- Brittany S.
- Thursday, April 15, 2021
There was a Community Tele-Town Hall held on March 22, 2021. This was a powerful discussion with the five newly elected Richland County Council members. A substantial amount of information was obtained and you will find resources and answered questions listed below.
Who are our new Richland County Councilmembers?
Councilman Derrek Pugh, District 2
Contact information:
email: pugh.derrek@richlandcountysc.gov
phone: 803-977-4339
Other communications:
On April 1st, Councilman Pugh's first Newsletter will be published and will come out on a quarterly basis. Soon, there will also be a podcast titled "The Councilman's Corner" where constituents in District 2 will be able to submit questions and receive answers on a monthly basis.
Councilwoman Gretchen Barron, District 7
Contact information:
email: barron.gretchen@richlandcountysc.gov
phone: 803-977-4337
Other communications:
You can follow Councilwoman Barron on all social media platforms @teambarron7
Councilman Overture Walker, District 8
Contact Information:
email: walker.overture@richlandcountysc.gov
phone: 803-977-4340
Councilwoman Jesica Mackey, District 9
Contact Information:
email: mackey.jesica@richlandcountysc.gov
phone: 803-977-4338
Other Communications:
You can follow Councilwoman Mackey on Facebook and Twitter at Jesica Mackey. Visit her website
jesicamackey.com. Residents of District 9 can sign up for newsletter and sign up for her to come speak with your HOA through the website.
Councilwoman Cheryl English, District 10
Contact Information:
email: english.cheryl@richlandcountysc.gov
phone: 803-767-2322
View Richland County Council Districts' Map Here
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What COVID-19 relief efforts have Richland County Council put in place?
Visit Richland County's COVID-19 updates page
There are helpful resources and Richland County-related announcements listed. There are also links to the Richland County Coronavirus Ad Hoc Committee meetings.
Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
Applications will start being accepted April 5th.
It will be First Come- First Serve.
Approved applicants will be able to back date rent to March 2020.
Visit website in advance to see all required documents to apply.
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Community Questions:
What is the timeline for Richland County and State agencies to be back open?
"Richland County never closed. However, we have been providing limited services. We are not completely open to the public, but we allow the residents and citizens of Richland County to make an appointment with several departments." -Councilwoman Gretchen Barron
What is the status and timeline of relocating the Richland County core operations to the Columbia Place Mall?
"Prior to us taking office, the sitting council at the time had decided- there were some things in the Renaissance Plan that perhaps needed a second look. With a new Council being seated, we will have conversations to move forward with the Renaissance Plan in the next few weeks. It’s not forgotten about. This is one of those things where myself and colleagues on this call feel very passionate about this. We want to see this moved forward. We not only procure buildings or buy buildings and put plans in place. We do exactly what we said we are going to do. In the months to come, you will hear more conversations about this program. Some conversations can't be discussed at this time because they are still developing but stay tuned. We have some exciting things looking to come that way."-Councilwoman Gretchen Barron
Are they working to consider revitalizing the Bluff Road area and perhaps add grocery stores?
"Some things are coming down in the Renaissance Plan. We are discussing and looking at this, but we are unable to give any solid answers on that now. But it is being reviewed. Bluff Road is one of the areas we are considering and an area of concern. We want to have the infrastructure in place as well to support any changes. Along with the sewer system and other things that come along with that." -Councilwoman Cheryl English
Broadband access is a huge concern for many people in underserved areas, especially in the middle of the pandemic. How are you thinking about addressing this issue in District 10 and moving forward?
"One of the things that I like that is already in place is Tri-County Electric. Tri-County Electric is one of those reputable companies that has been around for years. When this area and many other areas did not have electricity Tri-County Electric came in. Tri-County is going to provide 250 miles of broadband service. More services will be coming by Mid-April." -Councilwoman Cheryl English
What are the short- or long-term plans for Broad River Rd?
We are actually in the process of assessing how we should move and operate over there. One of the most important things for me is to figure out which direction and how to go about getting some grocery stores back in that area. It is going to take us many steps because it is hard to get people to want to invest in that area. As you see, the Walmart left and in turn drove the other grocery stores out of business. The goal is to revitalize the area. To make it more conducive for businesses to want to come in. We are working hard to figure out what the next steps are."
-Councilman Derrek Pugh
You have elderly who live back off the main highway (such as Langford Rd. in Blythewood). Does Richland County have any programs in place that would help the elderly keep their driveways in repair?
"I have to ask if this is a private road or a county-maintained road? An assessment can see if it is County maintained." -Councilwoman Gretchen Barron
(Any assessment done will go through the Richland County Department of Public Works.)
What are your plans for oversight regarding procurements, government spending, and purchasing cards? Or Third Party audits of your procurements?
"I have been with the state for 30 years. Our procurement measures are solid and in place with the Developmental Disabilities Council. I have had a credit card in my possession ever since I have been there. You do not use the card unless you are handling state business. The information you use to use that card is locked into your name." -Councilwoman Cheryl English
"We as a Council voted to remove p-cards from council member possession. In light of discrepancies regards to the penny tax, etc. We needed to make a statement that there was a new day in Richland County by refusing to accept purchase cards. The council ended up voting to take the p-cards away. Doing this was about renewing the people's trust in their County government. New oversight is in place. A p-card coordinator will be assigned. You would check out the card or someone to authorize the purchase- for the entire County. No one will have their credit card." -Councilman Overture Walker
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Where can you view information about upcoming Richland County Council meetings?
Meetings currently are held virtually, and you can see what meeting is coming up on the Upcoming Public Meetings and County Council Meetings pages.
You can watch County Council Meetings on YouTube.
View Richland County Council Meetings 2020 (YouTube playlist) here
View Richland County Council Meetings 2021 (YouTube playlist) here
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Questions or concerns?
Contact the Richland County Ombudsman's One-Call Response Center
Call: (803) 929-6000
Email:ombudsman@richlandcountysc.gov
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“Want to dive into even more community-oriented topics? Check out more great civic engagement resources and recommendations from our staff, here. “