City Administrator Brian Carter told West Columbia City Council, Tuesday there will be no tax increase required to fund the City of West Columbia’s 2021-2022 budget.

The city’s general fund budget is $18.3 million. The water and sewer budget is $19.9 million.

No city employees will be added this year in the general fund budget and current employees will receive a 2.5 percent cost-of-living raise. That is .5 percent lower than the calculated cost-of-living increase of 3 percent.

Employees can also receive a 1 percent merit pay increase. There will be positions added to the water-sewer department.

West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles thanked Carter for presenting a budget that did not include a tax increase.
The city did received an almost $280,000 break in insurance costs because of fewer accidents.
Councilman Trevor Bedell said it was impressive that city employees were able to lower costs due to performing their jobs more safely.