Hilton Head Island Town Council unanimously approved first reading of the Town’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 consolidated budget at its May 3 Town Council meeting.
The $119.5 million budget reflects a reduced property tax millage and keeps Hilton Head Island at one of the lowest millage rates state-wide. State law requires all municipalities to adopt an annual balanced budget ordinance before July 1. The new fiscal year begins July 1.
The proposed consolidated budget is comprised of four different funds: General Fund, Capital Improvements Program Fund, Stormwater Utility Fund, and Debt Service Fund. “I am pleased to present a balanced budget with responsible revenue projections,” said Town Manager Marc Orlando. “The proposed consolidated budget totals $119,501,114 and is aligned with the Town Council’s adopted Strategic Plan. As such, it is a priority based budget that focuses our resources on community priorities.”
In the coming fiscal year, residents will benefit from a reduced tax rate, resulting from the expiration of five mills that were added to the tax rate five years ago to build up a disaster relief fund. “We made a promise to our residents that the five mills would only be needed for five years. I am proud to say we are keeping that promise. We have raised the funds needed to help with future disaster recovery efforts and we can now help residents by giving them a property tax break,” said Mayor John McCann.
The proposed budget:
- Reduces the property tax millage rate from 28.10 mills to 23.10 mills – an 18% decrease.
- Provides a targeted investment of $45 million for the Town’s comprehensive Capital Improvement Program (CIP) including 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 creation of an Island-wide illustrative master plan and growth framework.
- 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 spaces program coordinator, a facilities technician, and fire rescue support.
- Includes a merit increase of up to 3% as part of an enhanced benefits package for employees.
- Funds hiring of seasonal staff supportive of beach operations and interns.
Tuesday’s presentation was first in the FY2023 budget public review process. The proposed consolidated budget executive summary and budget presentation is available on the Town’s website at www.hiltonheadislandsc.gov. The public is encouraged to follow the Town on Facebook and LinkedIn for additional budget updates.
Town Council will have a budget workshop at 9 am on Tuesday, May 10. A public hearing and second reading of the proposed budget is scheduled for 3 pm on Tuesday, June 7. At these sessions, residents and stakeholders may share feedback on the budget during the public comment portion of the meeting. The meetings can be viewed on the Town’s Public Meetings Facebook Page, the Beaufort County Channel and Spectrum Channel 1304.
