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.
