County Council in Lexington Approves Budget That is a 10.5% Increase Over Last Year Without Any Property Tax Increase
Impressive Leap in Budget
Lexington County Council has approved a sizeable $300,921,717 budget for the 2024/25 fiscal year, marking a 10.5% increase from the previous year. What makes this large leap impressive is that it has been achieved without demanding any increase in the millage.
As part of the new budget provisions, the county will see an expansion in its workforce by 33 new positions. Along with this, several key roles will also receive pay raises. This strategic move is aimed at attracting skilled individuals and retaining existing employees to further bolster the county’s operations.
Emergency Services to Receive Major Funding
Among the various departments, Emergency Services will significantly benefit from the budget increase. With a notable allotment of around $4.29 million, the department will have the provisions to recruit and equip 10 paramedics. Other departments including the Eleventh Circuit Solicitor’s Office, Lexington County Coroner’s Office, and Animal Services are also set to reap the benefits of the increased budget.
Allocation For New Equipment
Earlier this summer, Emergency Services was further provided with the last $10 million in on-hand disaster relief funds to purchase new equipment. This includes $1,020,000 for two EMS units, $529,485 for quick response command vehicles, and a total of $288,050 for quick response training vehicles and quick response vehicles for the CAPE and Logistics Divisions.
Fire Service Receives Significant Allotment
The Fire Service department was not left behind either. They were granted $7,294,000 for important operations such as replacing fire engines and purchasing new ones, expanding reach, and ensuring firefighter safety. It is noteworthy to consider that most of these new ambulances and fire engines have a lifespan of more than 20 years and can be maintained at a much lower cost.
Recreation and Aging Commission Requests
The Lexington County Recreation and Aging Commission (LCRC) also made a request during the first reading of a bond. Their request amounted to $34,000,000 million, meant for upgrading facilities with the exception of new premises for both the LCRAC administration building and a Senior Citizens Center in the Red Bank community. The LCRC bond request also includes plans for the refurbishment of restrooms, concession areas, the enhancement of light fixtures to energy-efficient LED lights at several county parks and fields, and the addition of a turf playing field.
No Increase in County Property Taxes
Officials indicate that even with the approval of the LCRC bond sales, property taxes within Lancaster County are not expected to increase. Bonds are listed separately on the county property tax bill, allowing for the replacement of new sales that will reflect no net change, thus maintaining stable property tax rates.
Source: HERE News Network
