26 minute read
County Departments: Descriptions, Contact Info
ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE
2020 Hampton St., Suite 4069, Columbia, SC 29204
803-576-2050
The County Administrator serves as the chief administrative officer of Richland County, directing and coordinating the operation of agencies and administrative activities established by County Council. The Administrator has Assistant County Administrators who help oversee different aspects of Countywide operations and assist departments in fulfilling their missions. Budget and Grants Management, Community and Government Services and the Capital Projects Manager are part of the Administrator’s Office. Additionally, the County Administrator’s Office:
Provides County Council with relevant information to assist in making informed policy decisions
Executes the day-to-day operations of Richland County Government
Oversees and administers the County’s operating and capital budgets
AIRPORT: Please see the entry for Jim Hamilton-L.B. Owens Airport
ALVIN S. GLENN DETENTION CENTER
201 John Mark Dial Drive, Columbia, SC 29209
803-576-3200 | https://jail.richlandonline.com
The Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center is an essential part of law enforcement and the criminal justice system. It serves as the intake center for unsentenced misdemeanor and felony detainees/inmates and as an incarceration facility for sentenced offenders. It provides equal-quality facilities for the detention of both sentenced and unsentenced detainees/inmates in a minimum, medium and maximum security environment. The detention center also:
Provides security to prevent escape, which is maintained by assigning inmates a security level based upon a classification system
Protects the public, staff and inmates in their person and property
Provides equal and constitutional care for inmates
ANIMAL SERVICES
400 Powell Road, Columbia, SC 29203
803-929-6000 | animalcare@richlandcountysc.gov
The Department of Animal Services consists of two divisions: Animal Care and Vector Control. Please see the listing for Vector Control for information about that division. Animal Care is responsible for the enforcement of laws that protect people, animals and property. Services include:
Taking sick, injured and stray animals to designated facilities that can provide proper care
Responding to residents’ requests for service
Patrolling for stray and unwanted animals at large
Investigating reports of animal bites and abandoned, abused or dangerous animals
Licensing pets and keeping rabies vaccination records
Issuing citations and testifying in court
Reuniting lost pets with their owners
Providing shelter for stray, lost or abandoned animals
ASSESSOR’S OFFICE
2020 Hampton St., 2nd Floor, Columbia, SC 29204
803-576-2640 | assessoroffice@richlandcountysc.gov
The County Assessor is part of the Community Planning and Development Department. The Assessor’s Office appraises all property at fair market value and places properties on the tax rolls to generate revenue for Richland County. Additionally, the Assessor’s Office:
Values all real property for taxation purposes
Maintains complete lists of property owners
Adds new construction and building projects to tax rolls
Conducts Countywide reassessment every five years, according to state law
Accepts appeals on property values and assessments heard by the Board of Assessment Appeals
ATTORNEY: Please see the entry for Legal Department
AUDITOR’S OFFICE
2020 Hampton St., Suite 2067, Columbia, SC 29204
803-576-2600 | rcauditor@richlandcountysc.gov
The Auditor’s Office prepares and issues all tax bills in the County, including real estate and motor vehicle tax bills. It also issues manufacturing tax notices, business personal property tax notices, utility tax notices, railroad tax notices and watercraft and aircraft tax notices. Other duties include:
Reviewing applications for Homestead Exemption
Calculating the millage rate for the operations and debt service of various taxpayer-supported agencies, such as School Districts 1 and 2, the Recreation Commission, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, Richland Library and others
BUDGET AND GRANTS MANAGEMENT
2020 Hampton St., Suite 4036, Columbia, SC 29204
803-576-2100
Part of the Administrator’s Office, Budget and Grants Management develops, prepares and monitors the County’s budget and oversees the Accommodations and Hospitality Tax Grant and Discretionary Matching Grant programs. Additionally, Budget and Grants Management:
Assesses the County’s programs and services
Investigates cost-control methods
