Bamberg County Council advances FY 2026–27 budget with second-reading approval; one dissent

Bamberg County Council on May 5 approved second reading in title only of the proposed FY 2026–27 operating and capital budget after a presentation from Controller Gina Smith.

"The proposed Budget FY 26-27 general fund totals $13,917,448 an increase of $1,383,003 from last year’s budget," Controller Gina Smith said during her presentation, which outlined department requests and line-item increases.

Councilman Evert Comer moved the measure and Councilman Spencer Donaldson seconded it. Voting in favor were Comer, Donaldson, Vice Chairman Larry Haynes and Dr. Jonathan Goodman; Councilman Kenneth Ahlin voted no. Council Chairwoman Michelle Martin and Councilwoman Sharon Hammond were absent from the vote.

Finance Director T.M. Thomas had earlier summarized the county’s fiscal position through January 2026: FY 2026 general fund revenue was reported at $12,534,004 with $9,678,004 collected through January; departments had expended approximately 57.72% ($7,234,003) of their budgets, leaving revenues exceeding expenditures by about $2,444,004 for the report period.

Councilmembers asked questions during Controller Smith’s slide presentation about specific departmental increases; the council accepted the presentation as information and scheduled budget work sessions for additional review and clarification before final readings.

This action was procedural (second reading in title only). The ordinance’s third reading and the public hearing were postponed in related business and will be revisited at future meetings as staff provides additional detail.