Greenville County Council approves library budget after rejecting amendment to restore larger raises

Greenville County Council approved the Greenville County Library System budget and annual millage request for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026, following a public hearing in which library employees and patrons urged the council to restore larger wage increases. Councilor Collins moved for approval at second reading; an amendment by Dr. Fink to revert to the original March 11 budget and higher wage proposal failed on a 4-8 vote. The main motion carried 8-4 on final adoption.

Library employees and supporters described high turnover, understaffing and low wages. "A dollar 44. That's how much the proposed library millage cut will save me on my yearly tax bill," Heather Shockey, a library employee, told council. She said the proposed 3% raise would be about $45 a month for the average hourly worker and argued that the original March 11 proposal — which she said included larger raises — would better retain staff.

Speakers presented data supporting wage increases. Shanna Raines, an employee, said the library has 284 employees, 200 of whom are hourly, and that the board-approved budget offered only a 3% increase, “an amount that doesn't even keep up with inflation.” Emily Cinquamani and others cited broader evidence that library services contribute to education and community outcomes and urged passing the original budget proposal.

Council debate centered on balancing taxpayer stewardship and staff pay. Council members who opposed the amendment argued the library board, which voted unanimously on the budget, had exercised appropriate oversight and used its reserves to lower the millage request; several councilors urged deference to the board's recommendation. Supporters of restoring the March 11 budget said passing the larger wage package would reduce turnover and ultimately save money by reducing hiring costs.

Dr. Fink offered the amendment to replace the board-approved budget with the original budget and wage proposal presented on March 11, citing the executive director's initial figures. After discussion and a roll call on the amendment (4 in favor, 8 opposed), the amendment failed and the library board's budget remained intact. The council then approved the board-recommended budget and millage on a recorded vote of 8 in favor, 4 opposed.

Councilors and staff indicated the budget will proceed according to the library board's approved plan; some council members said they expect continued oversight and future discussions about staffing, pay scales and reserves.