The Richland County Board of Supervisors approved a facilities assessment study by Venture Architects at its meeting February 20 at a cost not to exceed $165,000. This study is said to be a once in a lifetime opportunity for positive, effective change. The outcomes of the project will have a generational impact for all residents of Richland County. It will include: inventory & assessment; identifying facility deficiencies; forecasting future requirements; determining immediate, short-term, long-term needs; assessing action steps; prioritizing needs & recommending solutions; and determining budget & affordability.

The board also approved the wage scale for the county clerk, treasurer, and register of deeds for the 2025-2028 term. By state statute, salaries must be determined before the first date nomination papers may be filed for candidacy. The 2025 to 2028 term will see a 25% increase by 2028. The salaries will be increased in increments of 13% in 2025 to $76,707, 5% in 2026 to $80,543, 4% in 2027 to $83,764 for 2027, and 3% in 2028 to $86,277. It was noted that the Clerk’s salary was reduced from $83,326 to $67,882, a reduction of $15,443 due to a Resolution adopted in April 2021, after the Finance Officer duties were eliminated following the hiring of a county administrator, and only statutory duties remained. It was also noted that the Register of Deeds staff will work 40 hours per week instead of 35 effective in January 2025. These salaries are more in align to other comparable markets.

Susan Triggs, Register of Deeds, also reported that 2023 saw more deaths in Richland County than births. The department filed 154 births and 179 deaths.

The Richland County Board of Supervisors also honored Bernie Couey, a long time EMT and Richland County Coroner who recently celebrated his 100th birthday.