Committee discusses GIS staffing, orthophotography and NG9‑1‑1 funding opportunities

Richland County staff told the committee they are pursuing amendments to the 2024 land information grant to shift orthophotography costs and to include LiDAR and hydrology mapping for possible 2026 work. Staff said some contract work (orthophotography, parcel mapping) is currently paid from NG9‑1‑1 or other grants and that state NG9‑1‑1 funding could be used for dispatch‑related mapping improvements.

The committee discussed hiring a GIS technician; staff said a job description has been drafted and forwarded for grading but that the county lacks a stable funding source for a permanent hire. Members asked for a prioritized list of GIS projects to justify hiring. Staff said strategic grants (smaller amounts historically used for projects) limit what staffing can be funded; grants are project‑oriented and cannot be used for general, ongoing county GIS support unless the grant language permits it. Committee members requested a list of candidate projects and noted the need to coordinate with MSA and Southwest Regional mapping work from the comprehensive plan.

Staff outlined forthcoming grant work: amending the 2024 grant to transfer orthophotography payment through NG9‑1‑1 grant processes, and using remaining funds for LiDAR. The committee was also told that NG9‑1‑1 grant managers encouraged asking for necessary funds and that project requests tied to dispatch/public safety are more likely to be funded. The committee asked staff to prepare a project list, cost estimates and a proposed funding path before approving a permanent GIS position.