Commissioners Zoom's Meeting

Richland County Board of Commissioners meeting, November 13, 2026: Wastewater Treatment Director Amanda Miller presented a budget of approximately $4.0–$4.1 million. She cited a 16% increase in insurance costs, higher negotiated wages, and the payoff of the department’s OPWC loans. The department is seeking to fill operator vacancies and reassess pay for nonrepresented positions. Commissioners approved a request to provide nonunion staff with a clothing and uniform allowance of up to $600 per year; bargaining-unit staff already receive that amount under their contract. Miller also noted an estimated $210,000 revenue loss as Belleville customers and assets are transferred, with related service costs expected to decrease. Commissioners separately approved routine requisitions, weekly transfers, and additional appropriations.

The board approved a $3,951.33 quote from Generator Systems of Medina for generator repairs. EMA Director Sarah Poz reported $29,117.95 paid for tornado-warning-siren repairs to date, with additional invoices pending; repairs included batteries, fuses, and a siren pole replacement costing about $12,500. She also noted that $193,000 in ARPA funds had been used in 2024 to upgrade county sirens. The meeting included budget discussions for other departments, but no additional procurement decisions were identifiable in the transcript.