The public will soon have the chance to give feedback on Richland County’s operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which runs from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023.

An in-person public hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, May 19 in Council Chambers at the Richland County Administrative Building, 2020 Hampton St., Columbia. The meeting will stream live on the County’s YouTube page and on the County website.

County Council uses the budget to oversee the delivery of services, programs and resources. Residents are encouraged to review the recommended Budget Book for fiscal year 2023, which details the annual budget, on the County’s website by navigating to the Budget & Grants Management webpage. By state law, the County must approve a balanced budget for the fiscal year before July 1.

Residents interested in giving in-person oral comments on the budget at the public hearing are asked to pre-register by emailing covid19@richlandcountysc.gov by 5 p.m. Friday, May 13 and include their name, email address and the specific topic they wish to speak on. Residents may also send written comments to be included in the record to the same email address. The deadline to submit written comments is also 5 p.m. May 13.

Those who pre-register to speak by the deadline will be included on the invitation list for the public hearing, which will be released by email Monday, May 16. They will then be allowed to speak during the public hearing May 19. Residents are welcome to attend the hearing even if they do not sign up to speak.

As Richland County’s emergency mask ordinance is no longer in effect, Council Chambers has returned to full capacity for meetings.