Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone:  843.958.4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 2801

Charleston County Council Approves a No-Tax-Increase Budget for 12^th Straight Year

Charleston County Council gave final approval on Thursday, June 7 to a no-tax-increase budget for fiscal year 2007-2008 (July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008). This marks the 12^th year in a row that Council has adopted a budget for Charleston County without raising taxes on citizens.

The $365.5 million operating budget is the result of Charleston County Government staff preparation 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.

"This no millage increase budget is quite a feat! For the 12^th consecutive year, the staff and council have worked hard on behalf of the citizens of the county," said Tim Scott, Charleston County Council Chairman.

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

Also included in the 2007-2008 fiscal year budget:

• Twelve new Detention Officers to assist with the detainee population.

• Repayment for borrowing funds this fall for the five-year Capital Improvement Plan, which includes the Detention Center expansion.

• $10 increase in the Solid Waste User Fee (changing from $89 to $99 per household) to repay borrowing for the five-year Solid Waste Capital Improvement Plan.

Visit the Charleston County Web site at www.charlestoncounty.org for news, services and up-to-date information relating to Charleston County Government.

- Written by Jennie Davis -