Berkeley County Council passes county budget for FY 2026-2027
June 25, 2026
No tax increase; millage rate remains lowest in SC
During its meeting on Monday, June 22, 2026, Berkeley County Council passed its budgets for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, which begins July 1, 2026.
Council approved Berkeley County’s budget at $259 million with no millage (or property tax) increase. The millage rate will remain at 41 mills, the lowest County millage rate in South Carolina.
Public Safety
The budget reflects the County’s investment in public safety by providing the following new positions and resources to meet the needs of a growing population:
- 24 Berkeley County EMS positions
- 11 Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office and Detention Center positions
- Four 911 Emergency Communication Specialists
- Two positions within the Solicitor’s Office
- Additional Public Defender funding of $221,000
The budget also supports Berkeley County EMS to convert to a 24/72-hour shift schedule. This successful model for first responder scheduling is being implemented across the Lowcountry and state to reduce employee fatigue; improve work-life balance and performance; and help recruit and retain emergency medical providers.
County Employees
The budget fuels a combined 5% cost of living and merit increase for all Berkeley County employees.
Capital Projects and Infrastructure
The FY 2026-2027 budget highlights the County’s priority to improving residents’ quality of life through capital projects and infrastructure. It includes a $2.7 million investment to complete funding for three new EMS stations; $3.5 million for greenspace improvements funded by the County’s Greenbelt Program; $527,367 for Parks and Recreation improvements; and lastly, $4.7 million for the design and permitting of widening Nexton Parkway, funded through local Economic Development funds.
Funding of $250,000 for the addition of a multipurpose room at the Sangaree Library as well as an additional $1.35 million to fund the construction of a new Sangaree Special Tax District Office, partially funded by the County ($850,000), with another $500,000 coming from the Sangaree Special Tax District.
Water and Sanitation
County Council also passed the Berkeley County Water and Sanitation (BCWS) budget, at $118,281,408, for Water, Sewer and Solid Waste.
As part of its ongoing commitment to transparency, Berkeley County has an online budget platform that details public funds are managed, allocated, and spent. Access the platform HERE or visit the Berkeley County Finance Department page.
