Administrator presents balanced FY2027 budget; committee to forward ordinance to county council

Beaufort County Administrator (Mr. Moore) presented the proposed FY2027 county budget to the Finance, Administration & Economic Development Committee on May 18, emphasizing a balanced plan and a mill-rate-neutral posture.

Moore said the proposed county budget would remain "mill rate neutral at 59 and a half mills" while supporting staff pay adjustments, new positions and a four-year CIP. He outlined revenue projections of roughly $203.34 million and listed proposed personnel and vehicle requests.

Committee members engaged in detailed budget debate. Council member Tabernick proposed a set of changes intended to prioritize county staff and shift outside-agency allocations: she recommended reallocating about $1.73 million either into capital improvements or reducing millage, and urged trimming outside-agency increases to better align with staff compensation increases. "The electorate does not pay ad valorem taxes for us to give to private nonprofits," Tabernick said, arguing for fiscal restraint on outside grants.

Members discussed process options and agreed the practical vehicle for changes is to amend the budget ordinance when it proceeds to county council. The administrator identified next steps and readings: first reading of the fiscal year 2027 budget ordinance is scheduled for May 26, second reading with public hearing June 8, and final reading June 22.

Action: the committee moved the budget ordinance forward to county council for first reading (the motion carried with one objection noted in committee). Committee members signaled they will prepare specific amendment language for council consideration rather than block the ordinance at the committee stage.

No final county budget was enacted by the committee; the document will proceed to council and the public hearing schedule cited by administration.