Researches financial options and opportunities
BUILDING CODES AND INSPECTIONS
2020 Hampton St., First Floor, Columbia, SC 29204
803-576-2196 | devservices@richlandcountysc.gov richlandcountysc.gov/devserv
This division is part of the Community Planning and Development Department. It issues building permits for new construction and processes applications for building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical renovations for new and existing structures, with the aim of reducing construction of substandard buildings in Richland County. It also:
Reviews construction plans for commercial and residential projects
Inspects structures for compliance with all residential and commercial building codes
Enforces Property Maintenance Codes
BUSINESS SERVICE CENTER
2020 Hampton St., Suite 1050, Columbia, SC 29204
803-576-2287 | bsc@richlandcountysc.gov richlandcountysc.gov/bsc
The Business Service Center, a division of Community Planning and Development, is the source of business tax and licensing information for the County’s diverse business community. Some of the center’s responsibilities include business licenses, peddler’s licenses, and local accommodations taxes, as well as:
Collecting business-related taxes and fees fairly, equitably and conveniently
Issuing business-related licenses and permits
Educating the business community about the County’s business requirements and enforcing those policies
CLERK OF COUNCIL
2020 Hampton St., Suite 4069, Columbia, SC 29204
803-576-2060 | rccoco@richlandcountysc.gov
The Clerk of Council’s Office provides support and research services to members of County Council and disseminates information to the public and County Departments concerning policies, directives and actions. Additionally, the Office:
Keeps records of County Council proceedings and other permanent records
Maintains the County Council calendar and schedules appointments
Responds in a timely manner to County residents who require assistance or services
CLERK OF COURT
Judicial Center, 1701 Main St., Room 205 Columbia, SC 29201
803-576-1947
The Clerk of Court is responsible for overseeing the operations of the Richland County Judicial Center and serves as the official record keeper of circuit and family court records. Circuit Court is divided into two areas: civil and general sessions (criminal). Family court proceedings include divorces, child support, juvenile and domestic abuse cases. In addition to maintaining court records, the Clerk of Court’s Office:
Stores physical evidence introduced during a trial
Summons jurors for potential jury pools each week court is in session
Summons jurors for potential grand jury pools
Assists judges by maintaining court rosters
Maintains a database of active bail bondsmen
Screens applicants for representation by the public defender
Collects criminal, civil and family court fees and fines
Assists judges in the courtroom by administering oaths and collecting evidence
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
2020 Hampton St., Suite 3063, Columbia, SC 29204
803-576-2230
The Office of Community Development is part of the larger Community Planning and Development Department. It uses federal funds from Department of Housing and Urban Development to benefit and impact the quality of life for low- and moderate-income residents. Its programs include:
First-time Homebuyers Assistance
Owner-occcupied Assistance Assistance to nonprofits that develop affordable, low-income housing for rental units
Improvement projects related to public service, facilities, infrastructure and more
COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
2020 Hampton St., First Floor, Columbia, SC 29204
803-929-6000 | richlandcountysc.gov
Community Planning and Development is 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.
This department’s divisions include Building Inspections, New Development, Floodplain Management, Conservation, Sustainability, Planning and Development Services, the Assessor’s Office, Community Development and the Register of Deeds. It manages the Development Services Center, which brings together building services, engineering, planning, zoning and permit applications as a one-stop shop for customers.
CONSERVATION
2020 Hampton St., Room 3063 A, Columbia, SC 29204
803-576-2080
The Conservation division of Community Planning and Development helps achieve the missions of the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District and Richland County Conservation Commission. It also consults with and advises County Council about the protection of natural, cultural and historical resources.
