The City of Greer is currently developing its Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget, a several-month-long process that includes city council workshops and a public hearing in June.
The budgeting process begins in February when city departments work to identify their needs for the upcoming year and submit their budget proposals. Last Thursday, May 7, City Council members and other city officials met for the first of three budgeting workshops, sessions where they examine the budget and make suggestions.
“This year saw the addition of workshops to fully inform our new Council members of how our budget is developed, our sources of revenue and a granular look at where those dollars are spent,” Greer Mayor Rick Danner said. “ I think our staff has done a great job of creating a responsible, viable and conservative budget. When we finish our workshops, it will be up to the Council to approve the upcoming budget.”
The fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30, and municipalities are legally obligated to pass a balanced budget by the end of the fiscal year. Currently, the recommended budget for 2027 includes no millage increase for residents.
“The Administrator’s recommended budget assumes no millage increase. This means the City of Greer will continue to invest in our Police and Fire Departments … as we continue to prioritize the safety of the residents of Greer, [and] continue to make investments in our parks and recreation assets to best serve all of our citizens,” Danner said.
At their Thursday meeting, staff primarily discussed contextual information surrounding the budget. This included conversations about how millage works, where the city gets its revenue and debt service requirements in the city. City officials say the workshop on May 14 will address funds for Public Services, Police and Fire. The workshop on May 21 will address funds for Parks, Recreation and Tourism, Planning and Development and Administrative Services.
The first reading of the City of Greer Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget will be held at the May 26 City Council meeting. The second reading, and the public hearing, will be held at the June 9 City Council meeting. In addition to participating in the forum, Danner also encourages residents to consider reaching out to their council members directly as the budgeting process progresses.
“We, as elected officials, are accessible to our constituents to hear their concerns and advocate for their needs,” Danner said. “We live in a participatory democracy, so engaging your elected city representatives throughout the year is crucial in helping craft any legislation, including the annual budget.”
All City Council workshop meetings are open to the public and recorded. To access the recordings, visit the City of Greer’s YouTube page.
GreerNews will continue to provide updates as the city moves forward in its budgeting process.
