City Proposes Livable Wage, Pay Increases for Police, Fire, and Public Services among other Increases

On Tuesday, April 25th, the City Council met to discuss FY 2023-2024 Proposed Budget.  The City continues to see increased growth across multiple areas, which allowed the City to propose several exciting projects and capital purchases to maintain our commitment to investing back in the community.  Here are some highlights from the proposed budget:

  • Zero tax millage Increase
  • Increased Projected Revenue:
    • Total Combined funds: 18% average increase
  • Fully Funded Classification and Compensation Study, including a 5% Cost of Living Adjustment
    • Targeted hard-to-fill positions such as Police Officers, Firefighters, and Heavy Equipment Operators to ensure our wages are competitive.
  • $2.4 million worth of proposed capital leases, including:
    • Seven New Police Vehicles $393,000
    • New Dash Cameras for all pursuit vehicles $267,000
    • New Fire Engine $1.2 million  (Two funding sources: $567,000 capital lease proceeds and $650,000 from Darlington County Fire District Contract Bond)
    • New Rear Loader Garbage Truck $320,000
    • Byerly Park Light Management $15,000
    • Neptune Island Splash Pad Renovation $400,000
      • Enhancement of All-inclusive play equipment for our disabled patrons
  • Public Safety Complex Architectural Design

The Proposed FY 2023-2024 Budget is fully funded by the growth we continue to experience across multiple areas.  A full copy of the proposed budget narrative is available online on the City’s website, along with the April 25th budget workshop full presentation, for citizen review.  We invite the public to come to the first reading of the proposed budget, which is scheduled at the City’s regularly scheduled May 9th City Council Meeting at 5:30 P.M.

Links:

2023 – 2024 Proposed Budget Narrative DRAFT for Citizen Review (PDF)

Proposed-2023-2024-Budget Meeting Presentation (PDF)

Daniel Moore
City Manager