Here’s a recap of Greer City Council’s May 26 meeting:
Initial approval: $91.5M budget
On a 5-2 vote, council approved first reading of an ordinance establishing a $91.5 million budget for fiscal year 2026-27, which includes $61.1 million for the general fund through which most of the city’s operations are funded.
The proposed budget maintains the city’s current property tax millage at 111.0 mills. The budget represents a 4.4% increase in expenses over the current fiscal year budget, while the value of a mill has increased 9.9%, generating an estimated $334,605 in property tax revenue per mill.
The proposed budget includes $1.55 million for 22 new staff positions across 10 departments, as well as funding for a 2.8% cost-of-living increase in staff pay.
During a lengthy discussion, several council members expressed a desire to amend the budget to include a millage decrease. Council member Wryley Bettis proposed an amendment to reduce the millage by 2 mills, which would total about $668,000. That amendment was defeated. Council member Charles Lander subsequently offered an amendment to lower the millage by one mill, but that measure was also voted down.
Council member Jay Arrowood proposed an amendment that would freeze technology funding pending a council discussion on how data the city collects is used and protected. He cited specific concerns about cameras and the use of facial recognition software. That amendment was also voted down.
On a motion to approve the budget as presented, council members Bettis and Lander voted against approval. Council members Arrowood, Karuiam Booker, Mark Hopper and Paul Lamb joined Mayor Rick Danner in voting to approve.
Council is expected to consider second and final reading of the budget ordinance during its June 9 meeting. A budget must be approved before the current fiscal year ends June 30.
