Seneca City Council Approves General Budget, Extends Utilities Budget After Light & Water Proposal Fails

At its June 30, 2026 work session and special called meeting, the Seneca City Council approved the FY 2026-27 General Municipal Budget, which includes 2.3 mills increase in property taxes. However, the proposed Seneca Light & Water Budget failed by a 5-4 vote, forcing the city to extend the existing 2025-26 utilities budget.

Council members opposed to the Light & Water proposal (including Joel Ward, who switched his vote) favored a cost-of-service formula over a new $15 monthly base rate increase for water customers.

Public speakers strongly opposed the flat fee, with some questioning its legality for subsidizing other utilities. Council member Dana Moore took an opportunity to clear up a few things circulating in the community about the way he voted…

Moore also contrasted winners v. losers if $15 charged…

Officials noted upcoming higher wholesale costs for power and sewage treatment. The Light & Water budget process will restart in mid-July.

 Josh Riches spoke about a Santee Cooper extension and also about why “cost of service” is the way…

Seneca’s Administrator Scott Moulder proposed a continuing resolution to keep L&W operating budget…