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Barnwell County faces roughly $731,000 shortfall; final proposal due June 9
Summary
County administrators reported an estimated $731,000 deficit at a May 20 special meeting; Administrator Roger Riley announced a hiring freeze and said a final budget proposal will be presented to council on June 9, 2026.
Barnwell County Administrator Roger E. Riley reported an estimated $731,000 budget deficit at a special council meeting May 20 and said he may reduce that figure to about $695,000 by Monday.
Riley said he has initiated a hiring freeze and will re-evaluate positions in roughly three months. "We may be able to get it to $695K by Monday," Riley said, urging departments to consider cuts to equipment, travel and training budgets. The hiring freeze is expected to free up some immediate funds while staff identify longer-term savings.
Chairman Freddie L. Houston Sr. said no department or position is exempt from potential changes as the council works to rebuild reserve balances. Administrator Riley will present a final budget proposal at the council's June 9 meeting. The council discussed June meeting dates because the originally scheduled meeting conflicts with primary elections.
