Pickens County holds second public hearing on proposed 2026 budget; final vote set for Dec. 15

Chairman opened the second public hearing on Pickens County’s proposed 2026 budget and reviewed top‑line figures and program highlights. The proposed general fund is $41,955,793, enterprise funds total about $6.8 million, and the proposal includes a $0.75 hourly cost‑of‑living increase for full‑time employees, the chairman said.

The chairman noted the budget would keep the county’s general fund balance at roughly 30% of operating revenues and that public safety — including fire, EMS, 911, sheriff’s office, marshal’s office and animal services — represents approximately 49.8% of general fund expenditures. He also described enterprise fund changes, including an increase in water revenues tied to new customers and a $2.3 million drop in airport‑related budgeted construction costs that were allocated to 2025 when the terminal work began.

Revenue highlights presented included about $32.3 million from taxes (a 1.5% increase from 2025), license and permit revenues of $795,900, intergovernmental transfers of $3,740,954, and charges for services of $4,597,598. The chairman said judicial grants and special funds are shown separately and that line‑by‑line details are available in the county clerk’s office.

The chairman invited public comment and, with none offered, closed the hearing. He said the board will take up final consideration and a vote on the budget at its Dec. 15 voting meeting.

What’s next: The hearing record will be part of the Dec. 15 agenda when commissioners consider adoption. The detailed budget documents are available at the county court/clerks’ office for review.