The Town passed its 2019-20 budget on a 4 to 1 vote. Only Councilman Milliken voted against.
The Town plans to spend approximately $4 million in operating funds next year. That is approximately 8% less than what the Town spent this year.
The most significant new expenditure is for fire protection and solid waste collection services. The James Island Public Service (JIPSD) will continue to provide those services to the residents of the Town, but the Town will help pay part of the cost on behalf of our residents. The total amount budgeted for next year is approximately $1 million. At our last meeting with JIPSD representatives, they said they preferred monthly payments which would be about $85,000 per month.
In exchange, the JIPSD will allow the Town to provide a credit against the JIPSD line on the Charleston County property tax bill. The total of the credits for all the Town taxpayers will add up to the total amount the Town pays for services. The typical homeowner in the Town will see a 30% reduction in the property tax paid to the JIPSD and so an approximate 15% saving on property tax overall.
The Town's own millage will remain unchanged at 20. The Town again will provide a 100% property tax credit so the net amount of property tax paid to the Town will remain zero.
Another major expense for the Town is law enforcement. The Town plans to spend $250,000 on the Island Sheriff's Patrol, maintaining the increased presence initiated last summer.
The Town plans to spend approximately $1.4 million on capital improvements--including drainage projects, new sidewalks, and a picnic shelter and restrooms at Pinckney Park.
Some of these capital projects will be funded out of Town savings, but at the end of the year, we expect to have approximately $4.5 million left in various funds balances. The Town is debt free, having paid off the new Town Hall this spring.
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