Richland County Council Tackles Budget

(WOL) COLUMBIA,S.C., — Fairs, festivals art and music events held in Richland county may be free to you, but they definitely come with a price. Monday night the Richland county Council spent 4 hours tackling their annual budget, trying to decide who would get a part of their 51 Million dollars and how much of it. While members approved a majority of the requests brought before them there were a few that raised eyebrows. Mainly the most expensive and most controversial items on the list. including 20 million dollars to build an indoor sports arena. Another high priced proposal – a 16 million dollar water park that would go on a piece of property already owned by the county along farrow road. And finally 2 million dollars for a multi-use ampi-theater. Council members say the goal – is to stop piggy backing off Columbia visitors and create things of their own that will get people to come to the county – stay and play to increase their own revenue. Council members had mixed emotions about using appropriated and hospitality tax revenue to get it done. A third reading on the items is set for June 12th.