Anderson County Approves $300 Million Budget for 2026-2027

Anderson, SC — Anderson County Council has moved forward with a proposed $300,110,140 budget for fiscal year 2026-2027, a spending plan that keeps property taxes steady while investing in public safety, employee compensation, and critical infrastructure. The budget passed its second reading this week and now heads to a final vote.

 

The budget represents a careful balancing act for county leaders. With revenue coming from property taxes, fees, grants, and special funds, each dollar is allocated to specific public purposes. The goal is keeping the county's core services running while ensuring restricted revenues stay restricted — money raised for one service cannot wander off to support another.

 

No Tax Increase, Employee Raise Included

 

For property owners in Anderson County, the headline news is what is not in the budget: a tax increase. The current proposal contains no property tax hike, a decision that reflects both the county's current financial position and the political reality of raising taxes in an election-conscious environment.

 

What is included is a two percent raise for county employees, a modest but meaningful increase that helps maintain competitive wages in a tight labor market. For the approximately 520 positions in the Sheriff's Office alone, plus hundreds of other county workers, that raise helps offset inflation and shows appreciation for public service.

 

Public Safety Takes Priority

 

The largest slice of the $137.8 million general fund goes to public safety, with $66.4 million allocated to the Anderson County Sheriff's Office and related emergency services. That funding supports approximately 298 sworn officers who patrol the county's 714 square miles, plus 42 miles of water territory in emergencies.

 

A significant portion of that public safety budget supports the new Anderson County Detention Center, which is slated to open in November. The proposed budget includes $12.5 million in capital projects funds for the facility, plus $1.6 million for detention center operations. The facility will require hiring 27 new deputies, adding to the department's current strength of 22 detention office civilians and 114 civilian employees.

 

County Council Vice Chairman Brett Sanders, who heads the council's finance committee, noted that the new budget continues the Sheriff's Office pay plans while funding the new detention center. 

 

Other Budget Priorities

 

Beyond public safety, the budget allocates $45.7 million for county staff salaries, benefits, and administrative costs. Roads and Bridges work receives $13.8 million, reflecting the ongoing challenge of maintaining infrastructure across a large, growing county.

 

The county is also waiting for the South Carolina General Assembly to finish its work and make official any directed funds. Several county requests are pending in Columbia, and the final budget numbers could shift depending on what state lawmakers approve.

 

What Happens Next

 

The budget requires a third reading and final vote before it becomes official. That vote will likely happen in the coming weeks, giving council members time to review the details and hear from constituents.

 

For Anderson County residents, the budget represents the tangible expression of local government priorities. From the deputies patrolling rural roads to the employees processing permits and providing services, this spending plan touches nearly every aspect of county life.

 

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