(Richland PIO) – Richland County Government is reminding residents that the County has reopened to the public for business services. Residents may access government functions in person at 2020 Hampton St., Columbia or online at www.richlandcountysc.gov.

While the County has resumed normal operations, the safety of our staff and residents is paramount. Richland County urges the public to continue to exercise caution. County employees who have been impacted by the storm and require an alternative work schedule should communicate with their department leadership for assistance.

Staff with Richland County’s Emergency Management Division (RCEMD), Sheriff’s Department, Department of Public Works, Utilities, Administration, and the County’s Ombudsman, Information Technology and Communications offices have been working around the clock to serve residents who have been and are still experiencing damage and loss caused by the destructive force of Hurricane Helene. Since Thursday, the Ombudsman’s Office has received more than 900 service requests related to emergency services, flooding, downed trees, and power outages.

Richland County teams continue to stand ready to assist residents and the communities we serve. Additionally, according to RCEMD, two feeding stations are opening Monday, Sept. 30 to help residents who might not have access to food. Those locations and times are:

• Francis Burns United Methodist Church, 5616 Farrow Road, Columbia, is serving lunch at noon today.
• The Temple of Faith at 2850 Congaree Road, Gadsden, will serve dinner at 5 p.m. today, Tuesday, Oct. 1 and Wednesday, Oct. 2. The Temple of Faith also will be open for lunch beginning at noon Tuesday and Wednesday.

As a reminder, contact the County’s Ombudsman’s Office at 803-929-6000 to report standing water or backup at stormwater inlets. For continuous updates about conditions in Richland County, please visit the County’s website and Facebook page.