During their meeting Tuesday, Anderson County Council approved second reading on the 2025-26 budget.
Council Vice Chairman Brett Sanders said the budget is balanced and includes a three percent across the board raise for county employees. The budget also funds the Sheriff’s Department pay plan and provides for thirteen new detention officers, Sanders said.
Also included is additional funding for the solicitor’s office.
The budget includes an increase of 3 mills for Tri County Technical College to offset a tuition hike for in-county residents.
There is funding for the Anderson County Library, vehicles for the Sheriff’s Department, a new bulldozer for the Solid Waste Department and other equipment and vehicles.
Debt Service and Capital projects are also funded.
Total revenues and expenditures for the General Fund, Special Revenue Funds and Enterprise Funds amount to $345,207,135.
Third and final reading and a public hearing is set for the next meeting of Council.
Council also approved the donation of two vehicles to the Town of West Pelzer including a 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe with 125,000 miles on it and a 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe with 133,000 miles on it. Both units will require some minor repairs and are valued at a total of $14,000.
Council also approved the donation of a 2016 Ford F250 4WD with 233,267 miles on it to the Williamston Fire Department. The unit includes a siren controller and wiring but the blue lights will be removed. Estimated value is $8,500.
