Fountain Inn adopts $40.26 million budget for 2026–27, preserves millage and adds employee COLA

The Fountain Inn City Council voted June 11 to adopt the city's FY2026–27 annual budget, approving $40,255,597 in expenditures across all funds while maintaining the current property tax millage of 68.7 mills.

Administrator Mr. Bell presented the spending plan and highlighted several features: a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for eligible employees, the addition of one position in the natural gas department, changes to police and fire overtime and holiday pay, funding for a compensation and classification study, and a sewer-rate study. The budget also funds completion of the Wall Jones Street parking lot and phase one of PD Terry City Park improvements (tennis and pickleball courts, lighting and fencing) using recreation impact fees.

The proposal includes a change to the public works annual fee (set at $239) to account for increased landfill tipping fees and to fully fund solid-waste operations without support from the general fund. Mr. Bell also noted sewer and natural gas rate changes tied to partner billing and infrastructure needs. Councilors praised staff for producing a balanced plan and pointed out the city held two public budget workshops and a formal hearing (no public speakers) before adoption.

Councilors emphasized that some requests were not funded but said omission does not mean denial; unfunded items may be reconsidered as finances permit. The ordinance was approved on second and final reading by voice vote.

The next procedural step is implementation beginning July 1, 2026, under the adopted appropriations and fee adjustments. The city will provide additional details on future rate and fee changes as the administrative offices finalize billing notices.