Greenville County Council advances FY2027 budget after debate over raises and sheriff staffing

Greenville County Council on Wednesday approved the county's FY2027 budget at second reading after an extended debate over employee pay and sheriff staffing.

Councilor Seaman proposed and successfully moved an amendment to raise all county employees' pay to 4% rather than the two tiers previously proposed. "I'd like to make an amendment ... give all of our employees a 4% increase," she said during debate. The county administrator estimated that change would "amount to about $2.5 million," with roughly $2 million falling to the general fund.

Councilors debated funding sources, whether to use fund balance and the potential impact on credit ratings. Several members pushed for further work on targeted recruitment and retention measures for hard-to-fill public safety positions rather than removing budgeted positions outright. Councilor McGee moved to strike six new sheriff's office positions from the budget, arguing the office cannot fill existing vacancies; the motion failed on a roll call (3 in favor, 9 opposed).

Opponents of the removal argued that leaving positions authorized in the budget gives the sheriff flexibility if hiring improves. Supporters of targeted incentives urged the council to consider shift differentials, veteran recruitment bonuses and step pay adjustments as more efficient uses of limited dollars.

After voting through a set of germaine amendments and agreeing to seek additional study/workshops on implementation details, council voted to advance the FY2027 budget at second reading. The clerk reported a roll-call result of nine in favor and three opposed.

The council also agreed to accept additional amendments at third reading and to consider follow-up workshops and a performance audit to inform any later changes. The budget will return for final consideration later in the legislative cycle.