MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – (Thursday, June 25, 2026) – During its meeting on Monday, June 22, 2026, Berkeley County Council passed its budgets for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, which begins July 1, 2026.
Council approved Berkeley County’s budget at $259 million, with a General Fund budget of $165,871,185, with no millage (or property tax) increase. The millage rate will remain at 41 mills, the lowest County millage rate in South Carolina. The combined budget for fiscal year 2026-2027 for Berkeley County stands at $377,388,431.
Public Safety
The budget reflects the County’s investment in public safety by providing the following new positions and resources to meet the needs of a growing population:
- 24 Berkeley County EMS positions
- 11 Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office and Detention Center positions
- Four 911 Emergency Communication Specialists
- Two positions within the Solicitor’s Office
- Additional Public Defender funding of $221,000
The budget also supports Berkeley County EMS to convert to a 24/72-hour shift schedule. This successful model for first responder scheduling is being implemented across the Lowcountry and state to reduce employee fatigue; improve work-life balance and performance; and help recruit and retain emergency medical providers.
County Employees
The budget fuels a combined 5% cost of living and merit increase for all Berkeley County employees.
Capital Projects and Infrastructure
The FY 2026-2027 budget highlights the County’s priority to improving residents’ quality of life through capital projects and infrastructure. It includes a $2.7 million investment to complete funding for three new EMS stations; $3.5 million for greenspace improvements funded by the County’s Greenbelt Program; $527,367 for Parks and Recreation improvements; and lastly, $4.7 million for the design and permitting of widening Nexton Parkway, funded through local Economic Development funds.
Funding of $250,000 for the addition of a multipurpose room at the Sangaree Library as well as an additional $1.35 million to fund the construction of a new Sangaree Special Tax District Office, partially funded by the County ($850,000), with another $500,000 coming from the Sangaree Special Tax District.
Water and Sanitation
County Council also passed the Berkeley County Water and Sanitation (BCWS) budget, at $118,281,408, for Water, Sewer and Solid Waste.
“Our goal has always been to provide exceptional services while being good stewards of taxpayer dollars. This budget allows us to continue investing in public safety, critical services, and the needs of our growing County without raising taxes. Through thoughtful planning, we’ve delivered a balanced budget that keeps Berkeley County’s millage rate the lowest in South Carolina. We’re proud of what this budget accomplishes and what it allows us to continue doing in our communities going forward.” -Berkeley County Supervisor Johnny Cribb
As part of its ongoing commitment to transparency, Berkeley County has an online budget platform that details public funds are managed, allocated, and spent. Access the platform HERE or visit the Berkeley County Finance Department page.
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-Prepared by the Berkeley County Public Information Office-
