Bluffton Town Council adopts $113.9 million budget for fiscal year 2027

Bluffton Town Council approved a $113.9 million consolidated budget for fiscal year 2027 on second and final reading during its June 9 meeting, establishing spending plans for town operations, capital projects and public services beginning July 1.

State law requires municipalities to adopt balanced budgets before the start of the fiscal year.
The approved budget totals $113,913,988, a 4.4% increase from the revised fiscal year 2026 budget of $109,074,696. Town officials said the spending plan is designed to support municipal services, infrastructure projects and other long-term investments.

The budget is divided among six funds: the General Fund, Hospitality Tax Fund, Local Accommodations Tax Fund, Stormwater Utility Fund, Capital Improvements Program Fund and Debt Service Fund.

The town’s property tax millage rate will remain unchanged at 36 mills. According to the town, property taxes have remained steady since 2014, with Town Council reducing the millage rate in 2019 and again in 2023.

For a home appraised at approximately $452,092, the total tax bill is estimated at about $2,993, including taxes levied by Beaufort County, the Beaufort County School District, the Bluffton Township Fire District and related fees. The town’s portion is approximately $766, or 25.6% of the total bill, and includes municipal operations, debt obligations and stormwater fees.

The General Fund accounts for $43.1 million, or 37.8% of the consolidated budget. Town officials said the increase in that fund is largely tied to a larger transfer to the Capital Improvements Program Fund for land acquisition.

Revenue sources for the consolidated budget include property taxes, which account for 15.4% of revenue, and licenses and permits, which account for 17.7%.

The budget includes a cost-of-living adjustment for employees and a midyear merit increase capped at $3,000. Town officials said the compensation measures are intended to help the town remain competitive as an employer.

General Fund expenditures also support waste management services, the town’s reforestation program, police recruitment and retention efforts, employee mental health and wellness programs, historic preservation initiatives and the Don Ryan Center for Innovation. The budget continues funding for the town’s K-9 unit, the “Stay Safe, Bluffton!” program, affordable housing efforts and beautification programs.

The Capital Improvements Program totals $39.2 million. Land acquisition represents 29.6% of that fund, while road projects account for 18.3%.

Projects scheduled for funding include the New River Linear Trail, Boundary Street Streetscape, Pritchard Street Drainage and Bridge Street Streetscape improvements. The upcoming fiscal year also includes completion of the Sarah Riley Hooks Cottage rehabilitation project, work on an affordable housing project at 115 Bluffton Road and improvements at several parks, including Buck Island Road Park, New Riverside Park and Buckwalter Place West Park.

Town Manager Stephen Steese said the budget supports projects intended to maintain Bluffton’s character while addressing community needs.

“This budget provides the resources needed to invest in Bluffton’s priorities and future while preserving the qualities that make this community special,” Steese said.

Mayor Larry Toomer said the town enters the new fiscal year in a strong financial position.

“One of Town Council’s most important responsibilities is making sure we invest in the things that matter most to our residents,” Toomer said. “This budget reflects our commitment to protecting Bluffton’s natural beauty, improving infrastructure, creating housing opportunities and maintaining the high quality of life that makes our community such a special place to call home.”