Marlboro County Council approves $17.18 million FY 2026'27 budget after $100,000 amendment, 6'2 vote

The Marlboro County Council voted to adopt the county's fiscal 2026'27 budget on third reading, approving Ordinance 881 with a late amendment that added $50,000 for the solicitor's office and $50,000 for the public defender's office. The amended budget passed 6'2, with Councilwoman Lawson and Councilman Stepp recorded as the two opposing votes. The ordinance takes effect as the county's operating plan for the year beginning July 1, 2026.

Finance staff presented the budget document to council, describing a proposed total general fund budget of about $17.18 million, an increase of roughly $689,176 (4.2%) over the prior year. Staff said the originally proposed plan relied on using roughly $262,700 of fund balance; the approved amendment increases the use of fund balance by $100,000 to approximately $362,700. The package included a 2% cost-of-living pool ($205,000), an additional $125,000 earmarked for increases for certified officers, funding to add a full-time IT technician ($65,000), a new proprietary aquatic center fund (operating expenditures estimated near $86,000 and capital needs around $125,000), and a proposed $40 annual increase in solid-waste fees effective July 1, 2026. The budget also incorporates a runway project for the county airport and lists a proposed general-obligation bond for vehicle and equipment purchases in January 2027.

Public commenters pressed the council for fiscal restraint. "Hard times call for hard measures," said Rocky Brown, a resident of District 3, who urged elected officials to consider waiving their pay to restore public trust. Council members discussed equity across pay increases and long-term precedent for selective raises; one member noted a 3% across-the-board increase would narrow differences in outcome compared with selective raises for particular classifications.

The council recorded the budget vote after a motion and second to approve the amended ordinance. Council members also discussed next steps: staff will return post-adoption with details for the aquatic center fees and with confirmations of capital-project line items prior to bond issuance.

The ordinance approved is Ordinance 881; the council also approved the capital improvement plan (Ordinance 882) later in the meeting. The adopted budget will be implemented for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026.