The Richland Soil and Water Conservation District:
Promotes agricultural best management practices through conservation planning, demonstrations and educational programs
Supports the development of a strong local food system in the Midlands region
Provides student and teacher education on a variety of conservation and natural resource-related topics
The Richland County Conservation Commission:
Provides grants for historical preservation, community conservation and environmental education projects
Protects land through conservation easements
Administers the Bailey Bill, funding historic markers and promoting nature-based and heritage tourism
CORONER’S OFFICE
6300 Shakespeare Road, Columbia, SC 29223
803-576-1799 | rccosc.com
The Coroner’s Office is responsible for investigating all suspicious, violent, sudden and unexpected deaths that occur in Richland County. The Coroner also investigates all deaths that occur in a hospital within the first 24 hours of admission. After the investigation is concluded, the Coroner determines whether the manner of death is due to natural causes, an accident, a suicide or a homicide. Additionally, the Coroner’s Office:
Assists and counsels families, helping them to cope with their loss by using victim advocates
Collects, stores and preserves evidence vital to the outcome of criminal cases
Prepares death certificates and maintains files on all reported deaths
Works with government agencies and community groups to raise awareness about preventable deaths
COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES (CASA)
Judicial Center, 1701 Main St., Suite 409, Columbia, SC 29201
803-576-1735 | casa@richlandcountysc.gov | rccasa.org
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. A CASA volunteer is appointed for 100 percent of the children whose interests are before the Richland County Family Court for allegations of child maltreatment. CASA’s other responsibilities include:
Recruiting, training and supporting community volunteers to serve as Guardians ad Litem for abused and neglected children
Informing the community about prevention, identification and treatment of child abuse and neglect
Providing quality legal and volunteer support services to the volunteer Guardians ad Litem
Providing ongoing training for volunteers
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
1201 Main St., Suite 910, Columbia, SC 29201
803-576-2043 | richlandcountysc.com
The Economic Development Office 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 companies with potential expansions and ensure buildings and industrial sites are available for prospects to consider. It also:
Provides updated demographic and workforce data
Arranges tours of available sites and buildings
Interviews with companies and meets with key community leaders
Negotiates incentive proposals
Serves as a clearinghouse for community data necessary for companies to make site selection decisions
ELECTIONS AND VOTER REGISTRATION OFFICE
2020 Hampton St., Columbia, SC 29204
803-576-2240 | rcelectionsinfo@richlandcountysc.gov
The Richland County Elections and Voter Registration Office is operated by the State; however, law requires county governments to provide operating space for this office. Elections and Voter Registration conducts elections according to federal and state laws, provides every eligible resident with the opportunity to register to vote and participates in fair and impartial elections. Additional responsibilities include:
Ensuring the integrity of the election process
Simplifying the election process and eliminating problems by training and certifying election workers
Involving youth in the election process through educational projects
EMERGENCY SERVICES
1410 Laurens St., Columbia, SC 29204
803-576-3400 | esd@richlandcountysc.gov
The Richland County Emergency Services Department (ESD) 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. ESD works with the City of Columbia to provide fire suppression and operate the 911 Communications Center. Some of the services ESD provides include:
Emergency medical service, including training and dispatch
Emergency planning, response and management
Emergency telephone system (911)
Fire marshal code enforcement and fire cause and origin investigations
Hazardous materials site permitting and inspections
Overseeing RC WINDS (Richland County Weather Information Network Data System)
ENGINEERING: Please see the entry for Public Works
FINANCE
2020 Hampton St., Suite 4036, Columbia, SC 29204
803-576-2100 | ombudsman@richlandcountysc.gov
The Finance Department comprises two divisions: Accounting and Procurement. The mission of the Finance Department is to maintain the fiscal integrity of the County’s financial records. The department provides accounting, financial operations and reporting services for other County departments, residents and users of the County’s financial information. Some of the Finance Department’s responsibilities include:
Providing payment for invoices to County vendors
Preparing annual financial statements and reports
