Seneca’s Proposed Budget for Next Fiscal Year at $68 Million

At the Seneca City Council’s budget workshop and special called meeting on Thursday evening, they reviewed the proposed fiscal year 2024-25 budget, totaling $68 million. The council unanimously approved portions of the budget in title only, with the final vote scheduled for June 25, as Councilwoman Lekesha Benson was absent.

The budget breakdown includes $16,380,523 for the General Fund, $46,794,526 for the Light & Water Fund, $1,330,000 for the Hospitality and Accommodations Tax (HAT) Fund, $609,294 for the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Fund, and $3,099,521 for other funds. City administrator Scott Moulder presented the budget, which includes a 3 percent salary increase for employees, absorption of an 8.5 percent increase in health insurance, and a potential hiring freeze. It also proposes a millage increase and slight increases in sanitation (commercial only), electric, and water rates, along with building permit fee adjustments…

Moulder suggested raising the millage rate to 69.7 mills, which would generate additional property tax revenue, albeit less than neighboring cities like Walhalla, Westminster, and Clemson. The proposal also addresses building permit fee increases to align with neighboring communities and utility rate adjustments. While these adjustments aim to cover growing costs and maintain infrastructure, they also seek to ensure fairness in cost-sharing among residents and businesses. Councilman Ernest E. Riley said he believes a small property tax increase is better than a monthly utility increase…