Chesterfield County finance committee advances 2026–27 budget first draft, approves select staffing and funding requests

The Chesterfield County Council Finance Committee reviewed the first draft of the county’s 2026–27 General Fund budget at a public meeting on March 23, approving selected staffing and line-item requests while tabling others for more information.

Committee members voted unanimously to adopt the meeting agenda and approved the December 15, 2025 minutes before beginning a line-by-line review of budget requests presented by County Administrator Michelle Stanley.

The committee approved a request to include $350,807.50 for the Solicitor’s Office in the Administration departmental budget on the condition the funds not be treated as recurring under the South Carolina Code of Laws. It also approved $164,989 for the Public Defender’s Office from a larger request of $329,977.33 under the same condition that the funds not be treated as recurring monies and that they be carried in Administration.

The Pee Dee Regional Transportation Authority’s request for a new $100,000 contract for Fiscal Year 2026–27 was discussed but tabled for a future meeting so the committee could review details.

Several department requests received committee approval: the Treasurer’s request for one new employee (salary and fringe), a planning and zoning coordinator in Building Codes at an estimated $62,713 (salary and fringe), and a maintenance slot for the detention center (to be funded under Public Buildings). The committee also approved reductions and reallocations in the Information Technology budget (hardware/software and security line decreases and a $1,500 increase for email server costs) while deferring any COLA decisions pending a countywide review.

Requests that were denied or delayed included funding for St. David’s Cemetery maintenance, a $40,000 increase for court juror expense tied to a planned February 2027 trial, a $75,000 juvenile holding increase in the Detention Center budget, and several proposed salary COLA increases pending a broader COLA decision. The magistrates’ requests for travel/training, supplies and an additional full-time clerk were tabled for later review; voter registration’s $3,000 election expense request was denied.

Sheriff Cambo Streater presented multiple requests including a proposed $5,000-per-employee salary increase, partial county funding for body-worn camera and in-car equipment grants, animal-control equipment, housing for E-911 dispatch warrants, and two new deputy positions estimated to cost about $133,100. Committee members asked staff to gather more information on several of those items before making final decisions. For new patrol vehicles, the sheriff proposed 29 cars; Administrator Stanley recommended purchasing 25 vehicles with a prioritized distribution for road deputies, sergeants, the chief deputy, investigators and security.

Coroner Kip Kiser requested COLA for coroner staff and two additional positions. Committee members agreed to delay hiring until funds are found to complete the coroner building and purchase a generator.

The committee approved overtime pay for road maintenance weekend call-outs and a $5,000 increase to the Victim’s Advocate Fund, agreeing to cover excess from the General Fund. Convenience center staff uniform funding was deleted from the budget and a requested new trash-truck operator slot was tabled.

Administrator Stanley noted the Town of Patrick may discontinue town trash pickup in favor of the county solid-waste fee and reported that Bay Springs Fire Dues would be raised from $60 to $80 per improved parcel.

Committee Member Ethan Foard moved to approve the committee’s decisions and recommendations and to forward them to the second draft of the 2026–27 General Fund budget, asking Administrator Stanley to obtain information on tabled items. Committee Member Bishop Johnnie McLendon seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The meeting then adjourned.

The Finance Committee plans to reconvene to consider the second draft after staff provide requested clarifications and cost details.