Town Council gives initial approval to $95.2M Bluffton budget

Final vote scheduled for June 10th; town maintains millage rate, focuses on capital projects, community services

Bluffton Town Council unanimously approved the first reading of the town’s Fiscal Year 2026 consolidated budget during its May 13th meeting. The proposed $95.2 million spending plan keeps property taxes steady while investing in capital projects, parks, drainage, historic preservation, and affordable housing initiatives.
The budget is set for a second and final reading on June 10th. State law requires all municipalities to adopt a balanced budget by July 1, when the new fiscal year begins.

At $95,203,643, the FY 2026 consolidated budget reflects an 8.5% decrease from the FY 2025 revised budget of nearly $104 million. The budget comprises six major funds: General Fund, Hospitality Tax Fund, Local Accommodations Tax Fund, Stormwater Utility Fund, Capital Improvements Program (CIP) Fund, and Debt Service Fund.

Town Manager Stephen Steese said the budget is a practical roadmap aligned with Bluffton’s strategic goals.

“As Bluffton continues to grow, Town Council remains focused on community-centered investments that preserve the character of Bluffton while enhancing quality of life,” Steese said.
The Town will host two public workshops at Town Hall at 5 p.m. on May 22nd and May 27th to provide budget details. The meetings are open to the public and will also be available for online viewing through the Town’s website.

General Fund and Services
The General Fund accounts for $37.9 million, or 39.9% of the total budget. It includes funding for salaries, benefits, and core operations. This represents a 6.3% increase over last year, largely due to transfers for land acquisition and the addition of a proposed Events & Venues Department. This new department would oversee the Town’s Welcome Center at Squire Pope Carriage House, the New Riverside Bark Park, and other public facilities.

The General Fund also supports employee cost-of-living and merit increases, police recruitment and retention, waste management, mental health and wellness programs, historic preservation and reforestation efforts, the Don Ryan Center for Innovation, affordable housing and beautification programs

The property tax millage remains at 36.0, unchanged since 2014. For a primary residence appraised at approximately $444,500, a full-time resident can expect to pay $755.08 in Bluffton taxes, including the stormwater fee. This figure is part of a broader tax bill, which also includes county, school district, and fire district obligations totaling less than $3,950.

Capital Investments and Infrastructure
The Capital Improvements Program (CIP) fund is budgeted at $30.9 million, with major allocations including: parks projects (37.9%) and land acquisition (23.4%).

Key projects in the upcoming year include New River Trail, New Riverside Barn Park, Boundary Street and Bridge Street streetscape improvements, Buckwalter Place Multi-County Commerce Park completion, Sarah Riley Hooks Cottage restoration, affordable housing projects, Pritchard Street drainage improvements, Stoney Crest Campground and Old Palmetto Bluff upgrades.

The budget also includes support for the “Safe & Dry” program, which provides minor home repairs and property maintenance assistance to income-qualified residents. The Beautification Committee will continue work with tree planting initiatives and the annual Arbor Day event.

Mayor Larry Toomer said the budget reflects Bluffton’s continued financial health and commitment to thoughtful growth.

“With continued growth, we’ve been able to invest in more open space, develop parks, improve infrastructure, support future affordable housing through partnerships, and remain committed stewards of the May River and surrounding waterways.” said Toomer.

Residents can review the full budget presentation and meeting recordings online at townofbluffton.sc.gov.