Proposed Budget Increases Employee Compensation Without Raising Taxes

Greenwood, S.C. – Greenwood County Treasurer Steffanie Dorn will present the 2025 fiscal budget for its third and final reading to the Greenwood County Council on June 18. The $58,582,725 budget outlines the County’s financial plan for the upcoming year and ensures no millage increase for Greenwood County residents while enhancing employee compensation and retention efforts.
The FY2025 budget includes a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for employees and implements a triennial compensation study. The recommended budget raises salaries to the market minimum and provides internal equity adjustments, rewarding long-serving employees for their performance. More than $950,000 in salary increases are allocated to ensure competitive compensation. This marks the fourth consecutive year that employees have received a cost-of-living adjustment.
“We are proud to present a budget that not only avoids increasing the tax burden on our residents but also makes substantial investments in our employees,” said Treasurer Steffanie Dorn. “The salary increases and new retention program underscore our commitment to attracting and retaining top talent to serve the community.”
Additionally, a new employee retention program will provide $3,500 for full-time employees and $1,750 for part-time employees upon reaching milestone anniversaries.
“This budget reflects our dedication to maintaining financial stability while prioritizing the needs of our employees and residents,” said County Council Chairman Chuck Moates. “The absence of a millage increase, coupled with enhanced employee benefits and compensation, demonstrates our balanced approach to governance.”
The budget highlights a notable 8% increase in property tax revenue value, with each mill valued at approximately $218,000. Additionally, the local government fund will see a 4.3% increase. Strong investment earnings further support the budget, alongside slight adjustments to the fee schedule, including increases for driveway connections, parks and recreation rentals, and airport hangar leases.

On the expenditure side, the budget accommodates a 9.5% net increase in employer health insurance premiums, ensuring continued comprehensive healthcare coverage for employees. An estimated $5,000 increase in worker’s compensation insurance premiums and a $9,000 increase in vehicle, building, and liability insurance premiums are also accounted for. Significant cost savings were seen in 2024, amounting to 15% in electrical and natural gas costs and a 20% decrease in water usage at the Detention Center, thanks to energy- saving measures implemented by our Facilities Management Department.
The proposed budget demonstrates Greenwood County’s commitment to prudent financial management and strategic investment in its workforce and community resources. Through careful planning and prioritization, the County aims to sustain and enhance its services without placing additional financial burdens on its residents.
In alignment with these fiscal principles, Greenwood County remains the only county in South Carolina without bonded debt. This achievement reflects the foresight of our County Council and administration, the impact of the 2016 Capital Project Sales Tax, and the effective use of ARPA funding. Without adding any debt, the County is embarking on a more than $9 million expansion of the landfill, a project that has been in the planning stages for nearly a decade and is expected to extend the landfill’s life by approximately 12 years. Additionally, Greenwood County is in the midst of an $11 million renovation of the Willbanks Recreation Complex, funded by the Capital Project Sales Tax. This renovation will transform the complex into a premier sports and recreation hub, leveraging the growing sports tourism industry.
Lastly, the County will renovate the Courthouse and Park Plaza to provide more accessible and convenient services for residents. The project, funded with $8,620,952 from ARPA, will be completed without imposing additional financial demands on taxpayers.
The final reading of the 2025 fiscal budget will take place at the Greenwood County Council meeting on June 18.