Residents of Summerville will not see increases in city property taxes or utility base rates under a newly approved budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
The Summerville City Council voted unanimously Monday night to adopt a $29.33 million spending plan for fiscal year 2026-2027, which takes effect July 1 and runs through June 30, 2027.
City officials said the budget was designed to preserve current services while maintaining financial stability and avoiding additional costs for households and businesses.
During the council meeting, City Manager Jason Winters said the budget reflects a conservative approach to spending while continuing to fund essential operations and planned improvements throughout the city.
Among the key provisions included in the budget are no increases to water, sewer, or natural gas base rates, as well as the continuation of utility discounts for qualifying senior citizens. The city also will not levy a municipal property tax.
Mayor Rickey Hughes praised the budget for balancing fiscal responsibility with the needs of residents, noting that city leaders worked to keep costs steady while protecting programs that benefit the community.
The spending plan supports a workforce of 84 full-time employees and 17 part-time employees. City officials reported that Summerville currently carries approximately $6.2 million in outstanding debt, with annual debt payments totaling about $805,000.
Budget projections indicate growth in several revenue categories over the next fiscal year, including franchise fees, insurance premium taxes, sanitation revenues, court-related income, gas authority rebates, and revenue generated through downtown events and Main Street activities.
City leaders also outlined plans for future capital improvements, many of which will be funded through grants, federal American Rescue Plan Act funds, and local sales tax revenues. Officials said the strategy allows the city to address infrastructure and equipment needs without relying on new debt or rate increases.
In addition, a new Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) cycle is expected to provide roughly $950,000 in 2026 for recreation projects. Planned improvements include upgrades to playground facilities and enhancements to parking areas near the city’s splash pad.
Officials said the budget positions Summerville to continue investing in community amenities and public services while maintaining a stable financial outlook for the year ahead.
