“Council advanced the budget Wednesday to a third reading,” stated county spokesperson Michael Mule. “Council will now work with the administration to finalize the budget before third reading.”
So far, the budget puts a heavy emphasis on public safety.
According to deputy finance supervisor Tim Callanan, the budget includes adding four additional patrol deputies, fully staffing the detention center and opening the third floor of the jail with eight additional officers.
The budget also calls for 12 hour shifts for EMS and the elimination of fluctuating workweek overtime pay.
The proposed budget would also include a five percent merit and competitive pay increase for county employees—the first real increase in seven years, according to county leaders.
While most homeowners would not welcome an increase in property taxes, Berkeley County Supervisor Bill Peagler stated that council must ultimately decide between politics or the people they represent.
“We can talk about helping county employees or we can do something about it,” stated Peagler.
Callanan stated that the proposed five mill increase should not change Berkeley County’s status as having the second lowest millage rate in the state of South Carolina.
Horry County currently has the lowest millage rate statewide.
He also added that using the general fund balance to cover recurring expenses wasn’t really an option.
“It would be kicking the can down the road yet again,” stated Callanan. “Do we consider a five mill increase to cover these core functions, public safety and employee pay increase— or do nothing? There is no fat on any bone in this year’s budget.”
According to Mule, the proposed millage rate is not etched in stone just yet.
“Because the budget is not final, it would be misleading to assume that the budget presented last night will be the same as the one council will vote on next month,” he said.
The third and final reading of the budget is scheduled to take place on Monday, June 22nd.
