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Berkeley County adopts $165 million budget, keeps millage at 41 mills
Summary
On voice vote the County Council adopted the fiscal‑year 2026–27 appropriations (Bill 26‑20) totaling about $165,000,000 and kept the county millage at 41 mills; councilmembers highlighted funding for public safety, EMS, stormwater and capital projects.
The Berkeley County Council approved Bill 26‑20 on final reading, adopting a fiscal‑year 2026–27 budget of approximately $165,000,000 and keeping the millage rate at 41 mills.
Councilman Obi summarized highlights: the budget provides additional resources for public safety — including sheriff’s deputies and expanded EMS staffing — preserves stormwater funding, and includes capital projects such as engineering work for park improvements and boat‑landing expansions. The council also approved a 5% combined cost‑of‑living/merit increase for county employees, a multi‑year pattern the chair noted was continuing.
Committee reports preceding the council meeting recommended several grant acceptances and project approvals. The Community Services committee moved acceptance of a federal AIP grant for airport electrical system rehabilitation with a federal award of $38,987 plus sponsor and state shares; committee materials also referenced a larger federal award (transcript: 222,195) and matching shares for a related project.
Several budget‑related ordinances and special‑tax‑district operational budgets (Bills 26‑21 through 26‑26) were presented and approved by voice vote with minimal discussion. Council took separate action on a fee‑in‑lieu of tax incentive agreement (Bill 26‑27) related to Berkeley Biomed LLC (Project Llama) for property in the Clements Ferry area; that item was advanced in committee and carried by voice vote.
Why it matters: The adopted budget sets county priorities for the year ahead and maintains the county’s stated millage level. The council emphasized public‑safety investments and continuing employee pay adjustments as primary uses of the revenue.
What’s next: The budget takes effect for FY 2026–27 beginning 07/01/2026 and county staff will proceed with implementation and procurement as described in committee reports.
