Berkeley County tables FY2025-26 budget after debate over funding five sheriff deputies
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Summary
Commissioners delayed final adoption of the fiscal year 2025-26 budget after weeks of discussion and a proposal to raise the levy rate to hire five additional deputy sheriffs; the commission asked staff for a detailed cost breakdown and will revisit the budget next Thursday.
Berkeley County commissioners on March 13 voted to table final adoption of the fiscal year 2025-26 budget after a lengthy discussion about whether to raise the county levy to fund five additional deputy sheriffs.
The discussion centered on a proposal — described by one commissioner as an increase in the levy rate from $13.39 to $13.92 — that would generate enough recurring revenue to add five deputies the sheriff has said he can put on the road. Commissioners agreed to delay adoption for one week and requested a full breakdown of per-officer costs, equipment, vehicles and the anticipated timing and effect of soon-to-be-collected impact fees.
Why it matters: Commissioners said public safety staffing has lagged county population growth and that shortages put pressure on local law enforcement and emergency services. The decision to delay gives commissioners time to weigh whether to fund hires from a levy increase now or use other anticipated revenue streams, such as impact fees expected by mid-summer.
Most of the discussion was policy and timing rather than a final appropriation. County staff presented the draft budget and revenue estimates: “The total projected revenue … $54,397,403,” a county staff member said while summarizing the draft. Commissioners debated how quickly new hires could be recruited and whether impact fees, legislative options or other revenue sources could cover equipment and cruiser costs.
Several commissioners said recruiting remains a constraint. Commissioners also noted that a levy increase on a sample $200,000 assessed home would amount to roughly $21 per year under the larger proposal; using a higher local median market value of $296,000 was suggested as an alternate basis for public impact calculations.
Procedural action: A motion to table adoption of the FY2025-26 budget until next Thursday was moved and seconded and passed on a voice vote. The chair called the ayes and said the motion carried; one commissioner later requested the record show a recorded “no” on that table motion. Commissioners asked the administrator to return with exact per-officer cost estimates, equipment and cruiser costs, and projected timing of impact-fee revenue before the next meeting.
Background: Commissioners said the county’s law-enforcement workforce has grown modestly in recent years but remains well below national staffing benchmarks cited by local officials; commissioners noted past increases in EMS and fire staffing made in recent budget cycles.
What's next: County staff will prepare a detailed cost breakdown for the commission, including per-officer salary and benefits, outfitting and vehicle costs, and revised revenue estimates that incorporate projected impact-fee receipts. The commission will reconvene next Thursday to revisit budget adoption and any proposed levy adjustment.
