Rock Hill’s new budget will bring water, sanitation fee increases next week – Rock Hill Herald

Rock Hill City Council Approves $313 Million Budget with Service Fee Adjustments

Overview of Budget Approval and Service Fee Changes

The Rock Hill City Council unanimously approved a $313 million budget, which includes a property tax reduction from a millage rate of 96.5 to 94.7. The budget also introduces an 8% increase in wastewater fees and a 3% increase in sanitation fees over two years. These changes will result in a $4.81 monthly increase in homeowners’ bills starting next week.

The wastewater fee increase will fund expansions of the wastewater treatment plant, supporting sustainable water management (SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation). The sanitation fee increase is intended to cover rising landfill tipping fees in York County, aligning with responsible waste management goals (SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production).

Budget Composition and Fund Groups

The approved budget encompasses 14 different fund groups, including:

• Transit Fund
• Hospitality Tax
• General Fund
• State Accommodation Tax
• Downtown/Textile Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Fund
• And others

This diversified funding approach supports multiple facets of urban development and infrastructure, contributing to sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11).

Rate Changes for Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027

City Manager David B. Vehaun emphasized that Rock Hill’s rates remain among the lowest in the Carolinas and nationwide, following comparative analysis with 28 other cities.

Fiscal Year 2026 Rates (Starting Next Week)

• Electric: No change
• Water: No change
• Wastewater: $4.18 increase
• Residential Sanitation: $0.63 increase
• Storm Water: No change
• Property Tax: No change

Fiscal Year 2027 Rates (Starting July 1, 2026)

• Electric: No change
• Water: No change
• Wastewater: $4.51 increase
• Residential Sanitation: No increase
• Storm Water: No change
• Property Tax: No change

Budget-Related Initiatives Approved

• Updates to the city’s fee schedule for sewer, solid waste, electric service, and building inspections
• A $12.5 million lease purchase for city equipment
• Re-certification of the Baxter Mill site under the South Carolina Textile Communities Revitalization Act, promoting sustainable industrial redevelopment (SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure)
• Approval to sell property on Allen and Haynes Street to the Housing Development Corporation of Rock Hill, supporting affordable housing initiatives (SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities)

Staffing Adjustments and Workforce Development

The budget includes the addition of 10 new full-time positions and a reduction of five part-time positions. Full-time staff will increase from 996 in 2025 to 1,006 in 2026 and 2027, while part-time staff will decrease from 116 to 111. The increase in full-time positions is linked to the new sports and event center, the Bleachery Field House, enhancing community infrastructure and promoting health and well-being (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being).

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Investment in community facilities such as the Bleachery Field House supports active lifestyles and community engagement.
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Wastewater treatment plant expansions ensure sustainable water management and sanitation services.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Revitalization of industrial sites like Baxter Mill promotes sustainable industrial growth.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Diverse funding and property sales support urban development and affordable housing.
5. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Adjustments in sanitation fees address responsible waste management and landfill use.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The article discusses increases in wastewater and sanitation fees to fund expansions of the wastewater treatment plant and cover landfill tipping fees.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The budget includes funding for city services such as transit, hospitality tax, and development funds, indicating efforts to improve urban infrastructure and community services.
   • New full-time positions related to the new sports and event center (Bleachery Field House) also contribute to community development.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Sanitation fees increase to cover landfill tipping fees, relating to waste management and sustainable waste disposal practices.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Creation of new full-time jobs and adjustments in staffing levels reflect economic growth and employment opportunities.
5. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Investments in wastewater treatment plant expansions and city equipment lease purchase support infrastructure development.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution and increasing wastewater treatment.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory planning and management.
   • Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including waste management.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all.
5. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Wastewater and Sanitation Fees
   • Increase in wastewater fees ($4.18 in 2026 and $4.51 in 2027) and sanitation fees ($0.63 in 2026) indicate financial investment in water treatment and waste management infrastructure.
   • These fee changes can be used as indicators of funding allocated to improving sanitation and wastewater services.
2. Staffing Levels
   • Number of full-time and part-time staff positions (increase from 996 to 1,006 full-time, decrease from 116 to 111 part-time) can measure employment growth and economic development.
3. Budget Allocation
   • Total budget of $313 million with allocations to various funds (transit, hospitality tax, general fund, etc.) reflects resource distribution towards sustainable urban development.
4. Infrastructure Investments
   • Lease purchase of $12.5 million for city equipment and wastewater treatment plant expansions serve as indicators of infrastructure development.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: yahoo.com