At a Special Called Meeting of the Finance, Administration, and Economic Development Committee Meeting Thursday, May 8, the Committee voted to move forward to full Council the FY2026 Budget. 

Pinky Harriott, Beaufort County Chief Financial Officer, presented the proposed budget, noting an estimated increase in tax revenue of $11.6 million--due to County population growth and the increase in the value of a mil. While some millage allocations within the budget will change in the next fiscal year, the budget will remain mil neutral, meaning no tax increases to Beaufort County residents.

Mrs. Harriott noted that this is an overall positive for the County and proposed expenditures: "This budget is a balanced and strategic plan to continue strengthening Beaufort County's excellent record of fiscal responsibility and transparency. The proposed budget presented to Committee prioritizes personnel, lays out plans for future capital projects and reallocates funds in ways that improve efficiency and customer service."

The first reading of the FY2026 proposed budget will be at the Monday, May 12, County Council Meeting, 5 p.m. at the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office Headquarters, 2nd Floor, 1501 Bay Street, Beaufort, SC 29901 (map)*

Budget presentations by additional outside entities will be held Monday, May 19, from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m., 104 Ribaut Road, Arthur Horne Building, 2nd Floor Hearing Room (map).*

The meetings are open to the public and comments are welcomed during the public comment portion of the agenda. Residents may watch all budget presentations and discussions to date on BCTV On Demand.

*Due to construction renovations in the Robert Smalls Administration Building, meetings have been relocated. Please check beaufortcountysc.gov for the latest.