Rules committee adopts language to clarify rotating Riverbanks Park Commission at-large seat
Loading...
Summary
Richland County’s Rules and Appointments Committee approved statutory language clarifying that the joint at-large Riverbanks Park Commission seat rotates among Richland County, the City of Columbia and Lexington on a single six-year term and is not eligible for reappointment; the vacancy will be advertised Friday for four weeks with interviews and appointment in May.
The Richland County Rules and Appointments Committee voted to adopt language clarifying the county’s description of the Riverbanks Park Commission’s joint at-large member, confirming the seat rotates among Richland County, the City of Columbia and Lexington for a single six-year term and is not eligible for reappointment.
Tommy Stringfellow, who represents the Riverbanks Park District, told the committee the original enabling legislation left the seventh, joint commissioner vague and that the commission adopted a practical rotation schedule decades ago. "A bit confusing. No doubt," Stringfellow said as he summarized the history and the commission’s plan to record the rotation in its bylaws.
The deputy county attorney told the committee the county can amend its own descriptions and ordinance language to align with South Carolina Code section 51-13-20 and the commission’s adopted practice. Committee members said adopting the county wording will reduce confusion for applicants and make the county website clear about term length and eligibility.
The committee approved the amendment unanimously. Members also approved moving forward with an advertisement for the upcoming Richland County slot; staff said the vacancy notice will be presented to full council that night, will be published Friday, run for four weeks, and that interviews and an appointment are expected in May.
Committee members stressed staff will continue coordinating with the Riverbanks Park Commission as that body finalizes its bylaws so county and commission documents match. The committee left open the possibility of returning to the item if further alignment is needed.
The county cited South Carolina Code section 51-13-20 as governing language; the committee’s adoption is intended to record the rotation and clarify that the joint at-large position is a one-term, six-year seat and not eligible for reappointment.
