Board approves fee‑review engagement discussions, agent services and a used vehicle purchase

The Richland County Board heard a presentation from a consultant introduced as Bruce of Bellwether on conducting a county fee review, then moved forward on several operational items including contracting for agent services and approving a vehicle purchase.

Bruce described the fee‑review process the firm uses: inventory statutory fees, build a cost model that breaks transactions into labor, software and document‑protection buckets, perform an on‑site visit to validate estimates and deliver a written report (typically two weeks after the on‑site). He said the approach ties each fee to a statutory citation where applicable and models direct and indirect costs.

The finance committee discussed expanding Bellwether's engagement to include budget‑work services for 2028 and advisory review of solar and wind ordinances; the committee will review a formal proposal and fee schedule.

On contracting, the board approved a motion to accept a $12,000 agent services proposal to provide automation services split between the automation fund and the general fund, with proponents saying the vendor expects a relatively quick payback of the initial cost. The motion was made, seconded and approved by roll call.

The sheriff's office described mechanical failures in a 2015 Tahoe (front wheel bearings, power steering rack, 4‑wheel drive) with estimated repairs near $4,000 on a vehicle with 182,000 miles and recommended purchasing a used vehicle (estimated $50,000–$55,000) to serve as a spare until staffing and SRO assignments stabilize. The board approved purchase using board‑controlled general funds set aside for vehicle rotation.

The meeting also approved the county claims list (county claims $118,933.70, non‑county $990,237.52) as part of the consent agenda.

No contract award documents were signed at the meeting; committee chairs will receive formal proposals and return with recommended contract language and budget allocations.