By 1812Blockhouse
The Richland County Board of Commissioners covered a wide range of community-focused issues in their Thursday, April 10 meeting—everything from public infrastructure and jail repairs to a unique agricultural request from local beekeepers. The session was a testament to the day-to-day work that keeps county government humming—and in this case, buzzing.
Beekeepers Advocate for a County Bee Inspector
A sweet moment unfolded when local beekeepers stepped forward with a heartfelt request: funding for a county bee inspector. Speaking on behalf of the Richland Area Beekeepers, Dave Duncan emphasized the urgent need to reinstate the position, which has remained vacant since the passing of the previous inspector, Sunny Barker.
“They would be going an inspecting the bees for diseases and sending samples into the state and the federal laboratory,” Duncan shared. “The more bees we have, the better the gardens, the better the crops will be. Probably 80% of the food we have is dependent on honeybees.”
The Commissioners unanimously expressed support for the initiative. Although logistical details still need ironing out—including the structure of employment and training through the state—the Board moved to appoint beekeeper Aaron Billheimer of Shelby as the new inspector, allowing the process to move forward.
Lease Approved for Farm Bureau Office Space
The Board approved a lease agreement for the Richland County Farm Bureau to occupy 700 square feet at the Longview Center, starting June 1. The lease runs through May 2030 with a monthly rate of $691.58. Commissioners noted the importance of supporting local agriculture through accessible office space.
Road Work and Flood Response Drive Engineering and Wastewater Requests
County Engineer staff received approval to advertise for the 2025 seal coat project, an initiative that will cover 22.5 miles of roadway at an estimated cost of $560,610.78. The Commissioners also approved additional overtime for wastewater personnel due to recent weather-related flooding, ensuring critical infrastructure continues to function during emergencies.
Jail and Juvenile Detention Repairs Top Capital Projects
Richland County Maintenance Superintendent Josh Hicks presented a series of capital improvement needs, many of which were approved on the spot. Those included Sheriff’s Department projects to replace deteriorating concrete around the generator and rear entrance of the building; new handrails from Matern Metal Works; jail repairs for HVAC and plumbing upgrades, along with funds transferred from the county’s reinvestment account; and work at the Juvenile Detention Center for waterproofing and caulking to fix leaks affecting both the courtroom and gymnasium.
Commissioners praised the use of local contractors and emphasized the importance of maintaining county facilities used by law enforcement and community services.
Informational Public Hearing Held for CDBG Grant Funds
Later in the morning, the Board recessed for the first of two public hearings related to the 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Jotika Shetty of the Richland County Regional Planning Commission outlined the county’s $340,000 allocation, combining federal funds and a revolving loan account for economic development.
Shetty explained eligibility hurdles, including a lack of qualifying census tracts for low-to-moderate-income projects. “Shiloh completed a survey recently but didn’t meet the threshold,” she noted. The county may still apply for up to two eligible projects before the May 2 deadline.
Minor Changes Made to EMA Director Job Description
The Commissioners also approved minor updates to the job description of the Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director, replacing outdated terminology and removing references to national stockpile responsibilities and specific training frameworks.
Executive Session: Personnel Matters Discussed
An executive session was held to discuss the employment of a public employee. While no major changes were announced afterward, human resources staff presented routine job description updates as a result.
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