Florence council advances $145 million FY2025-26 budget with 7.5-mill increase to fund public safety cameras and capital needs

Florence City Council members heard a presentation and public hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2025–26 budget and moved the plan forward after a series of questions and a separate vote on an early-purchase ordinance. The city manager and finance staff described a $145,011,050 total budget that includes a proposed 7.5 operating mill increase intended chiefly to fund public safety equipment, capital purchases and utility needs.

The city manager summarized the budget as a “balanced budget of $145,011,050” that reflects the council’s priorities and a cautious revenue outlook. Interim Finance Director Glenn Bodenheimer told council the maximum allowable millage increase under South Carolina Revenue and Fiscal Affairs guidance was 2.95% based on the consumer price index, with unused increases from the prior three years available for a larger cumulative change; staff said that flexibility allows up to 11.7 mills total if carried forward. The administration proposed a 7.5-mill increase that would raise the operating millage to 71.6 mills; debt service would remain at 4 mills, producing a combined proposed levy of 75.6 mills.

Why…