Dorchester County Council approved the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-2027 Budget of $406,826,623, with a General Fund budget of $105,523,536, with no increase in property taxes, effective July 1, 2026. The budgeted expenditures for all County funds for FY 2026-2027 are $405,826,623, an increase of $109,842,659, from FY 2025-2026. This includes funded capital improvement projects and capital management projects, Dorchester County Transportation Sales Tax funds, water and sewer expenditures, additional investment in impact fee projects, grants, and the implementation of a compensation/classification study.
“This year’s fiscal budget reflects the County’s commitment to financial stewardship and prioritization of services that protect, support, and enhance quality of life for Dorchester County residents,” said Dorchester County Council Chairman David Chinnis. “Our Council continues to be committed to making thoughtful, sustainable decisions that maintain our financial health and foster the services that make Dorchester County a great place to live.”
“Dorchester County accomplished many significant projects last year, from increasing healthcare opportunities in St. George, to conserving green space through the Greenbelt Program, to many road and water infrastructure projects,” said Dorchester County Administrator Jason L. Ward. “This year’s budget supports more strategic investments in infrastructure, operations, and efficiencies to allow our staff to best deliver quality services to residents and continue to elevate our thriving community.”
“Through careful planning and disciplined financial management, we were able to adopt a meaningful budget which demonstrates that sound fiscal stewardship and community investment can go hand in hand as we prepare Dorchester County for continued growth and future success,” said Dorchester County Deputy Administrator Chief Financial Officer Denise M. Christmas.
Highlights of the General Fund include:
- Maintaining County operations and services for the community.
- Supporting the implementation of the strategic direction adopted by County Council.
- Sustaining quality public safety services through law enforcement, emergency medical services, emergency management, and consolidated dispatch.
- Promoting employee retention by implementing a compensation and classification study and adding additional staff to handle the increase in day-to-day demands. Some of these positions include a Deputy Coroner, second Community Paramedic to increase access to public health, and two Deputy Court Security Officers for additional public safety resources.
The County continues to support local school districts through the school district millage, which is levied on taxable property in the County, assessed for educational purposes. The FY 2026-2027 budget will support the state mandated increase in salaries for both Dorchester District 2 and Dorchester District 4; and continued financial support for the Dorchester County Career and Technology Center.
The Capital Improvements Fund budget, which covers the cost of equipment and buildings with a useful life of more than five years, totals $10,326,310. This fund is primarily supported by a 6.1 mill tax levy for capital improvements.
Highlights of the Capital Improvements Fund include:
- Ashley River Park Connector project which will include a multi-use path connection under Bacon Bridge Road, from Ashley River Park to the Ashley River Public Library
- Ambulance for the new Summers Corners Fire/EMS station
- X-ray room outfitting at the new MUSC Primary Care Facility in St. George
- Animal Shelter and Livestock Holding Facility study to determine current and future needs
The Fire Fund budget, which funds 18 stations in the unincorporated areas of the County, totals $15,567,020, funded by a 21.2 mill levy.
Highlights of the Fire Fund include:
- Providing a pumper/tanker for the new Summers Corner Fire/EMS station
- Replacement of air packs and compressors to protect firefighters
- Radio software upgrades to further internal emergency communications
The Water and Sewer Fund budget, which supports the Water and Sewer Department’s operations, maintenance costs and debt service related to water and sewer construction, totals $52,499,646.
Highlighted projects budgeted from this fund include:
- Expansion of the Lower Wastewater Treatment Plant to protect public health and preserve ecosystems through additional water treatment capacity.
- Phase two of the Stratton Capers 2 waterline upgrades to provide additional water pressure and fire hydrants for the neighborhood.
The County’s full budget book, including the Debt Service Fund and Enterprise Funds, will be detailed on the County's website by early fall. Previous budget books are available now on the County’s website here.
