MEDIA CONTACT

Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: 843.958.4012

jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 2579

Release Date: June 8, 2005

Charleston County Council Approves No-Tax Increase Budget

Taxes stay steady for 10^th straight year

Charleston County Council gave final approval Tuesday night to a no-tax-increase budget for fiscal year 2005-2006 (July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006). This marks the tenth year in a row that the county has adopted a budget without raising taxes on homeowners. Additionally, the county’s Solid Waste User Fee will remain at $89 per household annually.

The $341.7 million budget is the result of work by Charleston County Government staff followed by two months of County Council meetings where members reviewed the proposed budget department-by-department to make adjustments and find ways to meet the county’s financial needs.

“While maintaining the highest level of services provided by Charleston County to the community is of utmost importance, we want the public to know that we are listening to their concerns,” said Leon Stavrinakis, Charleston County Council Chairman. “All council members are very pleased to once again pass a balanced budget for the county that does not increase taxes for our citizens.”

Under the approved budget, Charleston County homeowners with a $200,000 home will pay a net $253.60 in county taxes this fall. This figure is based on 2005 tax rates and credits before adjustment for reassessment. New rates should be available in September.

In working toward a balanced budget, Council had to consider several critical items, including higher health insurance costs, and rising Detention Center costs.

Also included in the budget are:

-                          Eight new employees for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to maintain response times

-                          Four new employees to improve fire service in the Awendaw area

-                          Six percent Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for employees earning $25,870 or less

-                          Three percent Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for employees earning more than $25,870