Fort Mill council approves $73.6 million budget for fiscal year beginning Oct. 1

The Fort Mill Town Council approved the consolidated fiscal year 2025–26 budget on second reading, adopting a $73,568,253 spending plan that takes effect Oct. 1, 2025.

Finance presenter Gary Vargo told council the consolidated 2025–26 budget totals $73,568,253. The general fund is $47,575,553 (61% of the total). The utilities fund totals about $20,694,000 (31%). Special revenue funds make up roughly 6% and stormwater accounts for about 2% of the budget. Council was told the general fund budget is supported by a millage rate of 83 mills; staff said there are no proposed increases to water or sewer rates. There is a targeted adjustment to base sewer rates for Kingsley and Mason’s Bend to reflect Rock Hill’s sewer rate increases because sewer from those areas flows to Rock Hill’s treatment facility.

Council members said the budget reflects extensive review; one council member noted the council spent more than 21 hours across multiple sessions vetting the proposals and emphasized that staff have devoted additional time. Several members framed the adopted budget as proactive, funding projects and reserves to address future growth rather than reacting to issues as they arise.

A motion to approve the second reading of the budget passed; the record in the meeting shows an affirmative vote followed by a vocal “nay” from at least one member during the roll call discussion, but the budget was adopted on second reading at this meeting.

Clarifying details presented in the meeting include the consolidated total ($73,568,253); the general fund ($47,575,553); utilities fund ($20,694,000); and the 83-mill general fund rate. Council discussion also emphasized future-focused investments for safety, recreation and infrastructure.