News Summary
The City of Beaufort has approved a $73.1 million budget for fiscal year 2026, marking a $7.5 million increase from the previous year. The budget allocates $28.5 million for 15 major capital projects aimed at improving infrastructure and community services for residents. Key initiatives include park renovations, stormwater repairs, and public facility upgrades, with no additional fees for residents. Funding comes from a mix of local revenue and federal COVID-relief funds. The final vote on the budget is scheduled for June 10.
Beaufort, SC – The City of Beaufort has taken a significant step towards addressing the needs of its residents by implementing an ambitious $73.1 million budget for the fiscal year 2026, representing a $7.5 million increase from the previous year. The City Council voted unanimously on May 13, 2025, to approve the preliminary budget, which is set to operate from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.
This budget is particularly notable for its allocation of $28.5 million dedicated to 15 major capital projects designed to benefit various segments of the community. City Manager Scott Marshall indicated that the budget is heavy with construction initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure and community services for Beaufort’s approximately 14,000 residents.
Key Capital Projects
Among the significant projects earmarked for funding are renovations and improvements in several public spaces and facilities:
- Washington Park renovations: $528,000 will go towards new playground equipment, a pavilion, and upgrades to the basketball court.
- Southside Park phase two: $1.5 million is allocated for a new dog park, disc golf area, and improved walking paths.
- First SC Volunteer Park development: A budget of $250,000 will be set aside to honor the 1st South Carolina Volunteers.
- Stormwater drainage repairs: $20.8 million is designated for improvements at multiple high-priority drainage locations.
- Marina facilities upgrade: $700,000 will be spent on replacing the fuel tank.
- Police Department facilities improvements: $150,000 is earmarked for enhancing police facilities.
- Carnegie Building renovations: $200,000 will fund interior renovations of the facility.
- Arsenal walls rehabilitation: $368,639 will go towards restoring the building’s walls.
- Spanish Moss Trail extension: $717,647 is allocated for expanding the Depot Road trail.
- Duke Street streetscape and drainage: $1 million will be invested in streetscape improvements and necessary drainage solutions.
- Waterfront Park engineering: $250,000 is set aside for the second phase of engineering the relieving platform.
- City Hall and Police Department roof replacements: $700,000 is allotted for much-needed roof repairs.
Funding and Revenue Sources
The city plans to cover the budget increases without requiring additional fees from residents or employees. This is attributed, in part, to an expected increase in revenue, including $6.54 million from federal COVID-relief funds that will support recovery initiatives across the community. The general fund, which serves as the city’s principal operating fund, has also seen a 6.7% increase, amounting to $28.8 million.
Projected revenue increases are anticipated from various sources, including $1.1 million in business license revenue and $370,540 in property tax revenue, driven by a thriving local economy and new developments such as the Beaufort Station shopping center. The city’s overall millage rate remains stable at 73.9 mills.
Employee Compensation and Community Support
The budget also includes provisions for a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for city employees, effective July 1, along with potential merit bonuses of up to 2.5% based on performance. Additionally, a contingency fund of $50,000 is being established to facilitate boat removal and disaster mitigation measures following Hurricane Helene.
Further community enhancements include a proposed $100,000 contribution to the Beaufort Jasper Housing Trust for homeowners in need of housing repairs, along with an allocation of $5,000 towards the South Carolina Nurse Retention Initiative in response to regional nursing shortages.
Next Steps
The final vote on the budget is scheduled for June 10, 2025, marking a crucial step in ensuring that Beaufort continues to evolve and address the pressing challenges faced by its residents in the coming year.
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Beaufort News
- Wikipedia: Beaufort, South Carolina
- Carolina Coast Online: Beaufort County News
- Google Search: Beaufort County budget
- WITN: Beaufort County Budget Proposal
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Beaufort
- WCTI: Beaufort County Budget Unveiling
- Google News: Beaufort County taxes
- NC Newsline: NC House Budget
- Google Scholar: Beaufort City budget
