Goose Creek City Council Meeting: Budget Adoption and Ordinances - October 14, 2026

The Goose Creek City Council met on October 14, 2026, at the Municipal Court to consider a range of items including the introduction of the 2027 budget, several ordinance updates, and resolutions on development impact fees and water agency capital needs. The meeting opened with an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, and general public comments (none were signed up).

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: Council approved the minutes from the September 4, 2026 budget workshop, the September 8, 2026 city council meeting, and the September 22, 2026 workshop, all by unanimous voice vote.

Presentations & Proclamations

• National First Responders Day Proclamation: Mayor proclaimed October 28, 2026 as National First Responders Day, highlighting that public works professionals are also first responders.
• Creek Rising Award: The city presented the Creek Rising Award to Big Bear Roofing, Habitat for Humanity of Berkeley County, Hope-Repair.Org, and Nexus Pointe Church for their volunteer work replacing a roof for a local family.
• Trident United Way Presentation: Chloe Clotspot, Corporate Advancement Officer, reported that the city's 2025-2026 campaign raised over $13,000, exceeding its $12,000 goal, and that since 2020 employees have contributed more than $60,000. Approximately 34% of Goose Creek households are ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed).
• Helping Hands of Goose Creek: The organization was recognized for its 40-year history; residents were encouraged to donate food at city events.

Mayor's Leadership Council Report

• Nathan Campbell (Northwood Academy) and Zariya Pease (Cane Bay High School) presented on their visits to the fire and police departments. They learned about multi-year budgeting (fire trucks cost over $1 million) and police chief Hill's emphasis on community engagement.

Old Business

• Ordinance to Repeal and Replace Chapter 31 (Rules of Procedure) – Second and Final Reading: The council adopted revised rules of parliamentary procedure tailored to a seven-member council, replacing existing rules. Passed unanimously.

New Business & Public Hearings

• Ordinance Repealing and Replacing Camping Regulations (First Reading): An update to Section 131.083 addressing camping on public or private property, based on police department recommendations. Passed unanimously. No public comment.
• Ordinance Recognizing Chief Financial Officer as Head of Administration (First Reading): Amends code to replace references to "Finance Director" with "Chief Financial Officer" to reflect current organizational structure. Passed unanimously. No public comment.
• Ordinance to Raise Revenue and Adopt 2027 Budget (First Reading): Mayor presented the balanced budget:
  • General Fund: $56.9 million in revenue, $56.8 million in expenditures.
  • No increase in millage rate.
  • New positions: 13 general fund positions (firefighters, deputy city clerk, finance director, cloud applications administrator).
  • Employee compensation: 4% cost-of-living adjustment plus targeted increases for sanitation workers and police.
  • Sanitation fee: Increase of $10 per household to cover service costs.
  • Capital expenditures: $5.1 million (9% of general fund), including safer crossings on St. James Avenue, a new fire apparatus ($1M+), 10 police vehicles, a garbage truck, and parking improvements.
  • Contingency: $500,000 set aside.
  • Passed unanimously. No public comment.
• Resolution Directing Planning Commission to Review Impact Fee Study (Final Reading): Directs the planning commission to review the development impact fee study and proposed capital improvements plan, with the aim of updating fees so growth helps pay for growth. Passed unanimously.
• Resolution Approving Lake Moultrie Water Agency Contract Extension and Capital Needs (Final Reading): Acknowledges the city's commitment as a founding member of the Lake Moultrie Water Authority, extending the contract through debt service for capital improvements (estimated $400 million+). The city's share is approximately 14.9% for some projects. Passed unanimously.

Administrator's Report

• Award of Design, Permitting, and Construction Administration for St. James Trail Multi-Use Path: A $6.5 million federal grant with a $1.5 million city match, managed by the Council of Governments. Contract awarded based on qualifications. Passed unanimously.

Mayor's Report

• Employee of the Year: Following an executive session, council voted to award Employee of the Year (name not disclosed in open session). Passed unanimously.
• Community Announcements: Mayor promoted upcoming events including the Christmas Parade (December 12), Budget and Brews conversation (October 28), Trunk or Treat (October 31), Veterans Day ceremony (November 11), and various recreation programs. He also noted the success of the city's social media presence and partnerships with Berkeley County and SCDOT.

Key Outcomes

• All agenda items passed by unanimous voice votes without opposition.
• The 2027 budget ordinance will undergo a second and final reading at a future meeting.
• The Employee of the Year was selected in executive session and ratified by council; the name was not publicly announced.
• The public is invited to attend upcoming workshops and the Budget and Brews event for further discussion.