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State‑led boundary review could redraw Richland County council districts, administrator says
Summary
County administrators told Richland County Council the state is conducting a boundary clarification process that could change county lines and council districts; the state asked counties to form internal committees and requested draft maps not be shared publicly.
The county administrator told Richland County Council on March 17 that the state is conducting a county‑boundary clarification that may change Richland County lines and affect the county's council districts.
"There are some lines that are currently projected to change the boundaries of Richland County and some of our neighboring counties, and will have an impact on your council districts," County Administrator Brown said, describing a process driven by the State of South Carolina.
Assistant County Administrator Jensen said the state asked each involved county to create an internal committee of experts—staff from the assessor's office, planning and zoning and subdivisions—to assist with boundary adjustments. Jensen said the state specifically requested that counties not share draft maps with the public so the state can meet with affected property owners and present proposed changes directly.
"They want to have the process contact the property owners and communicate to them any proposed changes because it's their process," Jensen said. He told council there were no firm dates yet and that the timeline depends on the time required for surveying many miles of land.
A council member asked whether the county has an estimated timeline for completion, noting that district changes would require the council to communicate with the public. Jensen replied that survey work and state scheduling make a firm completion date uncertain; county staff can meet with the state team to view preliminary information and discuss options if the council wishes to challenge or retain existing lines.
County staff were instructed to continue coordinating with the state's team and to prepare to meet with the state so council members can review potential changes. The county plans to follow the state's requested process for owner notification. No draft maps or final decisions were released at the meeting.