Processing and maintaining employee time records and issuing payroll checks
Collecting and processing payments for water, sewer, landfill, retiree insurance and employee parking
FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
2020 Hampton St., First Floor, Columbia, SC 29204
803-576-2158 | flood@richlandcountysc.gov
The mission of Floodplain Management, which is part of the Community Planning and Development Department, is to protect property owners by regulating uses in flood-prone areas that are dangerous to their health, safety or property in times of flood. Its services include:
Reviewing all building and project applications to ensure all requirements of the floodplain ordinance, including state and federal requirements, are satisfied
Determining whether proposed building sites will be reasonably safe from flooding
Providing public information about flood-prone areas
Providing flood zone verifications
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS)
2020 Hampton St., Columbia, SC 29204
gis@richlandcountysc.gov | richlandmaps.com
The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) division is part of the Information Technology (IT) department and is responsible for managing mapped data and information that is used by County departments and the public. GIS also:
Provides geospatial technology and training to County departments to improve effectiveness of service delivery
Manages the County’s drone program by providing certified mapping and imagery data
Creates and maintains web-accessible mapping applications that provide information about properties, permitting, precincts, land elevation, zoning and more
GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
2020 Hampton St., Suite 4069, Columbia, SC 29204
803-576-2050 | gcs@richlandcountysc.gov
Government and Community Services serves as a conduit between Richland County Government and its customers, constituents and partners. It provides assistance for satisfying unresolved issues and works to improve public involvement in the governmental process, as well as:
Advising the Administrator on County policies, programs and issues related to constituents
Planning and directing activities to promote collaboration between the County and its constituents
Conducting and overseeing studies, projects and evaluations designed to address constituent concerns
Ensuring County activities that affect the community involve community representation at all levels
GRANTS
2020 Hampton St., Columbia, SC 29204
803-576-1514 | ombudsman@richlandcountysc.gov
Richland County has a variety of grant opportunities available to residents, community groups and qualified organizations. These grant programs are managed by different County offices. Grants offered include:
Accommodations and Hospitality Tax Grants
Discretionary and Neighborhood Matching Grants
Home Ownership Assistance Program Conservation Grants and Historic Preservation Grants
HEALTH DEPARTMENT
2000 Hampton St., Columbia, SC 29204
803-576-2980
The Richland County Health Department offers a wide variety of health care services at a low cost or for free. It promotes and protects the health of the public and the environment. The Health Department’s services include:
Immunizations and dental and health education
Environmental and home health resources
Family planning and WIC services
STD and HIV education
HUMAN RESOURCES
2020 Hampton St., Suite 3058, Columbia, SC 29204
803-576-2110
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. It supports the development of Richland County’s work culture. Some of the responsibilities of Human Resources include:
Overseeing classification, compensation, employee relations and benefits programs for County employees
Offering training and career development opportunities for employees through Richland County University
Offering and enhancing the County’s wellness program
Offering employment services to employees
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
2020 Hampton St., Suite 3030, Columbia, SC 29204
803-929-6000 | ombudsman@richlandcountysc.gov
The Richland County Information Technology (IT) Department provides technological vision and leadership to reinvent, re-engineer and streamline government processes wherever technology can align with the County’s strategic goals. Increased efficiencies, increased effectiveness and reduced costs are the department’s aim. Additionally, the IT Department:
Provides effective and proactive technology support to Richland County’s departments and strategic partners
Maintains the County’s day-to-day computer operations
Offers custom application software development and vendor application software support
Provides information about computer tips, computer safety and identity theft
Maintains a secure and reliable network architecture that supports all of the mission-critical County IT systems
Oversees the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) division
JAIL: Please see entry for Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center
JIM HAMILTON-L.B. OWENS AIRPORT (CUB)
1400 Jim Hamilton Blvd., Columbia, SC 29205
