Simpsonville approves $26.5M budget with no tax increase: City Council notes

Here is a recap of the Simpsonville City Council meeting on June 10.

Final approval: $26.5M 2025-26 budget

Council approved the city’s more than $26.5 million operational budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, which includes no tax increase and a 5% cost-of-living pay increase for all of the city’s employees hired through March 31, 2025.

The budget includes spending to:

• Accommodate a 12.5% increase in health insurance costs
• Commit $250,000 for road resurfacing through the city’s Public Works Enterprise Fund

Other budget highlights include:

• $250,000 capital projects transfer for new heavy rescue truck
• $250,000 transfer to start a Stormwater Capital Fund
• Removal of $47,000 to cover the city’s contribution to Greenlink’s Route 601
• $1,000 per ward in City Council discretionary funds
• Five police patrol vehicles
• One new fire department vehicle
• Slope mower, salt spreader and landscape truck for public works

Initial approval: Development agreement for former City Hall

Council approved a development agreement with Blue Ridge Land Holdings LLC for the old City Hall property at 118 N.E. Main St.

If approved, the developer plans to combine the parcel with the old Truist Bank and a portion of the adjoining property to create a mixed-use development that may include up to 150 apartment units.

In April, Council voted 4-3 to table an ordinance to finalize the property’s sale until a development agreement could be put in place. The item will go before the City Council for final approval July 8.

Initial approval: Ground lease agreement for County Summary and Municipal Court

Council approved a ground lease agreement with Greenville County for the newly constructed Greenville County Summary and Simpsonville Municipal Courthouse on East Curtis Street.

Under the 50-year lease agreement, the County will pay $1 annually to lease the land and maintain the building, while the city is responsible for the grounds around it. This item will go before the City Council for final approval July 8.

Final approval: Annexation for new church

Council approved an annexation request for 4.1 acres at 1601 W. Georgia Road. This property will be developed into a new church.

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