Newberry council advances FY2026-27 budget, rate changes and tightens utility liquidity target

Newberry City Council on June 9 approved first readings of the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget and an ordinance to modify electrical, water and sewer rates, and adopted an amended and restated financial policy that reduces the Combined Utility Fund operational liquidity target from 365 days to 180 days.

City Manager Jason Taylor presented the proposed FY2026-27 budget. During the public hearing on the budget, one member of the public, David Clifford, spoke in opposition. The transcript lists an inconsistent ordinance number in the public comment record; the opposition was recorded during the budget public hearing. Councilmember Carlton L. Kinard moved and Councilmember Jackie Holmes seconded approval of the budget first reading; Councilmember David T. Force moved and Councilmember David E. DuBose seconded the rate-change ordinance first reading. Both motions carried unanimously.

Finance Director Shannon Smith reported comparative cash-on-hand figures in the financial summary provided to council: $17,408,690 on May 31, 2025 and $16,340,689 on May 31, 2026. The adopted resolution (Resolution #2026-1007) primarily changes the Combined Utility Fund liquidity target from 365 days' cash on hand to 180 days' cash on hand; staff said remaining policy edits were grammatical and organizational. The transcript and meeting materials did not specify the total budget dollar amount or the proposed tax levy rate in the record provided at the meeting; the council approved only first reading, so final adoption and any levy figures will be determined at subsequent readings.

Council also approved first reading of the ordinance modifying utility rates and directed staff to make required package updates for second reading. The resolution adopting amended financial policies passed by unanimous vote. The council will return for required subsequent readings to finalize the budget and any rate ordinance.