Soil and Water District Director reported to the Richland County commissioners on Oct. 30 that the office met several 2025 goals and outlined near-term needs for 2026. The department highlighted hosting the Envirothon (first time in 17 years), administering the county'wide stormwater permit program, running outreach workshops (native plants, rain gardens), and expanding education via podcasts and newsletters.

Staff said they operate numerous public-facing programs: rain-barrel and native-seed sales, soil testing services, a land-judging contest for school ag programs, a tree-seedling sale and fish sale. The department emphasized volunteer support: 72 volunteers logged roughly 2,500 hours, which the department estimated as an $82,000 value in labor.

Capital needs identified included replacement of an aged equipment shed (quoted around $20,000 for a like-sized replacement with a better pad) to store equipment and potentially a gator/utility vehicle. The director said vehicle and fuel needs are manageable for 2026 but noted one older vehicle may need replacement in future years.

Staff flagged a forthcoming staffing succession issue: a long-time volunteer coordinator is expected to retire in coming years and the department plans phased shadowing and potential job-description adjustments to preserve program continuity. Commissioners advised the department to ensure Munis position titles match budget submissions and encouraged efforts to balance projected revenues and expenses.

Commissioners commended the office's volunteer program and outreach work while noting that state match reimbursement rates and fluctuating state funding require conservative budget planning.