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Laurens City Council approves FY 2027 budget after initial 3-3 tie and reconsideration
Summary
After an initial 3-3 tie that caused the second-reading vote to fail, the Laurens City Council voted to reconsider and then approved ordinance 5-26-1, the FY 2027 budget, unanimously on a subsequent vote. Councilors debated transparency, salary ranges and the need for a follow-up workshop.
The Laurens City Council approved ordinance 5-26-1, the city's budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, after an initial 3-3 tie on second reading and a successful motion to reconsider.
The budget first failed when the second-reading vote ended in a 3-3 split. Council member Mr. Boat announced his opposition during debate, saying, "I'll vote no." Mayor Wood repeatedly urged approval on the grounds that the city needed an operating budget in place: "I would urge city council to approve the budget on second reading tonight, so we can continue operations as needed in the short term."
Following the tie, Councilor Ms. Miller moved to reconsider the vote and requested a near-term work session to address outstanding questions about salary ranges and administration; the motion to reconsider carried. City Attorney Mr. Thompson advised that a motion to reconsider must be made contemporaneously and explained the notice and publication requirements tied to budget ordinances and any subsequent amended adoption.
On the second vote, held after the motion to reconsider, the council approved the budget unanimously. The ordinance is listed on the agenda as 5-26-1 and will govern spending for the city's fiscal year beginning July 1.
Why it matters: Passing the budget prevents an immediate lapse in city operations and allows department work to continue without interruption. Councilors who voted against the budget cited concerns about transparency and requested clearer salary-range information and a follow-up workshop to discuss specific amendments.
Votes at a glance: - Ordinance 5-26-1 (FY 2027 budget) ' second-reading first vote: failed 3 yes, 3 no. - Motion to reconsider: passed (voice vote). - Ordinance 5-26-1 ' second-reading final vote: approved unanimously (council present: 6).
Next steps: Council members agreed to a special meeting/work session to review salary ranges and other details and, if necessary, bring forward a budget amendment ordinance. The council then moved to an executive session to receive legal advice and discuss contractual arrangements.
Quotes in context are attributed to council members and staff present in the record. The public hearing received no requests for comment during the budget item.
