As a result of the pending threat of Hurricane Matthew and the Governor’s directive for coastal evacuations, Richland County and City of Columbia offices will close for business Wednesday through Friday, Oct. 5-7, as both local governments work in conjunction with state officials to facilitate the evacuation of coastal residents to the Midlands region.
Essential personnel for both the County and City are expected to report to duty as normal.
County and City leaders’ joint decision follows an executive order by Gov. Nikki Haley to evacuate coastal counties and close schools in several counties in advance of the hurricane.
Richland County is a designated host county for coastal region evacuations. As such, local officials are preparing for increased traffic and demands for services and accommodations as evacuees settle temporarily in the area. Both County and City essential public safety and other staff will be on duty to assist as needed.
County curbside trash collection will operate on a regular schedule. The County landfill and the Lower Richland Drop-off facility will remain open through Friday, though both are closed Saturday. The Drop-off center will open Sunday, but the landfill will be closed. Both will be on a regular schedule beginning Monday.
Additionally, the County's Jim Hamilton-L.B. Owens Airport will have reduced hours. It will close at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7, and operate from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday. Normal hours expected for Sunday.
City of Columbia garbage, trash and recycling operations will also operate on normal schedules this week.