After nearly four hours of debate and public testimony, the Greenville County Council approved a nearly $500 million budget for the next fiscal year. The budget includes a 6% pay increase for law enforcement, a $1 million cut to affordable housing funds compared to last year, and steady funding for public transit. The meeting drew a packed, passionate crowd advocating for housing support and fair wage increases.

Crowded Meeting Draws Passion

Residents began lining up outside council chambers two hours before the meeting, filling the room beyond capacity as discussions over wages and housing intensified. People fanned themselves with agendas in the packed space, while Sheriff Hobart Lewis stayed to witness whether deputies would receive their long-sought raise.

Law Enforcement Gets a Raise

Greenville County Council approved a 6% pay raise for law enforcement officers and a 3% increase for civilian staff. Sheriff Lewis, pleased with the decision for his deputies, expressed frustration that the civilian raise was lower. “The nine who did vote for the budget, when you talk about that 6% for law enforcement, our sworn folks at the Sheriff’s Office, and 3% for our civilians, we’re happy that we had those nine employees that did support it,” he said after the vote.

Affordable Housing Takes a Hit

Workforce housing, which received $3 million last year, was initially allocated just $1 million in this budget. Public comment was overwhelmingly in favor of restoring the missing $2 million, with Councilors Ennis Fant and Alan Mitchell submitting an amendment to add it back.

Community Rises for Housing

At one point, Fant asked those who believed housing is a human right to stand, and nearly the entire room rose. Despite the visible public support, the council voted down the amendment. After a tense 6-6 split on the overall budget, Councilor Liz Seman led a successful last-minute effort to restore $1 million, leaving workforce housing at $2 million, still $1 million short of last year’s allocation.

Advocates Voice Concerns

Though many welcomed the partial restoration, concerns remained over the long-term implications. Resident Matthew Miller said, “I’m still concerned because there are still federal cuts to affordable housing, which are coming from the federal budget. And on top of that, the less money we have at the county level, the less money we can get from the federal government.” Councilor Mitchell vowed to keep pushing for more funding, adding, “We really need more than $3 million, but unfortunately, right now, we only have two. I doubt that we’ll be able to get to three, but I’m going to keep trying. I’m gonna fight for four, I’m gonna fight for five.”

Performance Audit Approved

Another point of contention was a $500,000 amendment for a county performance audit, proposed by Councilor Kelly Long. Supporters called it necessary to evaluate department efficiency, while critics deemed it an unnecessary expense given existing annual audits. The amendment ultimately passed.

Developer Impact Fee Study Delayed

The council also debated a resolution to begin studying an impact fee for developers in unincorporated county areas, intended to help fund infrastructure needs. Supporters argued it would improve roads and services, while opponents warned it could raise home prices. A final vote was postponed until July.