Edgefield County advances $18.5 million budget in first reading; approves motor grader purchase and opioid settlement
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Summary
On April 14, 2026, the Edgefield County Council gave first reading to the FY 2026–27 $18,549,177 operating budget that funds employee cost-of-living and step increases, and unanimously approved a motor grader purchase and an opioid-settlement allocation. Council also approved a tree-preservation ordinance on third reading.
Edgefield County Council on April 14, 2026, gave first reading to the county's fiscal year 2026'27 operating budget and approved several related purchases and resolutions in unanimous votes.
The budget ordinance introduced by Administrator David Caddell sets the general-fund operating budget at $18,549,177 and designates $844,092 from audited reserves (unrestricted reserves reported as $7,377,489 as of June 30, 2025), leaving roughly $6.53 million in reserves, Caddell said. "With this budget, the county will meet the ongoing needs of the citizens while ensuring fiscal stability," Caddell said.
Why it matters: the ordinance includes personnel provisions intended to help the county retain staff amid regional competition and rising costs. Caddell told the council the plan includes a minimum 2.5% cost-of-living increase for employees, an average 0.5% merit pool, and a 2.5% step increase for employees below midpoint of pay bands; the budget also continues an employer 401(k) match of up to $1,200 per participating employee and budgets $20,000 for employee wellness programs.
Budget details and notable changes: the administrator flagged several department-level adjustments and capital items. The budget contains a capital-improvement plan needed before the county can implement impact fees (the administration is considering an impact-fee ordinance for the Merriweather and County Line areas to fund an EMS substation and recurring ambulance replacement). Caddell also proposed increasing the annual solid-waste convenience-center fee from $100 to $140 to respond to higher tonnage charges and a required tipping-floor repair; he described that as the largest driver of the fee change and said no millage increase is proposed.
Votes and purchases: Council unanimously approved by voice/hand vote a set of items tied to the budget process. Members approved giving first reading to Ordinance 25-26-0008 (FY 2026'27 operating budget); they also approved Resolution 25-26-0011 accepting a national opioid-settlement allocation (a council member estimated Edgefield County's share at about $67,000), and they approved the purchase of a 2025 CAT 120 motor grader under state contract for $334,300. Administrator Caddell said FEMA will reimburse $162,500 for prior work and the county sold older equipment for roughly $75,000, reducing the roads-and-bridges outlay.
Votes at a glance: - Ordinance 25-26-0007 (tree-preservation standards) ' third reading: approved unanimously. - Ordinance 25-26-0008 (FY 2026'27 operating budget) ' first reading: approved unanimously and advanced to subsequent readings. - Resolution 25-26-0011 (accept opioid litigation settlement allocation): approved unanimously. - Purchase of 2025 CAT 120 motor grader ($334,300) under state contract: approved unanimously. - Reappointment of a previously listed appointee (Cassie): approved unanimously.
Council process notes: motions, seconds and voice/hand votes were recorded on the public record; council members did not request further amendments during first reading. The administrator and council indicated several requests (sheriff staffing, library staffing options, capital projects) will be revisited in future budget work sessions or fall reevaluations.
What comes next: the budget ordinance will return for subsequent readings and formal adoption following the council's scheduled process. The administrator said reassessment data and the auditor's presentation later in the year will inform final millage/credit calculations.
