County Council
| Richland County Council | |
| The County Council consists of eleven members who are elected in the November general elections from single member districts for four (4) year terms beginning on January first (1) of the year following their election. The Council elects a Chair and Vice-Chair for a one year term at its first meeting in January following the general election. | |
| The Council conducts its business first through the standing committees, the Administration and Finance Committee and the Development and Services Committee, as well as ad hoc committees formed to address more specific concerns. The committee meetings, held on the fourth Tuesday of every month, serve as a forum for discussion of issues in order for a recommendation to be made to the full Council. The Council's Regular Session meetings take place on the first and third Tuesdays of every month at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Richland County Administration Building, 2020 Hampton Street. On the second Tuesday, Council generally holds a work session to discuss large and complex issues that require more deliberation before any formal Council action is taken. The meeting dates and times for the committee and Council meetings are subject to change; however, proper notice is given to the public of meetings through the news media. | |
| County Council enacts legislation in one of three ways: (1) general ordinances; (2) emergency ordinances; and (3) resolutions. General ordinances are the most formal and binding type of Council legislation. An ordinance may be introduced by a member of Council. General ordinances apply to tax levies, property disposition, leases, contracts, large purchases, and other significant undertakings. Each ordinance requires three readings of the legislation that occur during three separate Council Meetings prior to adoption. The first reading is done by title only with no opportunity to amend. The second reading may include a public hearing on the matter, and any Council member may propose amendments at this time. Third reading of an ordinance cannot be given until at least seven days after the second reading, and it may also be designated as a public hearing. If adopted by the majority of Council, the proposed ordinance becomes official. | |
The functions of County Council are to:
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