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Richland County Board discusses joining RCDC broadband grant that could require fronting up to $300,000
Summary
The Richland County Board discussed whether to let RCDC use the county''s name on a state broadband grant application due March 20. Finance committee said the $300,000 award would be reimbursable but the county would need to front expenses and wants documentation review and a public hearing before accepting any award.
A Richland County board member told the board on March 13 that RCDC is preparing a state broadband grant application due March 20 and asked whether the county would allow its name to be included on the application.
Finance committee chair cautioned the board that the request centers on a reimbursable grant of roughly $300,000 that the county would need to front during the grant period. "We would have to front the money, and then we would apply for reimbursement from the state," the committee chair said, adding that "the risks would be that if funding was or expenses were disallowed, then we could potentially be at risk for whatever costs up to $300,000 out of pocket." The committee said cash is currently available but emphasized that the county would not be obligated to accept award funds if the board later declined them.
County staff and a technology partner explained that grant administration would involve submitting claims as expenses are incurred. One county representative described the award as structured over multiple years, noting an "$100,000 per year" framing in conversation with RCDC staff and urging confirmation of timing from the grant lead.
The finance committee recommended allowing Richland County''s name on the application so RCDC can apply on the county''s behalf, but with conditions: the board must hold a public hearing if the county''s budget would be affected, documentation must be reviewed prior to submission, and the board would retain final approval to accept or decline any award. Because the item was not on the published agenda, the board agreed it could not finalize approval that night and scheduled a special meeting to consider the application ahead of the March 20 deadline.
The board scheduled a possible special session following the public-safety meeting on March 18 so members could review a draft application expected by March 18 and, if necessary, formally authorize participation before the March 20 submission date. The finance committee said it would circulate documentation for the board to review and requested that staff confirm the grant's reimbursement schedule and any administrative requirements.
Next steps: staff and RCDC are to provide the draft application and grant documentation to the board in advance of the special meeting; the board will hold a public hearing if the grant is awarded and will vote before accepting any award.
