Sullivan's Island adopts FY2027 budget after 4-2 vote amid concerns over boardwalk and spending

Sullivan's Island Town Council approved its annual budget for July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, on third reading by a 4-2 vote, with Councilmembers Laura Schroeder and Melanie Burkhold opposing.

Town Administrator Joe Henderson reviewed several additions included in the adopted ordinance: reinstating December fireworks at $18,000; authorizing purchase of 19 self-contained breathing apparatus (air packs) for the Fire Department not to exceed $200,000; allocating $10,000 for SC250 activities; and replacing two police vehicles and one fire vehicle. Henderson told council the budget process began in September and this was the first year department heads used a standardized justification form to link purchases to capital projects.

Opponents on council focused on specific allocations and process. Councilmember Schroeder questioned salary and vehicle replacements and said she wanted assurance about surveillance camera spending; Councilmember Burkhold said she represented taxpayers and did not support the budget as presented. Councilmembers who voted in favor emphasized that line-item authorizations do not obligate immediate spending and that remaining review and committee procedures can limit actual outlays.

The council also debated a proposed boardwalk allocation for Station 22 during budget discussion. A $470,000 'not-to-exceed' allocation drew concern from Schroeder and Burkhold, who suggested lower figures; a motion to reduce that allocation to $50,000 was introduced and later withdrawn. Council chair Carl Hubbard said the Public Facilities Committee would meet June 18 to refine scope and costs.

The ordinance passed 4-2 and will govern the town's General, Water, and Sewer funds for FY2027.