News Summary
The Greenville City Council has approved its first reading of the operating budget for the 2026 fiscal year, totaling $291.2 million. The budget maintains current tax rates and contains increases in solid waste fees, ensuring funding for vital community services. Key priorities include affordable housing, economic development, and public safety. Additionally, a $25.9 million capital improvement program has been initiated to enhance public safety and community services. A second reading of the budget is scheduled, allowing for further discussions and potential adjustments.
Greenville – The Greenville City Council has approved the first reading of the operating budget for the 2026 fiscal year, which amounts to $291.2 million. This decision was made during a meeting on May 12 and reflects a community-focused approach to budget allocation.
Significantly, the budget maintains current tax rates without introducing any increases or alterations to business license fees. However, it does include a $3 per month increase in solid waste fees along with annual fee hikes of 3.1% for stormwater and wastewater services. These adjustments aim to address ongoing financial requirements while ensuring essential services are funded adequately.
The city budget emphasizes key priorities such as neighborhood and affordable housing initiatives, economic development, recreation and environmental sustainability, public safety, and mobility. City Manager Shannon Lavrin pointed out that public safety constitutes the largest portion of spending in the general fund.
As part of the budget, an initial approval for a $25.9 million capital improvement program (CIP) has also been granted. This program includes specific funding for public safety measures, such as the acquisition of police body cameras, aimed at enhancing law enforcement capabilities and community safety.
The budget allocates $2.5 million specifically for the creation of affordable housing within the fiscal year. Furthermore, $1.65 million from accommodations tax funding is designated for workforce housing development. Plans have also been made to reserve funds for the purchase of two properties intended for future affordable housing projects.
During the public hearing, representatives from local organizations such as the Greenville Housing Fund and Beyond Housing emphasized the need for increased action to support affordable housing initiatives, illustrating a community concern that the city council aims to address.
Funding for recreation and open space initiatives is also a priority in the budget, featuring allocations for the acquisition of open spaces, enhancement of trails and greenways, and specific projects at the Greenville Zoo, all aimed at improving the quality of life for residents.
In terms of mobility, the budget includes funding for crucial safety projects, including intersection safety improvements, implementation of a pedestrian safety action plan, traffic calming measures, and upgrades to street lighting. The corridor of Pleasantburg Drive is highlighted as a focus area for roadway improvements in the upcoming fiscal year.
Additionally, approximately $500,000 has been allocated to support future economic development projects within city limits. To bolster local small businesses, $50,000 is set aside for the Greenville City Economic Development Corporation’s new Microenterprise Grant program.
A second reading of the budget is scheduled for May 19, where further discussions and potential adjustments can be made. The budget reflects a conservative approach, funding critical projects that are planned for the upcoming fiscal year.
In her address, Lavrin highlighted the city’s recent achievements, including reduced crime rates, improvements in public safety, and a triple-A credit rating from all major credit rating agencies, indicating strong fiscal health and management. Construction is currently underway for the new Southernside Community Center, while renovations have commenced at the Nicholtown Community Center.
To enhance the downtown experience, the city is planning a pilot closure of certain sections of Main Street starting May 24. This initiative aims to encourage outdoor activities and boost local businesses in the area.
Furthermore, discussions are ongoing regarding the redevelopment of County Square, a project designed to revitalize this significant area of the city, highlighting the council’s commitment to ongoing development and improvement for Greenville’s future.
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Additional Resources
- WYFF4: Greenville City Council Budget 2025
- Wikipedia: Greenville, South Carolina
- Greenville Journal: Greenville’s $291M Budget Receives Initial Approval
- Google Search: Greenville City Council budget
- Fox Carolina: Crime Is Lowest It Has Been in 10 Years
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Government
- Reflector: Greenville City Budget Discussions
- Google News: Greenville budget 2025
- WSPA: State Bill Regarding Greenville County Budgets
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.
