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Richland County commissioners fast-track appointment of county apiary inspector after beekeepers’ request
Summary
Beekeepers asked Richland County to restore a paid apiary inspector; commissioners moved to appoint a candidate and noted $4,000 in county funds are budgeted to support the post while state handles training and paperwork.
Representatives of the Richmond-area beekeepers asked the Richland County Board of Commissioners on April 10 for funding and a formal appointment of a county apiary (bee) inspector; commissioners instructed staff to proceed with appointment steps and acknowledged a $4,000 allocation in this year’s budget to support the position.
The beekeeper representative told the board the county has lacked a dedicated inspector since the last inspector, Sonny Barker, died, and that the inspector inspects hives for diseases, submits samples to state and federal labs, and supports local agriculture. "We would like to see if you would allot some money. It's not a lot of money," the representative said, and identified a candidate, Aaron Billheimer of Shelby, who is willing to serve.
Commissioner Vero said the state provides training and would be involved in hiring and paperwork, but that Richland County pays the inspector. County administrator Andrew Keller said the appointment will likely take the form of an independent‑contractor arrangement and that the county must confirm the mechanics with the auditor. Commissioners made a motion to appoint an apiary inspector so the state could begin training and approved taking the procedural steps to finalize any contract.
The board noted $4,000 had been budgeted for the position this year and said that amount would be used as a starting appropriation; commissioners voted to move forward with the appointment process. No exact salary, contract form, or start date was specified during the meeting, and commissioners directed staff to confirm the hiring structure and contract language with the auditor and the county prosecutor before finalizing the arrangement.
The beekeepers said the inspector would inspect hives, test for pests and diseases, and submit samples to the federal laboratory in Beltsville, Maryland, as needed. The board’s action was procedural — authorizing an appointment and directing staff to work with the state and county offices on the contract and training — rather than a finalized employment contract.
The commissioners closed the item by asking staff to notify the state apiary division so training for the appointed candidate may proceed.
The board’s motion to move forward with appointment and the use of the budgeted $4,000 carried in a recorded vote.
