By Charlene Spelts
The Piedmont Public Service District Board of Commissioners recently approved second reading on the 2026-27 budget. The proposed budget totals $2,861,126.
The PPSD is responsible for Fire Operations, Light Operations, and Recreational Operations within the district. The budget is based on conservative expenditures necessary to maintain these operations.
The largest budget items being salaries for fire fighters and the related expenses.
The proposed operating budget represents a $200,899 increase in revenue and a $200,621 increase in expenditures. The proposed year’s net surplus is $432.
Ad valorem property taxes in the amount of 64.8 mills for the fire department, 5.30 mills for the streetlight department, and 1.70 mills for the recreation department were levied in the current Fiscal Year to meet the operational needs of the District.
The Piedmont Public Service District Commission estimates that an ad valorem property tax levy of 74 mills will be necessary to meet the revenues required by the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 operating budget.
Before approving the proposed budget, discussion addressed an $8 increase on property taxes per $100,000 value.
The question from Commissioner Beth Dickson of “Why does the increased residential building not address the necessary increase?” was addressed. The time delay from purchase and actual realization of new income from property taxes takes an average of 28 months before the additional revenue is realized. PPSD cannot maintain current ISO requirements with such a delay in revenue. The district must continue to be proactive in the collection and management of revenue to maintain the current ISO rating. Should the rating drop the insurance cost to the individual homeowner would increase by hundreds of dollars, according to Chief Tracy Wallace. It was noted for the benefit of Commissioner Beth Dickson that the new homes in the Anderson County area of the PPSD are not in the district, and no additional revenues will be received from these homes.
Piedmont Fire Department is a mutual assist entity with surrounding volunteer fire departments in Anderson County.
Commissioner Rudy Rhodes noted his constituents’ primary concern is having well trained firefighters and necessary equipment to answer the emergency needs of the area.
The second reading of the proposed budget was passed by a 4 to 1 vote with Commissioner Dickson voting No.
Chief Wallace and Assistant Chief Craig Lawless reviewed updates on the proposed new Headquarters on Hwy 20. Plans and reports are on schedule to calculate the estimated cost of the project. An estimated cost of $3.2 million is being used based on the max allowed for bonds and loans based on 8% of the value of all properties within the district.
The estimated completion date is a minimum of 36 months away. Chief Lawless read into the minutes a proposed resolution to allow for loans to be used from the General Funds for expenses incurred during the pre-bond and loan phase of the project. The resolution was adopted by a unanimous vote.
Stewart Waston, candidate for SC House District 10, and Daniel Rumfelt, candidate for Greenville County Council District 26, were welcomed and introduced by Chairman Al McAbee. The candidates were allowed five minutes each to introduce themselves and review their goals for our area.
The next meeting will be June 15 at 7 pm in the training room at the Hwy 86 Headquarters.
