Bluffton staff outline proposed FY 2026–27 budget and $39 million capital plan, prioritizing land acquisition and infrastructure

Town of Bluffton staff presented a proposed FY 2026–27 consolidated budget and an accompanying capital improvement program at a budget workshop on May 28, outlining roughly $39 million in recommended capital projects and carryover work.

Seth, a town staff presenter, said the CIP fund represents about one‑third of the proposed consolidated budget and that the largest single category of recommended expenditures is land acquisition, which accounts for roughly 30% of proposed capital spending. “This is budget workshop number 2,” he said, and added that staff will brief council again at a public hearing and the second reading scheduled for June 9. “But before any of those funds would be released, we would bring something back to council for discussion,” he said.

Why it matters: the plan bundles completed, in‑progress and new projects into a consolidated CIP so council can prioritize construction, grant matches and carryovers. Staff emphasized several items will carry forward from the current fiscal year while others are new additions for 2026–27.

Key projects and funding Seth and staff reviewed funding sources that feed the CIP, including transfers from the general fund, hospitality taxes, local accommodations tax (ATAX) and debt service funded in part by TIF revenues. The presentation listed about $11 million moving into debt service and identified where transfers are targeted (streetscapes, parks and similar projects).

The plan sets aside funds for a 10‑acre site at 115 Bluffton Road; the town has reissued an RFP and staff said proposals will be evaluated after the bid opening. Staff described several facilities projects, including continued work on Sarah Riley Hook Cottage, the New Riverside Barn Park site repairs and pavilion work, plus a public‑services facility on the west side of town to house equipment and crews serving New Riverside Village and Buckwalter.

Seth said planned renovations to the Rotary Community Center grew larger than originally anticipated once staff reviewed windows, rot, soundproofing and plumbing; the work has been recast as a capital project for next year and staff will coordinate phased closures to minimize operational impact.

Park, trail and recreation updates Staff said the New River Linear Trail contractor is close to completing phase one paving and will finish subsequent phases and paving in sequence. New Riverside Barn Park will include site work and drainage repairs; staff also flagged a forthcoming council item to consider a disc golf course.

Roads and pedestrian safety The proposal would fund pedestrian safety improvements—rapid‑flashing beacons, ADA access, and traffic calming—at locations such as New Riverside and Mellichamp/Flushing Road crossings. Seth said the town is working with South Carolina Department of Transportation on a mid‑block crossing on Bluffton Road and has provided camera counts to support re‑approval. The package also funds Calhoun Street and Boundary Street streetscapes and supports two connector road projects (Washington Square and Holly Hill) that involve engineering and multi‑party cost sharing; staff expect engineering to be completed this summer for those connectors.

Stormwater, sewer and grant‑dependent work Seth identified a transfer of about $600,000 into the stormwater fund and described planned drainage and watershed work. Watershed staff said the town must perform post‑construction best management practice inspections under its MS4 permit cycle and that the watershed team can conduct inspections and follow up under the stormwater ordinance. On sewer work, staff said lateral connections for Historic District sewer phases 4–6 are awaiting system approval from PGWSA. Seth provided an early estimate that about 50–75 properties remain to be hooked up to sewer outside development agreements and said staff will refine that number with mapping and BJWSA data.

A new May River Watershed impervious‑restoration pilot was added at council direction to test cost and benefit with the school district before potential wider rollout; staff said the town is also awaiting notification on federal hazard‑mitigation grant funding that could accelerate drainage projects.

Operations and other items Staff also reported an emergency HVAC procurement for the law enforcement facility (a 3–4 month lead time for equipment) and said Horse Factory Park restroom renovations initially came in over budget, so architects are redesigning options to reduce cost before bringing a revised plan to council. IT network upgrades to aging access points and infrastructure were recommended as a modest capital item for the coming year.

Council reaction and next steps One council member commended staff for reducing carryover project amounts and improving project completion rates, saying the performance shows “better utilization of our financial resources.” Staff reiterated that some projects remain contingent on grant awards and external approvals, and that detailed cost breakdowns and any proposed intergovernmental arrangements will return to council for approval. The council will consider the budget at the June 9 public hearing and second reading.

Provenance: Topic begins with Seth’s CIP overview and project presentation and closes with the reminder about the June 9 public hearing and second reading.