803-771-7915 | flykcub.com
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. The airport is the site of the historic Curtiss-Wright Hangar, one of only a few remaining nationwide. Some of the services offered at the airport include:
Leasing hangars for the storage of private aircraft
Serving as a base of operations for the Sheriff’s Department’s Aviation Unit
Aircraft refueling and maintenance
Providing office space, flight planning facilities and a lounge area for pilots
Offering public meeting space for airport patrons and civic and neighborhood organizations
Providing the host location for the South Carolina Aviation Association’s Hall of Fame
Providing aviation education opportunities
LEGAL DEPARTMENT
2020 Hampton St., Suite 4018, Columbia, SC 29204
803-576-2070
The Legal Department reviews and approves all contracts approved and entered into by Richland County Council for Richland County Government operations. Led by the County Attorney, this department represents and defends County Council and its members in their official capacity, the County and its employees, and elected officials. Additionally, the Legal Department:
Advises all client–attorney matters for Richland County
Assists the County in compliance with new regulations and laws on local, state and federal levels
Provides legal services relating to labor law, municipal finance, home rule, land use and planning, procurement, law enforcement and municipal government issues
LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION AND VETERANS AFFAIRS
Judicial Center, 1701 Main St., Suite 409 Columbia, SC 29201
803-576-1908 rclegdel@richlandcountysc.gov
The Legislative Delegation serves as a liaison between the various levels of government and individual residents and those residents and their elected legislators. The Legislative Delegation staff handles the administration of the statefunded County Transportation Committee Funds, Water Recreational Resource Funds and Richland County’s Game and Fish Funds. Its other responsibilities include:
Coordinating appointments to boards and commissions managed by the state
Processing and coordinating certifications of notary applications for Richland County
Managing Veterans Affairs
MAGISTRATE COURT SYSTEM
Visit richlandcountysc.gov for Central Court, Bond Court and Magistrate District office telephone numbers, hours of operation and location maps.
The Magistrate Court provides the residents of Richland County with a fair and impartial Summary Court. The Magistrate Court System has 11 district offices, one Central Court and one Bond Court. The 14 full-time and three parttime magistrates issue criminal arrest and search warrants and conduct bail bond hearings, preliminary hearings, jury trials and more. Additional responsibilities of Richland County’s Magistrate Court System include:
Conducting criminal hearings to include offenses such as criminal domestic violence, malicious injury to personal property, trespassing, County ordinance violations, etc.
Conducting traffic hearings to include driving under the influence, driving under suspension, failure to pay property tax, etc.
Conducting civil hearings including landlord/tenant hearings, summons and complaint cases (to claim disputed funds), claim and delivery cases (to reclaim property) and public sales of abandoned vehicles
MASTER-IN-EQUITY COURT
Judicial Center, 1701 Main St., Room 212 Columbia, SC 29201
803-576-1900
The Master-in-Equity Court is a division of Circuit Court. It may handle any civil case. Parties may not initiate action in the Master-in-Equity Court; instead, only cases assigned by a circuit judge may be heard. The Master-in-Equity Court also collects fees in actions for partitions, foreclosures of liens upon property, supplemental proceedings by judgment creditors and deed preparations, and it receives a commission on sales of land. All funds collected by this office are turned over to the County General Fund. Other responsibilities of the Master-in-Equity Court are:
To render impartial, thoroughly researched, legal decisions on complex matters submitted for decision as well as prompt resolution of routine matters
To provide assistance to the Richland County Bar Association and South Carolina Bar Association
To serve as a liaison with other County departments and branches of the judicial systems to ensure all County residents are effectively served
OFFICE OF SMALL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
2000 Hampton St., Columbia, SC 29204
803-576-1540 | osbo@richlandcountysc.gov
The Office of Small Business Opportunity (OSBO) is an inclusive, race- and gender-neutral program for contractors and vendors that specialize in construction, architectural and engineering services projects, professional services, non-professional services and commodities. The OSBO:
Oversees the Small Local Business Enterprise program that helps local businesses have a reasonable and significant opportunity to participate in County projects and contracts
Offers programming such as business development, certifications and financial training
