Greenville Leader

On May 20, the City Council unanimously approved the Fiscal Year 2025 budget during its final reading.

The City of Greenville’s Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Operating and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budgets received approval, allocating resources to the Greenville Police and Fire Departments and extending commitments to affordable housing, neighborhoods, open space, and safer streets.

“This is a budget that prioritizes people,” said City Manager Shannon Lavrin. “We are strategically adding new positions in our police department, parks, and public transit agency to provide exceptional emergency service, maintain our beautiful city, and begin strategically increasing the frequency on our bus routes.” The budget includes a second phase of the Neighborhood Infrastructure Bond (NIB) to add sidewalks, resurface roadways, calm traffic, and add high-visibility crosswalks.

The total $272.5 million FY25 Operating Budget, along with the $51.3 million Capital Improvement Budget, do not require a tax increase or an increase in the business license rate. “The City’s financial condition remains strong,” said Chief Financial Officer Patricia Dennis. “The City is in excellent standing with rating agencies. We are the only South Carolina entity to receive a AAA grade from all three rating agencies.” The City’s projected revenue is $134.3 million with projected expenses at $139.6 million. A surplus from FY24 will cover the difference and allow the City to maintain a healthy fund balance.

Supporting City Council Priorities

The budget aligns with City Council’s priorities of Public Safety; Neighborhoods & Affordable Housing; Economic Development; Mobility; Recreation; Open Space & Sustainability. “As Greenville grows, it’s imperative that City services meet and exceed expectations,” said Mayor Knox White. “Our population is increasing, yet our crime rate is decreasing. This budget adds police officers to build relationships in our neighborhoods and patrol our parks,” White added.

Public Safety

- Additional Police Officers & Vehicles

- Police Body Cameras

- Fire Station Improvements

- Stone Avenue Fire Station Replacement

- Fire Station Dispatch System

- Public Safety Cameras

Neighborhoods & Affordable Housing

- Neighborhood Infrastructure Bond (NIB) II

- Affordable Housing & Homeless Support Initiatives

- Use of Accommodations Tax funds to preserve housing for residents earning below the Area Median Income (targeting 60-80% AMI)

- NSTEP (Neighborhood Sidewalk Targeted Expansion Program)

- Traffic Calming & Street Lighting Upgrades

Economic Development

- Creation of an Urban Design Center where residents, neighborhood leaders, developers and business owners can consult with planning staff to learn how a built environment impacts quality of life.

- GVL2040 Update

- Annexation Agreements

- GCEDC (Greenville City Economic Development Corporation) Initiatives

- 3-D Model of Downtown Greenville

Mobility

- Funding for pedestrian bridge at Verdae for Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail contribution to Greenways and Trails Fund pedestrian and bike safety improvements.

- Additional Bus Operators to increase frequency on select routes

- Wade Hampton Boulevard & Augusta Street Improvements

- Pump Track and Skate Park

Recreation, Open Spaces & Sustainability

- Additional Staff

- Cleveland Park Playground

- Youth Sports/Athletics Programming

- Zoo Projects

- Open Space Acquisition

- Tree Canopy Protection

- LED Lighting Upgrades Fleet conversion E-bike expansion