Greenville City Council reviewed a draft of the fiscal year 2026 budget during a workshop on April 14.
The city took a conservative budgeting approach for the upcoming fiscal year due to economic uncertainty. There are currently no proposed tax increases or adjustments in business license rates for the next fiscal year, which starts July 1.
“We thus far have not seen any indication of economic slowdown for the city. We’ll monitor that over the next few months,” said Greenville City Manager Shannon Lavrin.
Renderings provided by the city of GreenvilleLavrin said the city does not anticipate receiving state or federal funding this year, except for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grants received by the city’s community develop division. In the past, the city has been awarded state allocations for projects including the Nicholtown Community Center renovation and Greenville’s Cultural Corridor.
Some of the city’s budgeting strategies for FY26 involve allocating money to projects underway this year and utilizing available funds such as the city’s interest earning an residual project balances. Lavrin said the city is dedicated to investing wisely and strategically to address immediate challenges and build long-term stability.
“While this will be a lean budget year, every dollar is purposefully allocated to bolster our emergency services, enhance public safety and promote the overall wellbeing of our residents,” Lavrin said.
A second budget workshop will be held on April 28. Council will vote on the FY26 budget through a first reading on May 12 following a public hearing. The final reading of the budget is expected to be held May 19.
Budget highlights
The Greenville Police Department and the Greenville City Fire Department are set to acquire the highest percentage of funding from the city’s general fund. The draft budget includes funding for additional staffing, equipment and other public safety initiatives for both agencies.
The city also aims to replace the outdated Stone Avenue fire station, which opened in 1950. A new Fire Station Four will be constructed on the former site of the city’s Parks Maintenance facility at 423 E. Park Ave. According to the city, site preparation for the project is underway and construction is expected to begin in the summer.
Rendering by ADW Architects, Greenville City Fire Department and the city of GreenvilleRelated: Greenville public safety campus, municipal complex opens on Halton Road
Approximately $6 million was originally included in the city’s FY25 capital improvement program for the project. However, the project’s estimated budget was increased to approximately $8.8 million once the design process was underway. Council approved the first reading of an ordinance authorizing the issuance of a general obligation bond not exceeding $10 million for the project at its April 14 meeting.
Investing in affordable housing and homelessness efforts remains a top priority for the city. The draft budget includes the city’s yearly investment of $2.5 million to the Greenville Housing Fund. In addition, the city plans to allocate $500,000 for affordable housing and homeless support initiatives for the second year.
A portion of state and local accommodations tax funds will also be set aside for workforce housing development. Lavrin said the city is actively seeking opportunities to purchase property in neighborhoods with established master plans.
Several recreation and open-space initiatives are proposed to receive funding in the FY26 budget. Some of the initiatives include expanding trails and greenways, acquiring open space, launching a ticketless-payment system for events, establishing a new downtown ambassador program and more. In addition, funding for an animal care specialist and new restrooms at the Greenville Zoo are highlighted in the draft budget.
File photo provided by the city of GreenvilleThe proposed FY26 budget also includes $1.5 million in additional funding for creating a wheel park and pump track within the city. The city has hired a design firm to oversee the project. Lavrin said the firm will focus on gathering public input, design and engineering work, and cost estimates this summer.
Funding allocations are proposed for various mobility initiatives such as implementing traffic-calming strategies, improving intersections, enhancing street lighting and carry out the pedestrian safety action plan. The proposed budget also includes funding for staff positions in the city’s new Traffic Management Center and investing in new traffic-management equipment.
Initiatives to support economic development within the city are highlighted in the proposed budget. For instance, the Greenville City Economic Development Corp. plans to launch a new Microenterprise Grant program to support local small business. Additional funding is planned to be set aside to support future public-private partnerships.
The American Legion War Museum at 430 N. Main Street in Greenville was built in the 1930s. Photo by Megan FitzgeraldA recap of the April 14 meeting of Greenville City council
- Council gave final approval to rezoning the American Legion property at 430 N. Main St. from CV (Civic District) to MXS-D (Downtown Shopfront District). The new zoning designation will allow for a new mixed-use development planned on the site.
- Council approved a resolution designating $222,778 from the state accommodations tax fund reserve to help the Greenville Convention Center replace end-of-life equipment. The facility’s dishwasher and five walk-in coolers and freezers will be replaced using this funding.
- Council gave final approval to amend the city’s zoning map with modifications identified during the 18-month review. The zoning destinations of several properties were updated to preserve open space and provide affordable housing opportunities.
- Council approved the final reading of an ordinance to appropriate the $228,877 grant from the South Carolina State Housing Fund to the city’s new disaster-assistance program.
