The City of Greenville recently presented a financial outlook and proposed areas of focus and investment for fiscal year 2022 to city council members.
A second workshop will be held April 26. The public hearing and first reading of the budget will be May 24.
COVID-19 Revenue Impacts in FY21
- Limited growth in General Fund (Property Tax), Hospitality Tax
- Decline in General Fund (Business License, Insurance), Accommodations Tax (Local and State)
- Greenville Zoo, Greenville Convention Center, Parking Fund were most impacted
- Key sources are showing improvement, FY22 projections are closer to pre-COVID levels
Focus areas for FY22
- Implementing recommendations of GVL2040
- Addressing critical infrastructure needs
- Continuing excellent customer service
- Economic Development
- Public Safety & First Responders
Key areas of proposed investment for FY22
- GVL2040 – land/open space acquisition, small area and node plans, tree canopy funding
- Building a “World Class” Planning & Development department – additional staff resources, funding for outside consultants, space for a Community Design Studio
- Unity Park Operations – programming and maintenance
- Police/LEC facilities needs
- Making a big dent in critical infrastructure needs
Accomplishments in FY21
- Police and Fire response times down
- Communication and engagement with residents up significantly
- Public Works completed numerous infrastructure and maintenance projects – new sidewalks, street resurfacing, traffic calming and Unity Park construction
- Recreation pivoted to community support role, hosting virtual programs, return to work activities and Senior Citizen check-ins
- Zoo achieved reaccreditation, implemented numerous operational changes to enhance visitor experience
- Events and Cultural Affairs got creative, created alternate versions of events to meet COVID needs, and are geared up and ready for a busy FY22
- Economic Development built new partnerships, increased financial support for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and will be launching a new marketing campaign
The budget presentation can be viewed at greenvillesc.gov/DocumentCenter/View/18478/FY22-Budget-Workshop-Presentation-PDF.
Prepared by the City of Greenville.