The Spartanburg City Council met on May 11, 2026, at 9:27 PM for a regular meeting. The council approved minutes and the agenda, heard public comments from Congressman Jonathan Jackson, adopted a proclamation for National Police Week, received a presentation on a partnership with the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind, discussed and approved first reading of an ordinance establishing the Spartanburg Children's Cabinet, and received a fiscal year 2027 budget overview. Staff updates covered traffic safety initiatives and a fair housing hotline. Council members shared updates on community events, graduations, and athletic achievements.
Ordinance 2026-006 – First Reading: Spartanburg Children's Cabinet: Marilyn presented the ordinance establishing a countywide Children's Cabinet (24 members, including the Mayor and City Manager) and a city-focused Youth Council. The cabinet will align partners (public sector, school district, community organizations, nonprofits, and community representatives) to review systems and policies for children and families. No additional financial implications were noted unless directed by council. Councilman questioned the representative selection process, and it was explained that the first phase will include 12 members from the existing working group, with community representatives chosen via an application process. The council approved the ordinance on first reading after a motion by Councilman, seconded by Ms. Wilderjoy.
Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Process Overview: Chris Story (City Manager) and Dennis Lott presented the budget overview for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026. Key points:
Councilwoman Smith asked about fire truck replacement and future equipment needs; staff noted a 10-year replacement schedule and that two fire trucks are slated for replacement. Councilman commented on the importance of competitive compensation for police and fire, and requested a schedule of revenue contributions from major economic development projects as they reach full maturity.
Their sales is like traveling in the airport. Like they lose kids there. And like one of them just starts all just like that. Sorry for the last thing. All of us appreciate your work. Thank you for having me. That's right. And all these good things are all here for the same council. Well, we're going to stand for a moment of silence and then be laid in the plage on City Boys go. But during the moment of um silence, I lost a teammate, former teammate of mine. As well as the Spark community. Amen. Mayor Pearl Timber, you might lead us in the pledge. Our congratulations to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you for that. Thank you all for standing. Item three, we have the approval of the minutes for the April 27th, 2026 City Council meeting. Second all in favor? Aye. Any that opposed, eyes have it. Item four, we have approval of the agenda for the May 11th, 2026 City Council meeting. So move. All in favor? Aye. Any that opposed, eyes have it. We have public comments, and we have two here. And of course, we do have your address, so you do not have to repeat your address, but still come up and give us your full name. Um Crystal. I think I recognize everyone in the audience, and I didn't see anyone that I didn't. Okay. And we also have Miss Catherine Harvey, and she has a guest with her. So the Congressman, but uh, Mr. Mayor, we're so honored uh to have Congressman Jackson here from Illinois First District. He is going to be the keynote at our event tonight, um, talking about the voting rights act, very important topic right now. We're so honored to have him here. He said he's been to South Carolina a lot, but I don't know if he's been to Spartanburg yet. So we've been giving him a tour, and I'd love for him to make a couple of remarks. Sure, sure. You heard the little beat goes off, so you have the official two minutes. No, we actually turned it off. It's a long time, but thank you so much. Uh Mayor Rice, thank you, esteemed members of the city council and the commissioners and all the electives that are here today. Thank you for this um outstanding honor, tribute, and recognition of my father, Reverend Jesse Jackson. Also like to say that this is a day that brings me joy, optimism is also a deeper reflection upon where we have to go in light of what's happening with the rescinding of the voting rights act, the dismantling of that key critical piece of legislation that made Spartanburg better, that made Greenville better, that made South Carolina a better place, part of our history as a succession movement, but our future lives in the fast economic growth, the coalition building, the uh black and the white farmer, the schools and the teachers that need definite relief and investments in the education, not just in the custodial services. So I like to say thank you. I look forward to a better, brighter future. My father was interned just uh just over two months ago, and indeed it was a great honor to be back in his home state of South Carolina where he was put under the rotunda, the fourth person given that recognition. But it's also a painful day to see that in 2026, we're still honoring the memory of the Confederacy. What about all of those that have made tremendous progress? What are we teaching?