Goose Creek’s 2027 budget proposal projects an 8% decline

Goose Creek’s proposed 2027 budget is estimated to decrease by $8,430,217, or 8%, mainly because the plan reduces the use of fund balance, according to a reproduced public notice. Excluding those amounts, the notice estimates the budget would rise 12%.

The proposal covers the city’s calendar-year 2027 budget and has not been adopted. The notice lists readings and public hearings for Oct. 13 and Nov. 10, 2026, at 6 p.m. The city’s event calendar lists City Council meetings on both dates, but does not identify the budget as an agenda item. Residents can comment at the scheduled hearings.

Fund estimates point in different directions

The notice provides percentage changes rather than total budget amounts for the two years. Its estimates also distinguish between the overall budget and General Fund expenditures when specified fund-balance amounts are excluded:

The proposed property-tax millage rate remains at 60.0 mills, according to the notice. That rate by itself does not establish whether an individual property owner’s tax bill would change. The proposed allocations and rate remain subject to Council action.

Staffing plan includes firefighter hires

At a September budget workshop, the proposal included 13 new positions, Live5News reported. Mayor Gregory Habib said the city planned to hire nine firefighters in 2027 and nine more in 2028. Habib said the hires were intended to reduce overtime and wear and tear on firefighters and improve their work environment; those are stated aims, not confirmed outcomes.

Live5News also reported that one resident at the workshop raised road conditions and traffic as concerns. The comment reflects that resident’s view, not a broader measure of public opinion. Until Council adopts a budget, the proposed staffing, fund allocations and millage can change.