Shana Carothers

The City Council conducted a budget workshop covering the general fund budget, including revenues such as tax projections, franchise fees, and various permits. Departmental budget presentations included the Municipal Council, Municipal Court, Public Works and Storm Water, Administration, Development Services, Police Department, Fire Department, and Parks and Recreation. Key discussion topics included salary increases, equipment and vehicle replacements, facility maintenance, fuel costs, and specific departmental programs like Project Life Saver and wildlife management. Non-departmental funding, including bond payments and the creation of a capital reserve fund, was also discussed.

The City Council meeting covered various administrative and legislative matters, including the issuance of proclamations for Spring Pick Me Up Week, National Arbor Day, Mental Health Awareness Month, International Firefighters Day, and National Police Week. Public comments focused on environmental concerns regarding sediment buildup and erosion in Nivens Creek affecting lakefront property values. The Council approved the 2025-2035 Comprehensive Plan, authorized the annexation and rezoning of a property, and awarded a bid for street patching and sidewalk repairs. Additionally, the Council approved an intergovernmental agreement with York County for the housing of municipal inmates, authorized the enhancement of the Golf Course entryway, and amended the budget regarding household solid waste fees. New members were also appointed to the Public Art Jury and the Storm Water & Environmental Committee.

The Council considered an ordinance to amend the budget regarding household solid waste fees and reviewed multiple department budgets. Key topics included golf course capital improvement projects and equipment maintenance, potential netting installations for the driving range, beach and swim center pool maintenance planning, water and sewer rate increases for the Tega Cay Utilities Department, stormwater management and leaf collection equipment options, hospitality tax projections, and various general fund allocations including a compensation study for staff and capital project funding.

The council held a meeting to present the fiscal year 2026-2027 budget, which includes stable millage rates, slight increases for trash collection, water base rates, and sewer pass-through fees. Key investments include a new capital reserve fund, infrastructure upgrades, and equipment replacements across various departments. Proclamations were read for National Safe Boating Week, National Public Works Week, National Tennis Month, and Friends Helping Special Friends Day. Additionally, a financial performance report for the current fiscal year was reviewed, noting strong revenue collection and budget performance.

The council held a public hearing on the 2026-2027 fiscal year budget and discussed various proclamations recognizing National Safe Boating Week, National Public Works Week, National Tennis Month, and Friends Helping Special Friends Day. Additional topics included committee reports, municipal court personnel matters, property code amendments, the dedication of City Hall as the Anthony Tarulli Building, and various city infrastructure and utility budget workshops.