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Tega Cay council introduces FY2026–27 budget, keeps millage at 86 mills
Summary
City Manager Charlie presented the FY2026–27 budget on May 18 with the millage rate unchanged at 86 mills, proposed modest utility and trash fee increases, and a plan to seed a capital reserve fund; council voted unanimously to approve the ordinance’s introduction and first reading.
City Manager Charlie presented the proposed fiscal year 2026–27 budget at the Tega Cay City Council meeting on May 18, saying the city plans to hold the millage rate at 86 mills while funding operations, debt service and targeted capital investments.
Charlie told council the General Fund projects $19,934,332 in revenues and $19,294,417 in expenses, producing a projected surplus of $639,914 that the city intends to place into a new capital reserve fund. He also outlined a proposed 1.5% increase in residential trash collection (to roughly $18.31 per household per month), a $7.33 per month increase to the TCUD water base rate and an 8% pass-through increase on sewer fees.
The budget presentation included department-level breakdowns: police represents the largest share of the General Fund at about 28.4%, fire about 19.5%, parks and recreation about 10.5%, with personnel costs driving most operating expenses. Charlie said the proposed budget also funds pay‑down of capital leases taken in FY25–26 and several one‑time capital items, including replacement vehicles, park upgrades (including accessibility fixes to pickleball courts), and median lighting on Stonecrest Boulevard.
Why it matters: The council’s decision to keep the millage rate steady while funding a new capital reserve reflects an effort to balance routine service needs with longer‑term planning. The introduction of the budget ordinance starts the formal process required by state law; subsequent actions will be scheduled as needed before final adoption.
Council action: After the public hearing, council voted unanimously to approve the ordinance’s introduction and first reading. City staff said future resolutions will be brought to council in the coming months for any debt issuance tied to capital projects.
