RICHLAND COUNTY, SC — Richland County residents interested in serving on a sales-tax advisory committee may now apply.

The deadline is 5 p.m. Dec. 26.

For the required application, call the council clerk’s office at (803) 576-2060 or go online to www.rcgov.us, look for “forms” on the left-hand list and then “application for committee, board or commission.”

The Transportation Penny Advisory Committee will include seven volunteers appointed by Richland County Council. At least five of the seven must be from unincorporated areas.

Terms last five years.

The guidelines say the council will appoint people representing the types of transportation that will be improved using proceeds from the 1 percent sales tax: the bus system; roads; and sidewalks, bike paths and nature trails.

The advisory committee — often referred to as “the watchdog committee” — will review, debate and provide recommendations to County Council on changes to the $1 billion in projects that were advertised as part of this fall’s campaign for a penny sales tax.

The group also will review candidates for the contract for the program management firm and issue quarterly progress reports.

It is protocol for people interested in serving on public boards and commissions to approach members of County Council, too. Their contact information is at www.richlandonline.com.

Altogether, the committee will have 15 members. Other local governments making appointments are:

• The city of Columbia, with three appointments. Call (803) 545-4268.

• Arcadia Lakes, with one appointment. Call (803) 782-2272.

• Blythewood, with one. Email the mayor or administrator through the town’s website, www.townofblythewoodsc.gov.

• Eastover, with one. Call (803) 353-2281.

• Forest Acres, with one. Notify administrator Mark Williams by mail or drop by City Hall at 5205 N. Trenholm Road.

• And Irmo, which already appointed its representative.

Dawn Hinshaw