West Pelzer Town Council approved second reading on their 2026-27 budget at their June 9 meeting.
The budget shows an increase from $748,512.96 to $777,512.96. There will be no increase in millage which will remain the same at .1067.
According to Mayor Rick Sanders, the budget reflects a balanced and forward-thinking approach with an overall increase of just under four percent compared to the prior year.
Key highlights include paying off the Town’s auto leases, which restores valuable operating capital back into the budget and a projected increase of more than 10 percent in property tax collections due to existing growth.
The budget includes a three percent cost-of-living adjustment for all staff, reinforcing the Town’s commitment to employee retention and competitiveness.
The budget also includes funding for implementing the 2026 West Pelzer Main Street Business Facade Grant program. According to information provided with the budget, the grant funding is available through reserve funds and potential partnerships with local civic organizations.
The budget includes the following revenues and expenses:
Revenues
Capital Project Deposit $10,000; Property Taxes $320,000 (up from $290,000); Auto Taxes $38,000 (up from $29,000); Business License $110,000; MCF-GF Deposit $20,000; MCF Deposit $40,000; Franchise Fees $73,000; Accommodation Tax $250; Inventory Tax $1,800; Homestead Exemption $18,900; Local Government Fund $22,000; Sanitation Collections $56,000; Hospitality Tax Deposit $50,000; 2021 GO Proj Deposit $17,582.96.
Total Revenue $777,512.96
Expenses
MCF GF Expense $20,000 (increased from $10,000); MCF Expense $20,000 (increased from $10,000); Festival Expense $5,000; Christmas Parade $2,000; Hospitality Tax Utility $20,000; Hospitality Tax Liability Ins $1,000; Beautification-Maintenance-Projects $20,200 (increased from $12,200); Public Parking $1,800; Recreation Salary expense $0 (decreased from $10,000) 2021 GO Project Expense $17,562.96; Salaries GF $232,000; Salaries Council $14,000; Payroll Taxes $28,000; Advertising Public Notices $750; Postage $1,200; Christmas Bonus GF $900; Christmas Bonus PD $800; Professional Services GF $50,000; Professional Services PD $5,000; Travel/Training/Meals GF $6,000; Travel/Training/Meals PD $4,000; Property/Vehicle/Liability Ins $35,000; Employee Health Insurance GF $68,000; Insurance WC $12,000; Retirement GF/PD $53,000; Office Expense/Supplies GF-PD $1,500; Office Expense/Supplies MCF $1,500; Uniforms MCF $1,500; Vehicle/Equip Repairs & Maint $10,000 (decrease from $20,000); Fuel $18,000; Capital Expenditures $27,737.04; Bond Payment $17,562.96; Ammunition $1,000; Sanitation Contract $56,000. Expense Total $777,512.96
During the meeting the following upcoming events were announced: Town of Pelzer and West Pelzer July 4th Fireworks Event at 6 pm July 4, fireworks at 9 pm; Shark Week with Jaws movie in Chapman Park July 13 at 8 pm; National Night Out in Chapman Park Aug. 4 at 6 pm; Dog Days of Summer Dog Show Aug. 22 at 10 am.
The West Pelzer Police Chief Zachary Owen reported reported the following stats for May – Calls for Service 124; Traffic stops 35; Tickets/Warrants 28; Warnings 19; Reports 9; Citizen Contacts 220.
