Pickens City Council voted 5-2 Monday, June 22, 2026, and passed first reading of the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget, a spending plan that city officials say focuses on financial stability, employee retention, infrastructure investment, and continued improvement of municipal services—all without increasing property taxes, utility rates, hospitality taxes, or municipal fees.
The proposed budget reflects what City Administrator Tim O’Briant described as a “responsible, forward-looking financial plan” that maintains strong cash reserves while funding nearly $3 million in capital improvements across the city. Cameron Rivers and Jonathon Baker voted against the spending plan, while Mayor Isaiah Scipio, Danny Adams, Allie Winter, Floyd Rogers and Ray Wilson supported its passage.
“Our goal is simple,” Scipio said. “Deliver excellent city services, invest in our employees and infrastructure, maintain strong reserves, and do it all without raising taxes. This budget accomplishes those objectives and positions Pickens for continued success.”
Among the most notable features of the budget is a 3 percent Cost of Living Adjustment for all city employees. The adjustment is intended to help employees keep pace with inflation and remain competitive in the regional labor market.
The proposed budget contains no increases in property taxes, utility rates, sanitation fees, hospitality taxes, business license rates, or other municipal fees. O’Briant emphasized that the budget was developed using existing revenue sources and prudent use of operating surplus and fund balances rather than additional taxation.
The budget projects continued growth in the City’s financial reserves. Combined cash balances across all major funds are expected to exceed $3.821 million at the end of the fiscal year, even after funding major capital projects.
According to budget documents, the City will maintain approximately 130 days of operating reserves, equivalent to more than five months of operating expenses, providing a substantial cushion against economic uncertainty and unforeseen emergencies.
The budget also includes the repayment of approximately $1.2 million owed by the General Fund to the Utility Fund, further strengthening the City’s financial position and improving transparency between municipal funds.
The proposed budget includes approximately $2.99 million in capital improvements and equipment purchases across City departments.
Public Safety Investments
– The budget provides funding for:
– Replacement firefighter turnout gear and protective equipment.
– Police body cameras and evidence management systems.
– TASER equipment and officer safety tools.
– Vehicle-mounted police technology upgrades.
– Emergency response and active shooter suppression equipment.
– Continued support of public safety software systems.
Utility System Improvements
The Utility Fund capital program includes more than $1.4 million in infrastructure improvements, focused on maintaining and improving water, sewer, and sanitation services.
The budget also formally incorporates sanitation operations within the Utility Fund structure, creating a more sustainable and transparent funding model for utility-related services.
Recreation and Community Enhancements
The Hospitality Fund budget includes approximately $850,000 in tourism and community investments, supporting projects designed to attract visitors, enhance quality of life, and continue revitalization efforts throughout the city. These projects are funded with Hospitality Tax proceeds, the 2 percent tax on prepared food and beverage, that are limited by state law to projects that attract and serve visitors to the City.
These investments complement ongoing downtown improvements, recreational enhancements, and tourism-related initiatives.
Continued Focus on Service Delivery
The proposed spending plan increases funding in several operational departments, including Administration, Police, Fire, Public Works, and Recreation, reflecting both rising service demands and the City’s commitment to maintaining high-quality municipal services.
City officials noted that the budget continues investments in technology, equipment replacement, public safety readiness, and infrastructure maintenance while avoiding deferred maintenance that can create larger costs in future years.
Public Hearing Scheduled
A public hearing and second reading on the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget is scheduled for June 30, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at Pickens City Hall, 219 Pendleton Street.
Residents are encouraged to review the proposed budget by clicking below and provide comments prior to its adoption.
Proposed Budget ==> https://loom.ly/TtOwk6k
If approved, the budget will take effect on July 1, 2026.