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Easly City adopts FY2026–27 budget with no millage increase; council raises staffing and long‑term cost questions
Summary
Council approved Ordinance 2026‑16 adopting the FY2026–27 operating budget (July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027) with no millage increase. Staff reported strong receipts and roughly $17 million in cash; council members raised concerns about growth in personnel costs and recent increases in headcount.
Easley City Council voted unanimously on June 8 to adopt the city’s FY2026–27 operating budget (Ordinance 2026‑16), which takes effect July 1, 2026. Council members praised the balanced budget and the absence of a millage increase while some expressed concern about a multi‑year trend of rising personnel costs.
City staff reported a healthy cash position and near‑term receipts: staff cited roughly $17 million in cash (peak seasonal position), about $2.0 million recently collected in business‑license receipts, $4.3 million in recent property‑tax receipts and an anticipated $2.5 million insurance‑tax payment. Staff also noted the payoff of a bond and sale of West End Hall contributed to the position.
The adopted budget adds positions compared with earlier cycles. Council discussion referenced an increase from 188 positions (FY23–24) to 214 positions in the proposed FY26–27 budget — an increase of 26 positions (about 13.8% over the period cited). Members noted increases in police (+5 positions), fire (+9) and sanitation (+2), and that administrative and support departments (administration, finance, planning and development, building codes, parks and recreation) collectively increased by roughly 10 positions. Councillors asked what steps the city will take to manage personnel costs going forward and whether efficiency or consolidation opportunities have been evaluated.
The budget also funds additional automatic license‑plate reader cameras (referred to in the meeting as 'Flock' cameras). At least one council member said they supported the tool for public‑safety operations but would like more public information about access and data use.
Council members voted to adopt the ordinance on second reading; no member opposed. City staff said they will continue discussions about long‑term staffing and capital priorities.
What happens next: The budget is in effect for July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027. Council requested continued staff reporting on personnel costs and infrastructure needs.
