Greenville City Council unanimously passed the final reading of the $272.5 million operating budget for fiscal year 2024-25.
The second and final reading of the budget was held March 20. The approved budget does not raise property taxes but does increase the solid waste fee by $3 per month. It will take effect July 1.
“The city’s budget is a road map that guides our actions and investments, allocating resources to essential services, infrastructure projects and community programs that shape the quality of life for our residents,” said Greenville City Manager Shannon Lavrin.
Read more on the city’s FY25 budget process
Council also approved the $51.3 million capital improvement program budget which includes $18 million for the second round of the city’s Neighborhood Infrastructure Bond.
State of the city
Prior to the final reading of the budget, Lavrin gave a “state of the city” presentation. It highlighted the city’s efforts to support public safety, recreation and open space, economic development, mobility, neighborhoods and affordable housing.
Lavrin said affordable housing is a cornerstone of the city’s vision for Greenville’s future. The city’s plans to financially contribute approximately $10.4 million towards affordable housing through various funding sources in the next fiscal year. Additional strategies will also be used by the city to help support the creation of affordable housing.
Several new projects the city plans to focus on were also announced during the state of the city. Lavrin said a high-priority project is to address the growing parking needs in Greenville’s West End due to the loss of the Greenville County Square parking lot.
“We are continuing to explore multiple options including construction of a new parking facility in the West End,” Lavrin said.
A small area plan will be developed for the entirety of the West Greenville neighborhood. The city will also work to design a new West Greenville Community Center and rebuild the community centers for the Southernside and Viola neighborhoods.
“In conjunction with the new development code, the city also updated its engineering design specifications manual which establishes the minimum standards and provides guidance for the design and construction of land development projects within the city,” Lavrin said. “Following the success of our Airport Small Area Plan, this year’s corridor of focus will be Pleasantburg Drive.”
The city will begin the process of “reimagining” City Hall, which is located at 206 South Main St. Lavrin said the goal is to make City Hall more inviting for citizens by increasing its accessibility.
An Urban Design Center is also planned to be established as a storefront for planning and design in downtown Greenville. The center aims to create a designated place for the public to consult and collaborate with the city’s planning staff.
The city also plans to create new parks in both the Nicholtown and Sherwood Forest neighborhoods. A groundbreaking for Honor Tower, a 125-foot structure honoring first responders in Unity Park, will be held on June 11.
Approved: State Accommodations Tax Fund
Council approved designating $3.4 million from the state accommodations tax fund to provide financial assistance for events and projects that promote tourism. Some of the events that received funding include Artisphere, Fall for Greenville, euphoria and more.
The city’s Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee presented recommendations for the tax funds allocations during a work session May 13.
