The Town of South Congaree presented its Fiscal Year 2026–2027 budget this week, marking a milestone for the Town: a balanced budget that establishes a true financial baseline for years to come. Proposed FY 2026–2027 expenditures total $1,296,187.75, a 21% decrease from FY 2025–2026 expenditures of $1,642,423.

The budget was developed through a thorough and transparent process that included working with a professional budget consultant, individual meetings with members of Town Council, a public budget workshop, and the first reading of the budget. A public hearing will be held on June 16, 2026, at South Congaree Town Hall prior to Council’s vote on second reading of the budget.

“Our residents deserve a government that is accountable, transparent, and forward-looking,” said Mayor Pro Tem, Kitty Spires. “This budget, and the work of our professional staff, show that South Congaree is delivering all three and has a strong plan and vision for the future.”

The new budget caps off one of the most productive years in the Town’s recent history.

Strengthening Town Operations

• Hired a professional, accredited Town Administrator, Municipal Clerk, and Deputy Clerk, further professionalizing day-to-day operations, including finance, records management, human resources, zoning, and stormwater management.

• Completed the FY 2022–2023 audit, with the FY 2023–2024 audit currently underway.

• Updated the employee handbook and transitioned employee benefits to SC PEBA health and retirement plans.

Investing in Planning and Growth

• Completed and adopted the Town’s Comprehensive Plan.

• Hired a zoning consultant to update the Town’s zoning ordinances.

• Codified all Town ordinances.

• Updated the stormwater ordinance and business license ordinance and adopted a Stormwater Enforcement Response Plan.

Improving Public Safety

• Formed a selection committee for the new Chief of Police position.

• Contracted with Extra Duty Solutions to provide officers with opportunities to earn supplemental income.

• Hired a Victim’s Advocate.

• Authorized Lexington County Fire Service to enforce fire prevention codes within town limits and cleared outstanding fire inspection violations.

Building Community and Town Identity

• Launched a new Town logo at no cost to taxpayers.

• Began development of a new Town website that will allow residents to create customized accounts and receive email or text notifications for agendas, calendars, and emergency alerts.

• Hosted the most-attended Christmas Tree Lighting and Annual Christmas Parade in Town history, along with a successful community litter cleanup and the Town’s first Delegates Dinner.

• Held Council’s first Visioning Session to establish goals and priorities for the coming fiscal year and develop the Town’s first Mission and Vision Statements.

• Met with members of the Lexington County Legislative Delegation to discuss issues affecting the Town and its residents.

Looking Ahead

The FY 2026–2027 budget positions the Town to address its top priorities in the coming year, including security upgrades at Town facilities, repairs to Town Hall, improvements to the existing park adjacent to Town Hall, a comprehensive update of Town ordinances, future planning for additional police officers, and infrastructure improvements to support economic development and business growth.

“This budget reflects where South Congaree is headed,” said Councilman Dwayne Prosser. “Our goal is always to provide services to our residents as efficiently and transparently as possible. We remain committed to investing in public safety, infrastructure, and the future of our Town.”

The full budget is currently available for public review at Town Hall, located at 119 W. Berry Road, and will soon be available on the Town’s new website at www.townofsouthcongaree.org.