Richland County Council adopts FY2027 budget amid debate over recreation funding

Richland County Council approved its fiscal year 2027 budget on June 16 after extended debate over several amendments, notably a failed motion to restore the Richland County Recreation Commission millage to 15 operating mills.

The budget passed after council considered dozens of motions from the floor and a consolidated motion list. Deputy Auditor Alan Brown told the council the adopted budget’s tax impact is approximately $5.20 per $100,000 of owner-occupied property, $7.00 per $100,000 for non-owner-occupied property and about $156 for a $20,000 vehicle.

Councilman Don Weaver moved to increase funding for the Recreation Commission to the requested cap (a figure the county cited as about $23.12 million, equivalent to 15 operating mills). Weaver said the increase was meant to address long-deferred facility maintenance and other needs, arguing, “Let’s give them the money they say they need and let’s see how they spend it.” Deputy Auditor Alan Brown provided the tax-impact examples used above.

The motion to restore the millage failed on a roll-call vote after council members questioned whether the one-time increase would be enough to solve long-term facility problems and whether it should fund operating versus capital needs. Council members also noted the recreation commission’s millage had been adjusted during the COVID period and cautioned that restored millage does not directly equate to pre-COVID funding because reappraisal and rollback mechanisms affect outcomes.

Council approved other budget amendments on the floor. A motion to increase funding to the Midlands Community Development Corporation passed; the council approved a total award of $100,000 after discussion about whether the award was additional to prior allocations. Council also approved a $50,000 hospitality-tax award to the Recreation Commission Foundation, subject to the usual documentation requirements.

Several grant-funded items were approved as presented, including a grant-funded School Resource Officer position for which the state will reimburse the county for salary, equipment and vehicle costs.

At the meeting’s close, Administrator Brown and staff confirmed details of the adopted budget and that the council’s consolidated motion list had been accepted. The council did not set a new date for additional budget action; council members said they expect continued oversight and follow-up on major line items, particularly recreation funding and capital needs.