During their meeting Monday, Williamston Town Council approved second reading on a $7,939,946 budget for 2024-25.
The General Fund budget shows an increase of $298,036 over last year, from $3,986,300 to $4,284,336. The Water Fund shows an increase from $2,280,100 to $2,360,490. The Sewer Fund shows an increase from $1,230,570 to $1,295,120.
The millage rate of 122.5 will remain the same. There is no tax increase, however the budget does include a two percent cost of living raise for employees and a six percent increase in water rates.
According to Mayor Rockey Burgess, the increase in water rates is necessary to cover a six percent increase by the Town’s water supplier, the Anderson Regional Joint Water System.
According to the mayor, the base rate for the first 1000 gallons will remain the same. The increase would amount to about .23 cents to one dollar on the average customers monthly water bill. Those using less than the minimum base of 1000 gallons would see no increase.
Burgess said that a customer using 4,000 gallons per month, which he said is on the high end, would see about a $1 increase in their monthly bill.
The budget also includes a two percent cost of living pay increase for Town employees. Mayor Burgess said the pay increase will allow the Town to keep, retain and recruit employees.
The General Fund budget shows revenues of $4,284,336, an increase of $298,036 over last year.
Revenue from Property taxes are expected to see an increase of approximately $56,000, from $1.3 million to $1.357 million. Motor vehicle revenues are expected to see an increase of about $4,000, from $136,ooo to $140,000.
The Hospitality Tax fund also shows an expected increase from $250,000 to $300,000.
Revenue from Homestead exemptions is budgeted for an additional $10,000. Manufacturing Exemption shows an increase from $27,000 to $55,000.
Revenue from MASC Insurance fees is expected to increase from $250,000 to $300,000. MASC Telecommunications fees are budgeted for a decrease from $20,000 to $6,000.
The Armory lease will see an increase from $33,000 to $36,000.
Total General Fund revenues are expected to be $4,284,336.
General Fund expenditures are budgeted at $4,284,336.
General Fund expenditures cover Administratration, Envision Williamston, Street Department, Police Department, School Resource Officers, Judge/Clerk of Court, Parks and Recreation, Fire Department, and Hospitality Tax.
Administrative expenditures are budgeted at $661,914, slightly up by only $164.
The Envision Williamston Main Street program is budgeted at $35,000.
The Street Department shows an increase from $525,171 to $554,044. Salaries and Health Insurance increases make up most of the difference.
The Police Department budget shows a $50,000 increase from $1,138,073 to $1,188,733. Most of the change is an increase in salaries from $671,219 to $689,387, and a Police Grant of $27,454.
The Police Officer Grant of $123,045 along with FICA, Retirement and Health Insurance amount to a total of $187,639, which is offset by a grant.
Salary and benefits for SRO Officers for Palmetto Middle, Palmetto High, Palmetto Elementary and Career and Technology Center amount to $344,990, which is also offset by grant revenue.
The Judge/Clerk of Court budget shows no change with salary of $8293 and expenses of $10,000 for a total of $18,293.
Parks and Recreation show an increase of $50,496, from $273,866 to $324,362. P&R Salaries show an increase from $85,228 to $142,406. Related FICA/Medicare increased from $6,596 to $11,001 and Retirement increased from $17,108 to $26,475. Supplies were increased from $5,000 to $7,500. Repairs and maintenance, vehicles, supplies and other expenses remained about the same.
The Fire Department budget was increased by $13,185 from $254,841 to $268,026. A second part-time person for the fire department was not funded. Mileage reimbursement was increased from $35,000 to $37,000. Retirement, Health Insurance, supplies and other line items were increased slightly.
The Hospitality Tax Fund budget shows revenues and expenses of $300,000.
Expenses coming out of the Hospitality Fund include: Christmas Parade $1,000; Cemetery Candlelight $500; Boo in the Park & Historic Commission $2,050; Spring Water Festival $10,000; 4th of July $15,000; PBA Easter Egg Hunt $500, Pig in the Park $5,000; Security and Cleanup for Events $10,000; MLK Breakfast $4,500; Community Center $10,000; Parks and Rec Expenses (electricity) $52,000; Envision Williamston Events $15,000 and Capital Improvements/Contingency $174,450.
The Water Fund shows revenues of $2,360,490, an increase from $2,280,100. Water revenues from the six percent increase will go from $1,124,200 to $1,174,790. Water Tap Fees are expected to increase from $30,000 to $50,000. The Water Fund includes a State Grant of $642,200 and a RIA Grant of $444,500.
Water Fund expenditures show an increase of $80,390 from $2,280,100 to $2,360,490. Water purchased is expected to increase from $407,000 to $437,956 due to the price increase by the ARJWS. The restricted reserve fund shows an increase from $42,927 to $118,210.
The Sewer Fund shows revenues of $1,295,120 up from $1,230,570.
Sewer tap fees are expected to increase from $40,000 to $65,000. Sewer Revenue from residential customers is expected to increase from $1.072 million to $1.1 million. The industry pretreatment charge currently budgeted at $3,500 shows an increase in revenue to $21,600.
Sewer expenses are expected to stay about the same except the budget shows a Contingency/Restricted Reserve of $68,415. Expenditures for the Sewer Department show an increase from $1,230,570 to $1,295,120.
