Seabrook Island lays out FY27 budget calendar, warns of tight tourism funds

Amber, Seabrook Island’s finance lead, opened the council’s pre‑budget workshop with a calendar and an early look at the town’s finances for fiscal 2027. "I'll begin by reviewing the proposed budget calendar," she said, noting key dates: the ATAX committee meets Aug. 19, the mayor's recommended budget goes to council on Oct. 1 and the FY27 adoption is scheduled for December with the fiscal year beginning Jan. 1, 2027.

Amber reviewed June 2026 financial statements and preliminary projections, cautioning that the numbers are initial estimates. "Total expenditures increase approximately 18%, primarily due to expense reclassifications and increases in operating cost," she said. Staff flagged two drivers: reclassification of several community‑event expenses into the general fund and an anticipated rise in the beach patrol contract that increased costs materially this year.

The finance presentation included revenue assumptions: franchise fee receipts (Berkeley Electric) were projected at $320,000 and business license collections at $1,275,000; building permit revenue was projected to rise to $60,000 following a Charleston County fee schedule change. Amber also projected local government investment pool interest revenue at about $440,000 for FY27 using an estimated 3.5% return.

The staff emphasized these are cash‑only, early projections subject to revision. Council members asked for more detailed line items and were reminded the version on SharePoint is a working draft and that finalized PDF documents will be posted as the budget advances.