BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. () — Beaufort County presented their new estimated budget tonight, $199.2 million dollars.

The 2026 fiscal budget increased by around 27% from the fiscal budget in 2025, which was $156.8 million dollars.

Chief financial officer, Pinky Harriott said the tax revenue increased $11.6 million due to the county’s population and growth.

Harriott recommended a balanced budget to the council. That would mean the total amount of money the county receives equals the county’s total planned spending.

While some millage allocations in the budget will change in the next fiscal year, the budget will remain neutral. That means no tax increases for Beaufort County residents.

Part of the county’s desire to keep property taxes from increasing is a change to the solid waste and recycling program.

County officials said the program was being funded through an enterprise with ad valorum taxes, meaning the programs expenses were supported by the money being brought in from the services.

Harriott said it didn’t end up panning out that way, and the funds coming in were not meeting the system in place.

They said they are looking to repeal the ordinance and move the program back into the county’s general fund.

“Just to clarify, we’re not dissolving solid waste and recycling by any means,” said Harriott. It’s going back to operating the way it used to as a general fund department. So, those same services will be provided, same convenience centers, everything will remain the same. From an accounting standpoint, the way it’s operating right now is not appropriate.”

The county’s estimated millage value is $2.9 million. That’s a little over a 10% increase from the $2.7 million in 2025. According to the county, this program, along with other changes, will keep them from having to raise property taxes.