Batesburg-Leesville council advances FY2025–26 budget amid debate over street pay and holiday lights

The Batesburg-Leesville Town Council took first reading of the town’s FY2025–26 budget at its June 9 meeting amid debate over personnel funding and one-time allocations.

Council members discussed a proposed reduction in the street-department salary line item and expressed concern that the department’s pay levels are a frequent point of constituent complaint. Town Manager Jay Hendricks told council the budget includes a $50,000 general-fund appropriation (and $20,000 in the enterprise fund) intended to allow midyear implementation of recommendations from a compensation and classification study to be delivered by the Archer company in October. "We anticipate having that study from the Archer company in October," Hendricks said, and any implementation would be considered midyear if council approves it.

Council member Miss Hartley questioned a proposed $25,000 hospitality-tax allocation for Christmas lights and suggested reducing it to $15,000; the council chair noted the posted motion on the floor was for the budget as presented with $25,000, and any change would require an amendment. The first reading carried by recorded vote (five in favor, three opposed).

The first-reading approval advances the budget process; a special council meeting is scheduled June 23 for budget adoption. Council members asked staff to prepare details on compensation-study timing, the budget contingency’s scope (salary and benefits), and the impact on next year’s budget if the study recommendations are implemented.