Hardeeville council adopts FY27 budget, approves pay amendment tied to MAG study

Hardeeville — The Hardeeville City Council on June 4 approved the second and final reading of the FY27 budget ordinance (2026‑05‑21A) and a related budget amendment (2026‑05‑21B) to incorporate results of a MAG salary and compensation study. The two measures were adopted by voice vote.

John Bole, who presented the budget to council, said the ordinance sets the millage, establishes a five‑year capital improvement plan and authorizes a cost‑of‑living adjustment for city employees as part of the FY27 spending plan. He told the council the recent reassessment altered the base used to calculate the millage: Jasper County’s figure was described in the presentation as 74.6 mills after council elected to reduce a half‑mill; the Buford County portion for city properties was explained as roughly 100.2 mills. Bole also estimated “the value of a mill to a city resident in a median priced home is roughly $19 a mill.”

Why it matters: the budget funds planned capital projects, including a $5.8 million roads program financed largely with development‑agreement (DA) fees and other dedicated revenue streams (accommodations and hospitality taxes and occasional grants), and it includes financial assumptions tied to an agreement the city describes as Project Phoenix, a shared‑services change for fire and rescue with the county that has budget implications.

Council discussion focused on transparency and public understanding of millage changes and funding sources. Council members asked staff to clarify that much of the capital projects list includes work not otherwise funded by state or county programs and that DA fees and other restricted sources will cover many transportation projects rather than general tax revenue.

The companion ordinance (2026‑05‑21B) amends the current budget to reflect pay adjustments recommended in the MAG compensation study; staff said the change is effective as of the first payroll in April and was adopted on second reading after brief council discussion with no public comment.

What’s next: with council approval the budget ordinance takes effect under the city’s normal implementation calendar. Staff also outlined operational timing tied to the broader fire‑service changes described in the budget overview; city staff indicated some fire responses from new stations could begin July 1, with additional ambulance and area coverage transitioning October 1, subject to final intergovernmental approvals and contractual steps.

Speakers quoted or referenced in this article are drawn from the meeting record and include John Bole (budget presentation) and city staff who answered council questions.