The Lyman Town Council approved the first reading of an ordinance to adopt the town budget for fiscal year 2026-2027.
The unanimous approval came at the Town Council’s regular meeting on Monday, May 11, allowing the budget to move into a public hearing phase. Next year’s budget includes $12,403,157 of projected revenue and $11,417,319 of projected expenditures.
“Lyman is in the strongest financial position it has been in for decades, and this year’s budget builds on that success,” Lyman Mayor David Petty said. “Getting here took a thoughtful process. We focused on protecting our reserves, keeping operations lean and making sure every dollar pulls its weight.”
According to town officials, the budget includes no impact on millage rates. Petty says that last fiscal year, town revenues came in nearly $2 million ahead of expenses, allowing the town to build up reserve funds over two years. Next year’s budget intends to continue this pattern, with revenues projected to exceed expenditures by nearly $1 million.
A public hearing will be held prior to the second reading of the budget ordinance on June 8. Town officials note that the budget cannot be changed before the second reading, but that comments can be taken into consideration for future amendments.
Lyman residents can get a full view of the proposed 2026-2027 budget on the town’s website. Some major changes this year include a projected spending increase of $2,298,476, with the largest increase being to the town’s capital fund.
The budget also includes a new $20,000 line item for community support projects. This money will go to local nonprofits doing impactful work in the Lyman community.
“Lyman has always taken care of its own, and the organizations serving our families are an important part of that work,” Petty said. “We’ve supported these groups on a case-by-case basis for years, but setting aside a dedicated amount in this year’s budget turns that support into a real, lasting commitment and makes us better stewards of our finances.”
GreerNews will continue to report on the Lyman town budget as the fiscal year comes to a close.
Other items of new business for Council included filling a vacancy on the Board of Zoning Appeals. Andrew Karas was elected to fill the seat following a majority vote by Council.
Council also voted to approve a resolution authorizing the purchase of an emergency backup generator at Pacific Place Event Center, with costs not to exceed $20,000. The generator will allow the space to be used as a community emergency shelter, which will be staffed by Spartanburg County Emergency Management, town officials said.
The generator unit and part of its installation are being paid for by a charitable donation from Greater Than US Inc., a local nonprofit. The $20,000 from the town will go toward the remaining electrical and infrastructure costs. Council approved the resolution unanimously.
In items of old business, Council had its second reading of Ordinance 02092026-D after it was amended in last month’s meeting. The ordinance updates appointment procedures for Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals members. Council approved it 6-1, with Jack Bellaire voting in opposition.
All other items of old business were up for discussion only, including updates from council members regarding committee activity. The Community Care Committee had its first event on April 25, picking up trash in town. For more information on the committee, reach out to Council member Jack Bellaire.
Council member Cindy Behm gave an update on the town Garden Club, which will soon have its first meeting. Behm says everyone in the city is invited to attend the meeting on Saturday, May 30, from 9-11 a.m. at Allison Park. The group will discuss some upcoming planting projects.
For more information on the Lyman Town Council, visit its website.
