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 animal control services

• Appraise property for the tax rolls

• Provide legal representation to abused children

• Administer federal housing funds

• Promote conservation efforts

• Maintain roads and infrastructure

• Maintain real estate transactions

• Provide waste management

• Issue permits and inspect structures

• Pay vendors and collect fees

• Manage storm water to safeguard the environment

• Collect business-related taxes and issue business licenses

• Manage issue business licenses

• Operate a public airport

• Provide water and wastewater services

• Provide mosquito control

• Offer homeowner assistance programs

• Administer grants

• Provide emergency medical care

• Monitor weather for emergency preparations and response

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.