Richland County commissioners create Port Authority, appoint initial board

The Richland County Board of Commissioners voted to create the Richland County Port Authority and appointed five initial members to its board during the June 10 meeting.

Commissioner Vero told the commissioners the resolution establishes the authority, its board of directors and initial four-year staggered terms. "We have formally created a port authority in Richland County," Vero said as the motion was moved to a vote.

The commissioners and economic-development officials described the port authority as an economic-development tool rather than a maritime port. Ellen Hines, speaking for local economic development partners, said the authority can acquire and develop property, issue revenue bonds, and provide a commonly used sales-tax exemption for substantial developments. "In return for the exemption, developers pay money to the port, and the port generates revenue that can be spent on economic development within Richland County," Hines said.

The board appointments named in the resolution are Randa Payne, Mark Masters, Dully Powell, David Eichinger and John Oliveri. Commissioners said appointees were chosen for experience in business, finance and project development; the county intends the authority to provide tools to attract or support projects that otherwise might locate outside the county.

County officials said the commissioners authorized an initial upfront county investment to help start the authority. Commissioner Vero described an "initial upfront investment" of $25,000 that the newly formed port authority could reimburse if and when it generates revenue. County staff also discussed seed funding needs at a later stage and a separate figure mentioned in the discussion that was not clearly tied to the motion.

Speakers said several local projects have already contacted economic development staff about using the new authority, and the authority could be applied both to new projects and to in-progress projects that face funding gaps. Commissioners and economic development representatives emphasized the tool is intended to keep development-related incentives and revenue inside Richland County.

Commissioners scheduled organizational work, including drafting bylaws; Ellen Hines said a first meeting on bylaws was set for June 18. Officials described the positions as unpaid and said board members would typically meet monthly or as needed.

The resolution passed on a voice vote with the commissioners present voting yes on the motion to create the authority and appoint the named members.

Officials said the port authority will require additional administrative steps to adopt bylaws, begin operations and consider requests from developers. County administrators and economic-development partners said they will return with more details as projects and bylaws are developed.