BEAUFORT, S.C. (April, 22, 2024) – City Manager Scott Marshall will present his Recommended Fiscal Year 2025 Consolidated Budget to City Council for discussion at Work Session on Tuesday, April 23 at 5 p.m.
This is the first in a series of steps to passing the budget by July 1.
The recommended budget is $55.7 million, which is $2 million less than the FY2024 budget. The millage rate in the recommended budget is 73.9 mills, which matches the same millage rate included in the Fiscal Year 2024 Consolidated Budget.
The budget recommends increases to various fees, mostly related to development. Many fees have not been updated for years. The recommended increases more closely align the City with development fees incurred in neighboring jurisdictions.
Highlights include:
- Continued funding for City Council priorities identified in the fiscal Year 2023-2025 Strategic Plan
- Funding for strategic partners
- $50,000 for a pilot program to help with neighborhood revitalization and/or rehabilitation of dilapidated structures
- A 3% cost-of-living adjustment for employees, with an additional up to 2% merit increase
- Absorption of a 3% increase in employee health care coverage
- No increase in solid waste fees despite recent escalation of contract costs
Marshall worked extensively with Finance Director Alan Eisenman on the proposed budget, as well as department heads.
Public comment is invited at all sessions where the budget will be presented.
Important dates:
April 30: Department-level budget presentations at Work Session
May 14: Public Hearing and First Reading of FY2025 Recommended Budget
June 11: Second and Final Reading of FY2025 Recommended Budget
Work Session Agenda Packet including budget presentation
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