Helps support, strengthen and advance the local small-business community
OMBUDSMAN’S OFFICE
2020 Hampton St., Third Floor, Columbia, SC 29204
803-929-6000 | ombudsman@richlandcountysc.gov
The Ombudsman’s Office is the County’s centralized contact center for the general public. Responsibilities include:
Serving as a liaison between residents and Richland County Government
Receiving and fielding concerns and requests for service and forwarding them to the appropriate department(s) for investigation and response
Providing general information as well as responding to inquiries/questions from the public regarding Richland County Government
Receiving and processing County employee commendations and concerns
Monitoring and facilitating employee training for the Countywide software
Receiving and processing Freedom of Information Act Requests (FOIA) on behalf of the County
OPERATIONAL SERVICES
2020 Hampton St., Columbia, SC 29204 | 803-929-6000
The Operational Services department consists of Facilities and Grounds and Central Services. These divisions provide day-to-day necessities and support to County departments, including:
Twice-daily mail services
Setup and tear-down of tables, chairs, lighting and other equipment for various County events
Landscaping and upkeep at County-owned facilities
Painting, repairs and basic remodeling of offices and facilities as needed
Assisting with special requests and projects
Printing large-scale document projects for County departments
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
2020 Hampton St., First Floor, Columbia, SC 29204
803-576-2190 | devservices@richlandcountysc.gov richlandcountysc.gov/devserv
The Planning division seeks to create better communities throughout the County by balancing environmental and economic concerns in County land use regulations, creating incentives for redeveloping site and revitalizing communities. This division of Community Planning and Development also:
Implements the County’s Comprehensive Plan
Enforces the County’s Land Development Code
Staffs meetings of the Planning Commission, Zoning Public Hearing and Board of Zoning Appeals
Manages the County’s Neighborhood Improvement Program, which aims to: protect and revitalize established neighborhood communities; empower neighborhoods to sustain a healthy community through civic infrastructure; strengthen communication between the County and neighborhoods; uses geographic information systems for analysis; oversees E-911 addressing, road naming and land development plans
PROBATE COURT
Judicial Center, 1701 Main St., Suite 207 Columbia, SC 29201
803-576-1984
The Probate Court consists of an estate division, guardian and conservatorship division, records division, marriage license division, commitment division and mental health court. Through those various divisions, Probate Court provides the following services:
Issuing marriage licenses to qualified applicants
Ordering emergency and judicial commitments for those suffering from a mental illness or chemical dependency, to include the continued monitoring of cases to ensure that treatment orders meet compliance
Probating and administering decedents’ estates
Digitally storing current probate records and managing older Probate records for property transfer and family history purposes
Appointing guardians for incapacitated adults and conservators for minors or incapacitated adults and overseeing the management of their cases
PROCUREMENT AND CONTRACTING
2020 Hampton St., Suite 3064, Columbia, SC 29204
803-576-2130 | procurement@richlandcountysc.gov
Procurement is a division of the Finance Department responsible for soliciting and negotiating fair and reasonable prices on products and services used by Richland County, providing quality and effective support to customers (both internal and external), ensuring dependable sources of supply and maintaining an optimum balance of quality and cost. Other responsibilities of the division include:
Managing vendor qualification and registration
Ensuring goods or services ordered comply with good business and competitive practices required by applicable laws and regulations
Preparing and advertising solicitations and other methods of procurement that are applicable to the commodity or service requested
Encouraging greater availability and participation by small local business enterprises (SLBEs), emerging SLBEs and joint ventures in Countywide contracts and projects that do not receive federal funding, including Transportation Penny projects
Maximizing the purchasing value of public funds in procurement and providing safeguards for maintaining a procurement system of quality and integrity
PUBLIC DEFENDER’S OFFICE
Judicial Center, 1701 Main St., Suite 103 Columbia, SC 29201
803-765-2592
The Public Defender’s Office represents adults and minors who cannot afford an attorney in criminal cases. In the case of minors, the Public Defender’s Office works closely with social service agencies to ensure that children in Richland County receive the protection and care they need. Additional services include:
