Board votes: appointments, retirements and two rezoning ordinances adopted

The Richland County Board voted on multiple routine and substantive items at its Jan. 13 meeting. Key outcomes:

- Appointed Kevin Nolan to County Supervisor, District 10 (motion moved by Supervisor Thompson; seconded by Supervisor Cosgrove). Nolan was sworn in and participated in the remainder of the meeting.

- Confirmed appointment of Josh Eldard as the county’s emergency management director; the position will be added to his highway duties (motion moved by Supervisor Kramer; seconded by Supervisor Thompson). One supervisor stated they could not support the appointment but the motion carried.

- Adopted Resolution 26‑1 honoring Christian Cipack for 44 years of service to the Richland County sheriff’s office (offered by the public safety standing committee; motion by Fleming, second by Cosgrove). Resolution adopted by voice vote.

- Adopted Resolution 26‑2 recognizing Sandra Campbell for 49 years of service in the extension department (offered by the natural resources standing committee; motion by Harry, second by Hendrix). Resolution adopted by voice vote.

- Adopted Ordinance 26‑1 (amendment to County Code chapter 119) rezoning Parcel 018‑0611‑2000 and part of 018‑0523‑2000 in the town of Marshall to residential (33.62 acres); motion by Thompson, second by Williamson. Ordinance to take effect upon publication.

- Adopted Ordinance 26‑2 (amendment to County Code chapter 119) rezoning Parcel 022‑3634‑1000 in the town of Richland to residential (2.01 acres); motion by Perry, second by Scoon over. Ordinance to take effect upon publication.

- Approved a resolution to use contingency funds to engage Strategic Management Consulting for a $35,000 EMS study; motion carried with two opposed.

- Appointed the county’s 2026 emergency fire wardens (annual appointments) and approved other routine business, including updates to the personnel handbook (Resolution 26‑3).

Vote tallies were not recorded as named counts in the minutes for most voice votes; where roll‑call or counts were noted, the board recorded one opposed on the emergency management appointment and two opposed on the EMS study funding.

Next procedural step: ordinances take effect upon publication; staff will proceed with implementing approved appointments and executing the EMS study contract.