News Summary
The Greenville City Council is currently evaluating its draft budget for fiscal year 2026, which totals $272 million. Key focus areas include public safety, affordable housing, transportation, and economic development. Notable allocations include $40.25 million for the Greenville Police Department. The budget will be presented for a first reading on May 12, followed by a public hearing, with final approval expected on May 19.
Greenville – The Greenville City Council is currently reviewing its draft budget for fiscal year 2026, totaling $272 million, during its second budget workshop held on April 28, 2025. The proposed budget prioritizes key areas including public safety, affordable housing, transportation, recreation, and economic development.
City Chief Financial Officer, Patricia Dennis, presented a proposed general fund revenue budget of $146 million. The revenue sources for this budget include $71.9 million from property taxes and $52.78 million from licenses and permits. Proposed expenditures from the general fund are anticipated to reach $150 million.
Among the key allocations within the draft budget, the Greenville Police Department will receive the highest funding, amounting to $40.25 million. The budget also proposes a modest $3 monthly increase for solid waste collection services, alongside annual fee increases of 3.1% for stormwater and wastewater services. Notably, the city’s millage rate will remain unchanged at 81.4 mills, as will business license rates.
The Greenville City Council plans to present the first reading of the fiscal year 2026 budget on May 12, which will be followed by a public hearing. The final approval of this budget is expected on May 19.
Key Budget Allocations
The draft budget includes a significant commitment to enhancing public safety and emergency services, with promises for additional staffing and equipment for the city’s safety departments. A substantial allocation of $2.5 million is earmarked for the Greenville Housing Fund to address affordable housing needs, and $500,000 is dedicated for supporting the homeless population.
Investments in Infrastructure and Community Development
The budget also outlines funding initiatives for recreational infrastructure, which includes $1.5 million allocated for the development of a wheel park and pump track. Additionally, various mobility initiatives are being planned to enhance traffic management systems, improve pedestrian safety, and upgrade street lighting across the city.
Support for Local Businesses
In an effort to stimulate local economic development, the budget introduces a new Microenterprise Grant program designed to provide support to small business owners within the community. This program is aimed at fostering a more robust local economy while addressing the unique needs of emerging businesses.
Conclusion
The draft budget reflects a conservative approach to fiscal management while strategically investing in areas that promise to improve the quality of life for Greenville residents. By targeting essential services and community needs, the Greenville City Council aims to set a foundation for sustainable growth and development in the coming year.
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Additional Resources
- Greenville Journal: Second Budget Workshop
- Google Search: Greenville City Council
- Post and Courier: Greenville County Library Budget
- Wikipedia: Greenville, South Carolina
- Fox Carolina: Greenville County Councilors Speak
- Google News: Greenville County Council Budget
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
