The following are highlights from Richland County Government in September:

·         Richland County announced it is taking steps to lessen the burden of rising health costs for County employees with dependents after Council approved a recommendation to absorb additional dependent premiums for staff who participate in the County’s health care plan.
 

·         More than 100 residents, officials and County staff attended a dedication ceremony for the Decker Center, Richland County’s newest facility, which houses Central Magistrate Court, a Sheriff’s Department annex and a public-use community room.
 

·         Richland County officials took part in a portrait unveiling of a former magistrate judge whose likeness will be displayed outside a courtroom.
 

·         Richland County Council and City of Columbia Council held a joint council meeting during which councilmembers discussed several topics that affect both governments.
 

·         Richland County staff held a “Flood Ready Seniors” program that informed a class of senior citizens about staying safe during floods and other emergencies.
 

·         Richland County Solid Waste & Recycling organized two free community recycling events for residents to drop off items such as tires, scrap metal and electronics.
 

·         Richland County emergency officials, first responders and essential personnel worked around the clock in the County’s emergency operations command as severe weather from Hurricane Irma threatened the region.
 

·         A World War II-era B-17 bomber landed at the County’s Jim Hamilton-L.B. Owens Airport as part of a nonprofit organization’s national tour to showcase aeronautic history.
 

·         Richland County Council Chair Joyce Dickerson was the first to board a public transit bus funded by the County that is part of a new route connecting several attractions and tourist destinations.