The Hilton Head Island Town Council unanimously approved the Town’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 consolidated budget on second and final reading at its June 7 meeting.
The $119.5 million budget will fund a portfolio of robust strategic initiatives that Town Council adopted in December 2021, reduce property tax millage for Hilton Head Island property owners and serve as a catalyst to inspire community investment.
"The proposed budget is priority-based and is intended to advance Town Council strategic objectives. It reflects our on-going commitment to provide excellent municipal services for our community," said Town Manager Marc Orlando.
Among some of the strategic initiatives the budget supports are a comprehensive capital improvements program, an investment in community planning initiatives, translation services to help Town staff better communicate with persons with limited English proficiency and other language barriers, an expanded community code enforcement program, a short-term rental program, and an assessment of the Island’s resiliency to respond to rising sea levels and other environmental challenges.
"In addition to investing in the community, this budget strongly invests in our employees by enhancing our benefits program and providing for professional development opportunities so that Town staff members can better serve our community," Orlando said.
State law requires all municipalities to adopt an annual balanced budget ordinance before July 1. The new fiscal year begins July 1. The adopted consolidated budget is comprised of four different funds: General Fund, Capital Improvements Program Fund, Stormwater Utility Fund, and Debt Service Fund.
Mayor John McCann said the budget sets the course for the Town to deliver best-in-class public service to those who call Hilton Head Island home. "I’m excited that Town Council has adopted a budget that will help us realize the vision we outlined in our strategic plan. It supports a wide range of capital projects and other exciting initiatives including our proposed mid-Island tract, a public-private housing partnership and expanded beach services. Our community has a lot to look forward to in the next fiscal year," he said.
Budget Highlights
The adopted FY 2023 budget:
- Reduces the property tax millage rate from 28.10 mills to 23.10 mills - an 18% decrease. This reduced tax rate resulted from the expiration of five mills that were added to the tax rate five years ago to build up a disaster relief fund.
- Provides a targeted investment of $45 million for the Town's comprehensive Capital Improvement Program (CIP) including expansion and management of beaches, pathways, parks, roadways, facilities and fleet, land acquisition and housing.
- Supports an impactful investment in the Town's stormwater and water quality programs.
- Supports community planning initiatives including an Island-wide illustrative master plan and growth framework policy.
- Provides funding support to maintain the Town’s strategic partnerships with external/affiliated agencies in areas such as cultural heritage, recreation, economic development, criminal prosecution, transportation, and public outreach.
- Provides funding for implementation of a new short-term rental program including permit software, staffing, and operational costs.
- Funds the hiring of a Director of Public Safety, four code enforcement officers, a short-term rental and business license customer service manager, a stormwater project manager, a capital projects program administrator, an open space program coordinator, a facilities technician, and fire rescue support personnel.
- Provides funding for compensation and benefit enhancements, professional development, and other programs to attract and retain qualified, capable employees.
- Funds hiring of seasonal staff supportive of beach operations and interns.
Original source can be found here.
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