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Williamsburg County adopts 2024–25 operating budget after heated public hearing; vote 4–3
Summary
After a packed public hearing in which dozens of residents urged alternatives to property‑tax increases, Williamsburg County Council approved Ordinance 2024‑06 adopting the 2024–25 operating budget by a 4–3 vote. Supervisor Kelvin Washington said the move was needed to eliminate a structural deficit and restore fiscal stability.
Supervisor Kelvin Washington said the council adopted the county’s 2024–25 operating budget, Ordinance 2024‑06, after a public hearing and final vote that passed 4–3. The ordinance sets the millage and appropriations for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024, and ending June 30, 2025.
The meeting opened with a public hearing devoted to the budget. Dozens of residents — including George Morris, Gloria Burgess, Sharon Presley, Thomas Stuckey, Jack Wilson and others — told the council they opposed another property‑tax increase. Commenters cited rising costs for seniors, poor road repairs, limited rural sanitation and spotty internet service. "I'm against increasing the taxes," George Morris said, and Gloria Burgess urged elected officials to "look after us, please" when considering the elderly on fixed incomes.
Washington responded with a slide presentation and a detailed fiscal history. He told residents the county entered office facing a roughly $2 million deficit, has cut that gap in half to about $1 million, and is carrying a $3.5 million tax anticipation note that must be renewed each year. He said the county received about $5.8 million in American Rescue Plan funds in 2021–22 but found little additional recurring revenue over the prior 16 years. "We have not had any additional revenues in 16 years," Washington said, and he argued that incremental increases had been skipped and larger adjustments are now required to comply with state law requiring balanced budgets.
Washington walked through the proposed millage impact by taxable‑value bands, noting that homeowners who qualify for the state homestead exemption (residents over 65, permanently disabled or legally blind) would not see an increase on the first $50,000 of fair‑market value. He also said many recent tax increases residents reported were levied by the school district rather than county government.
Residents and some council members emphasized alternatives to property‑tax increases. Thomas Stuckey asked council to identify specific spending cuts before approving new revenue, while Valerie Fulmore recommended exploring bonds, sales taxes or consultants to find more equitable revenue sources. Jack Wilson urged better outreach and transparency about tax and spending decisions.
Council action followed regular meeting business. After debate and a hand/raise count, the clerk recorded 4 votes in favor and 3 opposed and announced the ordinance adopted. The record shows the motion carried by a 4–3 vote.
Votes at a glance: - Ordinance 2024‑06 (2024–25 operating budget, third reading): passed 4–3. - Ordinance 2024‑08 (convey TMS 11‑025‑13211 to Bridal Aging of Williamsburg County Inc., second reading): approved by voice vote. - Ordinance 2024‑07 (quitclaim ~0.4 acres to the town of Greeleyville for well construction for $10, second reading): approved by voice vote.
What happens next: Ordinance 2024‑06 takes effect according to its statutory schedule once adopted; council members and staff said they will continue work to reduce the county’s tax anticipation borrowing and build a fund balance. Washington said the county will pursue further fiscal reforms and engage staff and consultants to improve long–term financial stability.
Ending note: The council closed the meeting following routine reports and adjournment.
