HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. () — On Tuesday, the Hilton Head Island Town Council unanimously approved the first reading of the Town Manager’s proposed 2026 consolidated budget. This financial plan, totaling $174,711,350 million, includes both expected revenues and planned expenditures. It covers six major funds and proposes a reduction in the property tax rate from 21.4 mills down to 19.4 mills. This reduction demonstrates the Town’s ongoing commitment to maintaining fiscal responsibility while serving its residents.

“This budget allows us to advance in preserving our Island’s unique character, investing in resilience, and enhancing community services,” said Mayor Alan Perry. “The Town Manager and his team have done an excellent job crafting a balanced budget that not only reduces some of the tax burden on our residents but also progresses major projects, plans for future capital investments and economic growth, and introduces long-awaited improvements in our land management ordinance. I urge everyone to thoroughly review this budget, as I believe our community will be pleased with how well it positions us for future success.”

Town Manager Marc Orlando introduced the proposed budget, highlighting its consistency with the Town Council’s existing 2023-2025 Strategic Action Plan, the 2020 Comprehensive Plan, and the initial strategic priorities developed during the February 2025 Strategic Planning Workshop. These strategic priorities can be reviewed here.

The public will have three more opportunities to learn more about and provide feedback on the proposed budget:

• Monday, May 12 at 2 p.m. – Town Council budget workshop.
• Tuesday, May 13 at 2 p.m. – Town Council budget workshop for capital improvement projects.
• Tuesday, June 3 at 3 p.m. – Second public hearing and final reading at the Town Council meeting.

Anyone wishing to address the Town Council about the budget during any of the scheduled meetings should contact the Town Clerk at 843-341-4701. You can also sign-up prior to the start of meeting business to address Town Council during the public comment period.