighborhoods and enrich lives. Richland County Government does all these things and more. And the process begins with you! • Voters elect people to serve on County Council. • Council hires a County Administrator to execute daily operations. • Council sets policies and approves a budget to fund services and programs. The Administrator carries out Council’s policies through employees who:
Operate the local jail
Provide legal representation to abused children
Provide animal control services
Administer federal housing funds
Maintain roads and infrastructure
Maintain real estate transactions
Provide mosquito control
Offer homeowner assistance programs
Appraise property for the tax rolls
Issue permits and inspect structures
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Collect businessrelated taxes and issue business licenses
Promote conservation efforts
Pay vendors and collect fees
Operate a public airport
Provide waste management
Manage stormwater to safeguard the environment
Provide water and wastewater services
Provide emergency medical care
Monitor weather for emergency preparations and response
Administer grants
In addition to work done under the direction of the Administrator, the County budget funds offices headed by elected and appointed officials and supports services mandated by the state. Public safety (law enforcement, fire, 911 communications), election and voter registration, education, issuance of tax bills, death investigations, health services, courts, veterans assistance, recreational facilities and more are funded by tax dollars through Richland County Government. 7
