Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Annual Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Marlboro County Council adopts FY2025–26 budget in 5–3 vote after reassessment debate
Summary
Marlboro County Council approved Ordinance #865, adopting the county’s fiscal 2025–26 budget on June 24, 2025, by a 5–3 vote after members disputed whether a recent reassessment amounted to a millage increase. Council also noted a $20,000 donation and a small shortfall tied to event funding.
Marlboro County Council on June 24 adopted Ordinance #865 to approve the county’s annual budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026, passing the measure on third reading by a 5–3 vote.
Council member Jason Steen said on the record that the budget amounted to a reassessment that would constitute a millage increase; Chairman Anthony Woods and Finance Director Wes Park disputed that characterization, saying the board was dealing with a reassessment but not raising the millage rate. Dr. Damien Johnson said the council had already taken steps to prevent a millage increase, stating they had "passed the Filot" to prevent one. Finance Director Wes Park told the council there was no millage increase in the FY2025–26 budget.
The debate included concerns about the size of the budget: Council member Verd Odom said the county’s budget had risen about 11.5% from the prior year and criticized misleading social media posts about the reassessment. Council member Pearly Lawson asked about funding for county events, specifically the Rodeo; Charles P. Midgley, Jr. said he would pick up a $20,000 check from the Love Foundation the following day. County Administrator Wilson A. Clyburn advised that after receipt of the funds the county would still be approximately $2,000 to $3,000 in the negative, as presented to the council.
The ordinance passed with the following recorded positions: in favor — Charles P. Midgley, Jr.; Dr. Damien Johnson; Anthony Woods; Lafeyette Jackson; Steve Blackmon. Opposed — Verd Odom; Pearly Lawson; Jason Steen. The council certified the motion as carried. The meeting minutes show the ordinance was later adopted on July 8, 2025 when the minutes were attested.
Why it matters: the budget sets spending and priorities for county services and programs for the coming year. Debate focused on whether the reassessment would raise taxes, and council members pressed staff on event funding and short-term cash impacts.
Next steps: Ordinance #865 was approved on third reading and recorded in the minutes; staff and council will implement the adopted budget for FY2025–26 and monitor the shortfall noted by the county administrator.
