Fountain Inn City Council Notes: No tax increases in next year's $48M budget

Here’s a recap of the June 8 meeting of the Fountain Inn City Council.

Final Approval: Over $48 million 2023-2024 budget

Council gave final approval of the $48 million operating budget for 2023-24 fiscal year that involves no tax increases and includes:

5% cost of living increase for all city employees
3% cost of living increase for all sworn officers and dispatchers
7% increase in health insurance costs

The budget also allows for five new positions to be created:

2 full-time patrol officer positions
2 full-time public safety dispatch positions – paid by the police and fire departments
1 full-time finance director position

Among the capital expenditures are:

Fire department thermal camera – $40,000
Police department building security upgrades – $75,000
One armed garbage truck – Over $362,000
Camera van with software for sewer maintenance – $290,000
Sewer rehabilitation – Over $10.8 million, including a $10 million South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority grant

Initial approval: Ordinance to adopt the Bailey Bill for historic homes

Council gave initial approval to an ordinance that will adopt the Bailey Bill to allow individuals restoring historic homes in the city to lock in the house’s tax assessment before rehabilitation for 10 years, said City Administrator Shawn Bell.

Since Fountain Inn is split between two counties, qualifying as a historic home may vary based on where the residence is located. The qualifications include:

Greenville County

At least 50 years old
A certified historic home by Greenville County Historic Preservation Commission
All proposed and completed rehabilitation must be approved by GCHPC

Laurens County

Be associated with a significant person, an architectural or structural example, or connected with a historical event
At least 50 years old
Listed in the National Register of Historic Places

This item will go before city council for final approval July 13.