Berkeley Co. releases school, county budget information

Berkeley County has finalized its $259 million county budget with no millage (or property tax) increase, and presented the first look at its school district funding. 

A public meeting on the proposed school budget is set for tonight, June 29, at 5 p.m. The Board of Education is expected to consider the second and final reading of the budget following the hearing.

During its meeting on June 22, Berkeley County Council passed its budgets for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, which begins July 1.

The millage rate will remain at 41 mills, the lowest County millage rate in South Carolina, stated county officials in a report. 

“Our goal has always been to provide exceptional services while being good stewards of taxpayer dollars. This budget allows us to continue investing in public safety, critical services, and the needs of our growing County without raising taxes. Through thoughtful planning, we've delivered a balanced budget that keeps Berkeley County's millage rate the lowest in South Carolina. We're proud of what this budget accomplishes and what it allows us to continue doing in our communities going forward,” said Berkeley County Supervisor Johnny Cribb in the report.

The budget reflects investment in public safety by providing the following new positions and resources to meet the needs of a growing population:

- 24 Berkeley County EMS positions

- 11 Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office and Detention Center positions

- Four 911 Emergency Communication Specialists

- Two positions within the Solicitor’s Office

- Additional Public Defender funding of $221,000

The budget also supports Berkeley County EMS to convert to a 24/72-hour shift schedule. This successful model for first responder scheduling is being implemented across the Lowcountry and state to reduce employee fatigue; improve work-life balance and performance; and help recruit and retain emergency medical providers. 

The budget fuels a combined 5% cost of living and merit increase for all Berkeley County employees.

The FY 2026-2027 budget highlights includes a $2.7 million investment to complete funding for three new EMS stations; $3.5 million for greenspace improvements funded by the County’s Greenbelt Program; $527,367 for Parks and Recreation improvements; and lastly, $4.7 million for the design and permitting of widening Nexton Parkway, funded through local Economic Development funds.

Funding of $250,000 for the addition of a multipurpose room at the Sangaree Library as well as an additional $1.35 million to fund the construction of a new Sangaree Special Tax District Office, partially funded by the County ($850,000), with another $500,000 coming from the Sangaree Special Tax District.

The Berkeley County Water and Sanitation (BCWS) budget, at $118,281,408, for Water, Sewer and Solid Waste, was also approved..

To review the County budget, visit the online budget platform or the finance department page.

In a June 15 meeting, The Berkeley County School District administration presented the first reading of the proposed 2026-2027 General Fund Budget to the Board of Education.

“The proposed budget reflects our commitment to investing in our students and employees while remaining good stewards of taxpayer dollars,” said Superintendent Dr. Anthony Dixon in a statement. “We are making strategic investments in people and programs that support student success while ensuring the district remains financially strong and well-positioned to meet the needs of our growing community. 

Key components of the proposed FY 2026-2027 budget include:

- Step increases for all eligible employees, including eligible teachers compensated on the Doctorate Salary Schedule

- 2% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for all eligible employees

- Increase in first-year teacher salary to $57,905

- Continuation of the district's 31-year salary schedule

- Additional special education positions to support growing student needs

- No increase to the overall tax rate; total millage remains at 196.9 mills

- Designates $1.9 million in legal settlement funds as a contingency against potential budget variances

- No use of fund balance (district savings), ensuring recurring expenses are supported by recurring revenue sources

The public will have an opportunity to provide input on the proposed budget during a public hearing scheduled for tonight, June 29 at 5 p.m. in the board room. The Board of Education is expected to consider the second and final reading of the budget following the hearing. 

Review the full budget presentation online.