The Berkeley County Commission voted unanimously to add $300,000 to the county Parks & Recreation operating budget for the current fiscal year, a measure commissioners said is intended to cover maintenance and operating costs as the county readies the new Inwood Park.

Commissioner Kevin, who moved for the supplemental, framed the request as an operational need rather than a capital expenditure and proposed splitting the $300,000 so half could come from coal severance and half from the county’s general contingency fund. “I would like to see us at this point in time commit another $300,000 if you’re comfortable with that, Gary,” he said, urging a short-term increase to be folded into next year’s budget planning.

County staff and other commissioners said Parks & Rec already receives $200,000 from the county plus half of the hotel-motel tax and that the department will require more operating support once Inwood Park opens. Commissioners asked Parks & Rec to provide an estimated maintenance and operations budget for both Hokes Run Park and Inwood Park to clarify future needs.

The motion passed by voice vote. Commissioners discussed spreading the additional funds across remaining quarterly payments to smooth cash flow and noted potential revenue sources — including higher-than-expected property transfer tax receipts — that could offset the added allocation.

No formal amendments were made to the motion. The commission directed staff to process the disbursement consistent with the motion and to return with any required budget adjustments.