Residents won't pay more in taxes under Beaufort County's new budget
Share this @internewscast.com

BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. () — Beaufort County presented their new estimated budget tonight, $199.2 million dollars.

The 2026 fiscal budget increased by around 27% from the fiscal budget in 2025, which was $156.8 million dollars.

Chief financial officer, Pinky Harriott said the tax revenue increased $11.6 million due to the county’s population and growth.

Harriott advised the council to adopt a balanced budget. This implies that the total income the county receives will match its total planned expenditures.

Although some millage allocations in the budget will be adjusted in the upcoming fiscal year, the budget will stay neutral. This means there will be no tax hikes for Beaufort County residents.

Part of the county’s desire to keep property taxes from increasing is a change to the solid waste and recycling program.

County officials mentioned that the program was funded through an enterprise using ad valorem taxes, indicating that the program’s expenses were sustained by the revenue generated from the services.

Harriott said it didn’t end up panning out that way, and the funds coming in were not meeting the system in place.

They said they are looking to repeal the ordinance and move the program back into the county’s general fund.

“Just to clarify, we’re not dissolving solid waste and recycling by any means,” said Harriott. It’s going back to operating the way it used to as a general fund department. So, those same services will be provided, same convenience centers, everything will remain the same. From an accounting standpoint, the way it’s operating right now is not appropriate.”

The county’s estimated millage value is $2.9 million. That’s a little over a 10% increase from the $2.7 million in 2025. According to the county, this program, along with other changes, will keep them from having to raise property taxes.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Morley Sentenced to Life for Murdering Missing Man

ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. (WJHL) — Jacob Morley, a man found guilty in 2022…

Governor Kemp Allocates $700k for Repairs on 16 Local Streets

TWIN CITY, Ga. () – One local town will get a share…

Seven Democrats Support GOP Resolution Criticizing LA Protests

Seven House Democrats voted Friday in favor of a GOP-led resolution to…

Father Helps Son Surrender to Police After Leesburg Fatal Shooting

LEESBURG, Fla. – A man from Mount Dora turned himself in on…

Four Individuals Accused of Stealing $93M in COVID Fraud Scheme

Four Southern California suspects were charged with allegedly defrauding the government of…

South Carolina man missing for over 3 weeks after traveling to Los Angeles airport

A man from South Carolina who flew into LAX earlier this month…

UVA President Jim Ryan Steps Down Following DOJ Pressure

UPDATE: UVA president speaks on resignation, says he won’t put university at…

Six Americans Arrested in South Korea for Attempting to Deliver Rice and Bibles to North Korea by Sea

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Six U.S. citizens were taken into custody…

Bulloch Fire Grows: Celebrating Graduation of 11 New Firefighters

BULLOCH COUNTY, Ga. () — The Bulloch County Fire Department (BCFD) held…

Severe Weather Triggers Cancellation of Nearly 500 Atlanta Airport Flights

Nearly 500 flights heading to and from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport have…

Environmental Groups File Lawsuit to Halt ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Project

A coalition of environmental groups on Friday sued over Trump administration plans…

Newborn Survives Alone for a Week After Mother’s Death in Arizona Home

PHOENIX, Ariz. (WFLA) A welfare check at an Arizona home turned into…