Easley Passes 2nd Reading of FY2012-2013 Budget

Easley City Council has approved second reading of its 2012-2013 budget.

Council took up second reading of the budget Monday night.

The FY 2012-2012 general fund budget is $11,852,366.

That’s an increase of $66,200 from the FY2011-2012 budget.

The budget contains no tax increase, City Administrator Fox Simons said.

Millage remains the same at 58 mils.

Simons said the budget does not contain increases in either business license fees or building permit rates. 

During a budget workshop last month, Simons said the budget is conservative and reflects reductions in State Aid. 

The city has been forced to find ways to absorb more than $200,000 in cuts to State Aid over the last four years, he said.

While funding from Columbia looks to remain uncertain in the near future, a local revenue source continues to help the city, while giving residents more shopping and dining options.

Easley Town Center continues to grow, with $30 million in commercial development either already under construction now or expected to be underway within the next six months, Simons said.

No one addressed council during the public hearing on the budget before the vote was taken. State law requires cities hold hearings on the budgets before adoption. 

Council’s July meeting has been postponed until July 23.