MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – (Wednesday, July 2, 2025) – On Monday, June 23, 2025, Berkeley County Council passed its budgets for 2025-2026 fiscal year. The 2025-2026 fiscal year begins today, July 1, 2025.
Council approved Berkeley County’s budget at $231 million with no millage (or tax) increase. The millage rate will remain at 41 mills, continuing as the lowest County millage rate in South Carolina.
The budget also reflects the priority for public safety by providing the following new positions and resources:
- 13 new Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office and Detention Center positions
- 25 new Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office and Detention Center vehicles
- 14 new EMS positions
- Four new 911 Telecommunicators
- One new Emergency Management position: Fire Services Manager
Additionally, the budget includes a 2 percent Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for all employees, effective July 2025 with a potential 3 percent merit increase, based on employee evaluations, projected for January 2026 to be completed in October.
County Council also passed the Berkeley County Water and Sanitation (BCWS) budget, which includes a $22 increase in Solid Waste fees to be used to shore up the recycling program and an increase for Tire Disposal to reflect $400 per ton.
“Berkeley County Council remains committed to low taxes, strong public safety, and providing outstanding public services to our communities. This budget reflects just that while also ensuring easy access to resources and services to meet needs and better lives. Our team worked incredibly hard the last several months to offer a balanced budget with no tax increase. Berkeley County Government has the lowest County millage in the State of South Carolina and this budget keeps us there! We are excited for what this new budget year will usher in for our County and its people.” -Berkeley County Supervisor Johnny Cribb
As part of its ongoing commitment to transparency, Berkeley County has created a new digital budget platform. This user-friendly tool gives detailed information about how public funds are managed, allocated, and spent. To access the platform, go HERE or visit the Berkeley County website under Finance Department.
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-Prepared by the Berkeley County Public Information Office-
