The Richland County panel voted to create an ad hoc County Facilities Planning Committee to develop a 20-year long-range plan for county facilities, including assessments of building condition, space needs, security and infrastructure, and to prioritize future capital projects.

An unidentified official introduced the referral from the executive and finance committee and said the committee’s charge is to "develop a 20 year long range plan" and prioritize structural and infrastructure needs. Unidentified Speaker 8 moved to adopt the administrator’s recommendation to form the committee; Mr. Carroll seconded the motion. The committee approved the motion by voice vote.

Members said the committee should include the five standing committee chairs, the county board chair and one at-large member. The panel discussed using consultant assessment data already available and working through the winter months to set priorities. One member asked whether additional consultant work would increase costs; an unidentified speaker said consultant assistance would be worthwhile to ensure the board is "as informed of decisions as we can," while acknowledging potential expense.

Committee members debated how to select the single at-large seat. The chair and other members said consistent practice is for the committee on committees to nominate an at-large member and the full board to confirm that appointment. To move work forward, members agreed to solicit volunteers at the board meeting rather than waiting for elections.

Elaine moved to appoint Supervisor Rob Perry as the at-large member; Supervisor Williamson seconded. The committee approved the appointment by voice vote and noted the appointment would be contingent on the board’s approval of the committee resolution that evening.

The committee also noted one forthcoming county-board appointment to the Aging Advisory Committee and agreed to review the county’s committee structure in January and call meetings as needed. The committee adjourned after scheduling follow-up and confirming next steps.

The board did not provide a roll-call vote tally in the transcript; both the committee creation and the Perry appointment were approved by voice votes during the meeting. The full board will consider the committee resolution and the appointment at tonight’s board meeting.