Handling arraignment court and bond court
Acting as negotiator between the defendant and the State Attorney’s Office
Researching case law and witness testimony and conducting investigations
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE
2020 Hampton St., Suite 4069, Columbia, SC 29204
803-576-2050 | pio@richlandcountysc.gov
The Richland County 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. Responsibilities of the Public Information Office include:
Drafting and distributing news releases, media advisories and other notifications
Working with departments to promote programs, services and events available to residents
Managing the County’s social media and website
Designing newsletters, brochures, posters, flyers, advertisements, graphics and electronic presentations
Creating video content for RCTV, social media and other public platforms
Coordinating special projects and public outreach efforts
Responding to media queries
PUBLIC WORKS
400 Powell Road, Columbia, SC 29203 | 803-576-2400
Public Works maintains the County’s infrastructure, manages County assets and provides technical services. It oversees five divisions: Engineering, Roads and Drainage, Solid Waste & Recycling and Stormwater Management and Special Services, as well as the Jim Hamilton-L.B. Owens Airport. The overarching goal of Public Works is to ensure maintenance of the County’s infrastructure. Additionally, Public Works:
Provides engineering services for various transportation, infrastructure and development projects
Maintains County roadways and drainage systems
Ensures storm water is responsibly and environmentally managed
Executes community outreach campaigns that help keep residents safe and apprised of Public Works projects
Orchestrates curbside trash and recycling collection for residents and businesses
Manages the County landfill and drop-off facilities
REGISTER OF DEEDS
Judicial Center, 1701 Main St., Room 101 Columbia, SC 29201
803-576-1910 | rodcustomerservice@richlandcountysc.gov
A division of Community Planning and Development, the Register of Deeds records, organizes and maintains all real estate transactions and other pertinent documents. The division does not perform title searches or supply forms. Documents are public information. The Register of Deeds also:
Collects all documentary taxes and recording fees
Assists with limited public records searches
Safeguards the public record on security microfilm
Records deeds, mortgages, liens and powers of attorney
RISK MANAGEMENT
2020 Hampton St., Columbia, SC 29204 | 803-576-2064
Risk Management strives to eliminate, minimize and transfer risk exposure and to finance and mitigate losses in a manner that is in the best interest of the County. This office works to protect County assets and provide a safe and healthy environment for employees and members of the public. Risk Management also:
Insures property and equipment owned by the County
Investigates, evaluates and resolves general liability, auto liability and workers’ compensation claims
Provides loss control services to departments including exposure identification, analysis, compliance monitoring and recommendation development
Develops and implements risk management and safety programs and policies
Provides employee education and training, conducts audits and inspections, investigates accidents and coordinates safety activities and events
Reviews insurance requirements for agreements, contracts, and use of facilities
Manages Richland County’s fleet
SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
5623 Two Notch Road, Columbia, SC 29223
803-576-3000 | sheriff@rcsd.net | rcsd.net
The mission of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department is to improve the quality of life for all residents and maintain a high standard of professional accountability. By building unity between the Sheriff’s Department and the public and by joining standards of excellence with a vision for safer neighborhoods, the Sheriff’s Department employs effective community policing strategies and problem-solving techniques. The Sheriff’s Department also:
Provides free crime-prevention programs to schools, civic groups and organizations
Works closely with state, federal and other local agencies to conduct investigations
Maintains and enhances a forensics lab to bring closure to victims, aid in investigations and solve crimes
Conducts a “Citizens Academy” to give residents a better understanding of department practices
Employs School Resource Officers at every school in Richland County as well as crossing guards at schools
Provides victim assistance services
Holds self-defense courses and programs for women
SOLICITOR’S OFFICE
Judicial Center, 1701 Main St., Columbia, SC 29201
803-576-1800 | scsolicitor5.org
The Richland County Solicitor’s Office is responsible for prosecuting criminal offenses in the Fifth Judicial Circuit. In addition to ensuring that criminals are punished for their crimes and protecting the rights of all victims, the Solicitor’s Office administers diversion programs that serve as alternatives to conviction and sentencing and attempt to serve the same underlying policies of traditional criminal justice methods. Some of those programs include:
