County Council

Find your Richland County Council Representative

  1. Enter your address in the map field.
  2. Look for County Council Rep. under Political information in the far right column.

Meetings

  • Generally the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.
  • Open to the public.
  • Held inside Council Chambers at 2020 Hampton St. Columbia, SC 29204
  • Dates are subject to change and/or additional dates may be added.
  • Items for Zoning Public Hearings must go before the Planning Commission.

 

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Members

Allison Terracio

 Councilmember, District 5

  • Telephone803-622-6029
  • Email terracio.allison@richlandcountysc.gov
  • ProfileAllison Terracio represents District 5, which includes Historic Waverly, Edgewood, Shandon, Rosewood, Five Points, the Vista, St. Andrews, and the campuses of the University of South Carolina, Allen University and Benedict College.

Don Weaver

 Councilmember, District 6

  • Telephone803-995-3703
  • Email weaver.don@richlandcountysc.gov
  • ProfileDon Weaver represents District 6, which includes west-central Richland County, Forest Acres, and neighborhoods near the William Jennings Bryan Dorn Veterans Affairs Medical Center and South Beltline Boulevard.

Chakisse Newton

 Councilmember, District 11

  • Telephone803-973-9652
  • Email newton.chakisse@richlandcountysc.gov
  • ProfileChakisse Newton represents District 11, which begins in the City of Columbia near the VA Hospital and Fort Jackson and continues down Leesburg and Garners Ferry roads through Hopkins and Eastover.

What County Council Does

Richland County Council is made up of 11 members. Each one is elected from a different part of the County (called a district) during the November general election. Council members serve four-year terms that start on January 1 after the election. Every January, Council chooses a Chair and Vice Chair to lead meetings for the year.

How Council Works

Council does most of its work through committees:

  • Administration and Finance Committee
  • Development and Services Committee
  • Ad hoc committees for specific, temporary issues

These committees meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month. They talk through important topics and make recommendations to the full Council.

Interested in serving on a Richland County committee, commission or board? Explore opportunities, then apply online.

The full Council usually meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month for official business. On the second Tuesday, Council holds a work session to spend more time discussing complex topics before making any decisions. Meeting times and dates can change, but the public is always notified through news outlets.

How Council Passes Laws and Decisions

Council passes laws and makes decisions through:

  • General ordinances (most formal and legally binding)
  • Emergency ordinances (used in urgent situations)
  • Resolutions (used for less formal decisions or statements)

A general ordinance goes through three readings at three different Council meetings before it becomes official:

  1. First reading: Just the title is read—no discussion yet.
  2. Second reading: Council may hold a public hearing and discuss or suggest changes.
  3. Third reading: Takes place at least seven days after the second reading. Another public hearing can also happen here.

If a majority of Council votes “yes,” the ordinance becomes official.

What County Council Is Responsible For

  • Creating and changing County laws (ordinances and resolutions)
  • Deciding how County funds are spent
  • Setting County taxes
  • Approving major contracts and purchases
  • Appointing residents to County boards and committees

Richland County Council Rules(PDF, 803KB)

Clerk of Council

Anette Kirylo

Clerk of Council provides direct support and research services to members of County Council and disseminates information to the public and County departments concerning County policies, directives and actions. Additionally, the Clerk of Council:

  • Records and prepares the minutes of County Council meetings
  • Keeps record of proceedings and other permanent records
  • Maintains the County Council calendar and schedules appointments
  • Responds in a timely manner to County citizens who require assistance or services

Contact the Clerk of Council

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