Walhalla Faces Fiscal Adjustments and Future Goals Amid Fire Contract Change

Walhalla City Council is set to discuss a potential hiring freeze and establish goals for the upcoming fiscal year 2025-26 at their meeting today, a discussion on a hiring freeze arising after Oconee County’s decision not to renew its fire contract with the city upon its July 1 expiration, a contract where the county paid Walhalla $550,000 for fire services in unincorporated areas.

City Administrator Celia Myers indicated the city anticipates a tight budget and is evaluating all options as they prepare for the new fiscal year starting July 1, while Mayor Tim Hall stated this change will be considered during their budgeting process.

The council will also revisit potential goals for 2025-26, building on current year objectives like maintaining a balanced budget, ensuring competitive employee pay, completing infrastructure projects, increasing parks, recreation, and tourism revenue, and finalizing the comprehensive plan, with previous discussions including financial responsibility, infrastructure improvements, boosting revenue, increasing police staffing, and potentially renegotiating the fire contract, although a recent suggestion of a merger with West Union was met with strong opposition.

The public is invited to attend the Walhalla City Council meeting, which begins at 5:30 PM this evening at the Depot.