Pre-trial intervention
Juvenile arbitration
Expungement
Alcohol education
Traffic education
Worthless check Drug Court and Veterans Court
SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLING
1070 Caughman Road N., Columbia, SC 29203
803-576-2440 | richlandcountysc.gov/richlandrecycles
Part of the Public Works Department, Richland County Solid Waste & Recycling provides high-quality solid waste management services for the residents and businesses of Richland County. It comprises four units: Collections, C&D Landfill Operations, Recycling and Refuse Control. Some responsibilities of Solid Waste & Recycling include:
Managing curbside garbage and recycling collections in the County, as well as managing drop-off sites
Overseeing the pickup of yard waste and bulk items
Working to reduce illegal dumping by investigating reported dump sites and prosecuting violators
Providing information about the proper disposal of hazardous waste, electronics and other materials
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
400 Powell Road, Columbia, SC 29203 | 803-576-2400
The Richland County Stormwater Management Division is part of the Public Works Department. It provides stormwater management support in order to improve public safety, enhance public health and increase public service through departmental and divisional coordination and public awareness. Stormwater Management also:
Inspects facilities throughout the County to ensure implementation of stormwater best management practices
Monitors water quality to identify pollutants that contribute to the impairment of local waterways
Helps create and facilitate watershed improvement plans
Coordinates education and public involvement events that help communities become active in efforts to limit contamination of waterways
TRANSPORTATION
2020 Hampton St., Suite 4069, Columbia, SC 29204
803-766-5605 | richlandpenny.com
The Richland County Transportation Department manages all items of the Transportation Penny Program approved by voters in November 2012. This program is broken up into three major categories and is funded by a special sales and use tax for not more than 22 years or until a total of $1.07 billion in sales tax revenue is collected, whichever occurs first. The three categories are:
Improvements to highways, roads (paved and unpaved), streets, intersections and bridges including related drainage system improvements ($656,020,644)
Continued operation of mass transit services provided by Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority including implementation of near-, mid- and long-term service improvements ($300,991,000)
Improvements to pedestrian sidewalks, bike paths, intersections and greenways ($80,888,356)
TREASURER’S OFFICE
2020 Hampton St., Columbia, SC 29204
803-576-2250 | treasurer@richlandcountysc.gov
The Treasurer’s Office is responsible for collecting taxes and maintaining the County’s bank accounts. It also oversees the investment of funds and certain disbursements. Other responsibilities of the Treasurer’s Office include:
Collecting real estate property taxes and business personal property taxes
Collecting vehicle and hospitality taxes and other taxes
Conducting annual delinquent real estate tax sales
Creating new payment options for County taxpayers and streamlining tax payment processing
The Richland County Utilities Department efficiently and effectively provides water and sanitary sewer to residents. It operates and maintains three wastewater treatment facilities and five community water systems. Additionally, the Utilities Department:
Works with developers to expand service areas Reduces environmental pollution through properly operated treatment facilities Develops innovative methods of transporting solid waste and wastewater Provides educational outreach programs for students and adults Responds to work orders and customer requests
VECTOR CONTROL
400 Powell Road, Columbia, SC 29203 | 803-576-2459
Vector Control is a division of the Animal Services Department. Vector Control provides residents with efficient and effective control of organisms that transmit disease to humans, such as mosquitoes, rats, fleas, ticks and flies. Some of Vector Control’s services include:
Providing technical assistance to residents about control measures for ticks, fleas, flies, roaches and other vectors, as well as helping residents identify the different types Conducting disease surveillance and providing the lab samples for analysis Presenting vector educational material to homeowners and students Assisting and informing residents about rat control Submitting dead birds to the state lab as part of West Nile Virus investigations Responding to spray requests, trying to locate the source and treating known breeding grounds Performing surveillance activities to assess vector populations by collecting traps on a weekly schedule
