Pelzer Mayor Will Ragland will submit a $2.66 million budget for 2025-26 to Council for the second time on Oct. 14.
The new budget was supposed to be approved in June, but due to not having a Town Clerk for several months and other reasons, the Town has continued to operate on last year’s budget which was approved by a continuing resolution by Council.
The new budget was presented to Council at the Sept. 9 meeting, but failed to receive a second and was tabled.
Mayor Ragland said he met with Council during a work session in September where he discussed each line item, asking for input.
Ragland said the only line items changed from the 2024-25 budget for the 2025-26 budget presented were an increase in salaries and benefits for the town’s three employees, reflecting a three percent cost of living raise and an increase in pay for the new clerk position.
The 2025-26 budget reflects $2,542,986.40 in revenues and expenses and includes additional Hospitality Revenue and Expenses of $120,500.
As presented the budget includes $1 million each for the Community Building and Hospital renovation projects along with a Historic renovation consulting tax credit application fee of $14,122 and $31,500 for the projects.
There have been questions raised about the financial status of the Town should the Town proceed with the two renovation projects.
According to the Mayor, Hospitality funds, budgeted at $120,500, can be used towards the renovation of the Community Building if needed. There is also $40,000 in Capital projects/reserve in General Fund Expenses that does not have to be spent, he said.
Ragland said the $1 million budgeted for the Community Building covers any contingency that may be needed for unforeseen expenses for the $937,138 project that was approved.
The Community Building renovation project is contingent on final approval of the contract by Council.
Ragland said agenda items for the October 14 council meeting include the Daniel Builders contract for Community building renovations, the FY26 Budget, and hiring a new clerk.
