Richland County Council

Administration and Finance Committee

Tuesday, October 23, 2001, 6:00 p.m.

Report of Actions

Call To Order – Joe McEachern, Committee Chair, called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.

Approval of Minutes – The minutes of the September 25, 2001 Regular Session Meeting were approved as corrected.

Adoption of Agenda – The agenda was adopted as amended, adding Items A and B under Items for Discussion/Information, TIF Ordinance and the Cultural Council, respectively.

1. Items for Action

1. Providence Hospital: JEDA Loan – The Committee unanimously recommended Council approve a resolution supporting JEDA’s issuance of revenue bonds for Providence Hospital in an amount not to exceed $150 million for several hospital projects.
2. EMS: Grant for Improvements – The Committee unanimously recommended that Council accept the South Carolina DHEC grant of $69,401 and pay the match grant of $10,000 using budgeted funds for this purpose in order to improve the operations of the EMS department.
3. Sheriff’s Department

1. K-9 Vehicles – The Committee unanimously recommended that Council authorize the purchase of ten (10) Crown Victoria vehicles in the budgeted amount of $250,000 to replacing aging, high mileage vehicles in the K-9 Division. These vehicles will be outfitted with specially designed cage inserts in which the dogs will be transported, enhancing their safety in the vehicles.
2. Local Law Enforcement Block Grant – The Committee unanimously recommended that Council accept the US Department of Justice grant in the amount of $423,018 and pay the 10% match grant of $47,002 to fund overtime expenditures, equipment and community policing projects in Richland County. Funds for the grant match shall be taken from the Sheriff’s grant match budget.
3. Forensics Lab Services Grant – The Committee unanimously recommended that Council accept the SC Department of Public Safety grant in the amount of $185,623 and pay the 25% match grant of $61,874 to expand forensic laboratory services in Richland County. Funds for the grant match shall be taken from the Sheriff’s grant match budget.
4. Technology Grant – The Committee unanimously recommended to forward this item to Council, giving the County Administrator time to determine if the 25% grant match of $250,000 to purchase Mobile Data Laptops and the needed communications infrastructure for patrol vehicles in Richland County, provided through a US Department of Justice grant in the amount of $750,000, can be taken as part of the County’s GIS bond funds. If this is not possible, then funds will be taken from Fund Balance.

2. Items Pending Analysis

There were no items in this section.

3. Items for Discussion/Information

1. TIF Ordinance – The Committee forwarded this item to Council without a recommendation.
2. Cultural Council – The Committee directed the County Administrator to notify the Director of the Cultural Council not to increase Accommodations Tax amounts after the fact.

Adjournment - The Committee adjourned at 7:01 p.m.

Staffed by Pam Davis