During their June 1 meeting, Williamston Town Council approved second reading on a $7,260,333 budget for fiscal year 2026-27.
The budget reflects a three percent across the board salary increase for town employees, renovations to the kitchen at Town Hall, upgrades at the ballfields and airpacks for the fire department.
Planned kitchen renovations total $20,000 and will include new appliances, cabinets and countertops.
The budget also includes funding for 21 new airpacks and masks for the fire department. The airpacks will replace current ones in use which are nearing their recommended expiration date, according to Fire Chief David Huff. Total cost for the airpacks is $261,350. The Town budgeted $145,151 and the balance will be covered by a State/Federal grant. Chief Huff also requested $16,284 for a generator and approximately $6,000 to fix a sink hole at the fire station. The fire department was awarded a state grant in the amount of $14,700 for the generator. The town will fund the difference of $1,584.
Ballfield upgrades include new fencing for Fields 3 and 4 and a bunker rake. Fencing for the two fields totals $65,300.
The budget also includes $26,000 for preliminary engineering and survey for the Greenville Drive sidewalk project. Mayor Rockey Burgess said the preliminary work will allow the Town to begin to put a plan in place for the project. Total cost is currently estimated at approximately $1 million.
Burgess said Anderson School District One and a Safe Routes to School grant are also being included in the project and that SCDOT is being contacted placing a traffic light at Roberts Blvd. as part of the project.
The operating budget shows a seven percent increase over the current year. The millage rate will remain the same at 122.5 mills and there will not be a tax increase.
