Greenville City Manager Presents FY26 Draft Budget Emphasizing Public Safety, Housing and Transit

Greenville City Manager Shannon presented the city’s draft fiscal year 2026 budget at a council workshop, saying the plan focuses on public safety, employee support and maintaining the city’s financial stability. The council will receive the draft for first reading at its May 12 formal meeting and could adopt the FY26 budget on May 19 if the schedule holds.

Shannon told the council, "the data is what the data is," and cited a 10‑year low in crime rates as part of the rationale for proposing continued investment in police and fire services. The draft holds the millage rate flat at 81.4 mills and proposes targeted personnel and equipment funding for emergency services, transport projects, recreation and housing initiatives.

The nut graf: The draft budget projects FY26 revenues of $146.4 million and expenditures of $150.4 million, producing a planned use of fund balance near $4.0 million. City leaders said the FY26 proposal reduces reliance on fund balance compared with recent years, keeps an ordinance‑mandated 20% reserve intact, and directs dollars to prioritized areas while preserving flexibility in case of economic stress.

Most important facts first: public safety and staffing. The draft allocates the largest shares of general‑fund operating dollars to police (27%) and fire (15%). It proposes adding two traffic officers, a warrant officer and an additional member for the neighborhood engagement team; implementing a permanent night‑shift differential; purchasing body cameras and upgraded protective…