The County Operating and Capital Budget for fiscal year 2023-2024.

The following are the proposed millage rates:

Mil Value:

FY2022-2023: $455,297

FY2022-2023: $480,515

Council heard the initial presentation of the budget at the Committee of the Whole meeting on May 3. The updated recommended budget is balanced and totals $131,585,828 with a 4.3 mil increase in the general fund, a .5 mil increase in the capital improvement fund, a .2 mil increase in the court security fund and a 2.7 mil decrease in debt service.

The overall millage increase is proposed at 2.3 mils.

The budget is being presented at first reading with some adjustments including the following in the general fund:

• $1,6 million increase for 6.5% across the board increase for all employees 
• $290,000 for adjustments to address additional pay concerns in specific departments
• $495,000 for 6 new positions
• Inclusion of a 6% pay adjustment for all staff in the Solicitor & Public Defender's Office $116,752
• $14,600 change in estimated cost to finalize the access control in the Administration Building
• Decrease of building permit revenue projections of $300,000
• Inclusion of the RIA grant match at $1.25 million
• $5,000 increase for external auditor (based on bids received after initial presentation)

• Changes to the fund balance utilization list which overall did not increase or decrease the budget, but swapped out the gym floor replacements for Recreation with higher prioritized projects like lighting replacements/additions at various facilities and upgrades at Walnut Creek. In addition, the roads inventory was added for public works.

In the attachments you can find the detail budget pages. In addition, the 6 funds that were not available at the May 3 meeting are included in the detailed pages and all are balanced. These include the Van Wyck Fire District, the Indian Land Fire District Fund, the Pleasant Valley Fire District Fund, Capital Project Sales Tax 2 and 3 Funds as well as the Debt Service Fund.

Indian Land Fire and Pleasant Valley Fire are only budgeted for 3 months due to discussed merger in which they will need to be brought under one fund upon Council decision. A budget amendment will be necessary pending Council's future discussions.

Per SC State law, a budget must be approved by June 30 each year for the new fiscal year beginning July 1. This will set the county budget for next fiscal year.

Approve the budget for FY 2024.