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Bamberg County Council adopts FY 2026–27 budget with 2.63% tax increase after debate
Summary
Bamberg County Council approved the FY 2026–27 budget, raising property taxes by 2.63%. The 4–2 vote followed discussion about detention center needs, deputy pay and two proposed hires the council declined to add now.
Bamberg County Council voted 4–2 on June 2 to adopt the county’s FY 2026–27 operating and capital budget, approving a 2.63% tax increase that council members said was necessary to fund detention center needs and other departmental requests. The motion to adopt the budget was moved by Councilman Evert Comer and seconded by Councilman Larry Haynes and passed with Councilmen Comer, Spencer Donaldson, Haynes and Dr. Jonathan Goodman voting in favor; Council Chairwoman Michelle Martin and Councilman Kenneth Ahlin voted no. Councilwoman Sharon Hammond was absent.
The budget discussion included requests from the detention center — voiced by Captain Moses Cheatham — for staffing and medical services, and a request from Sheriff Kenneth Bamberg for additional funding for advanced weapons and pay increases for deputies. The council considered hiring a recreation director and an accounts payable staff member but decided not to approve those hires at this time, citing fiscal caution. The budget documents in council packets show a proposed 2.63% increase and related capital and operating appropriations.
Finance Director T.M. Thomas presented a snapshot of the county’s finances during the meeting: "The general fund revenues for FY 26 is $12,534,004 and had actual revenues collected through January 2026 stands at $9,678,004," and reported that general fund departments had spent about 57.72% of their budgets ($7,234,003) with revenues exceeding expenditures by $2,444,004.
Supporters of the budget argued the increase was needed to meet departmental needs and ongoing capital commitments; opponents raised concerns that higher taxes could burden elderly residents. Chairwoman Michelle Martin and Councilman Kenneth Ahlin opposed the budget in part out of concern for taxpayer impacts. After the vote, councilmembers offered closing remarks thanking staff and the public for their attendance and noting the council’s intent to act in the county’s best interest.
The council also approved its calendar of events during the same meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
