News Release

Town Manager Presents Balanced Budget with No Tax Increase

May 2, 2023

Hilton Head Island Town Council approved the first reading of the Town's proposed consolidated budget for fiscal year (FY) 2024 at its May 2 Town Council meeting.

During the meeting, Town Manager Marc Orlando presented a balanced budget that keeps Hilton Head Island at one of the lowest millage rates state-wide while advancing Town Council's priorities of growth management, workforce housing, solutions for traffic and transportation, infrastructure enhancements, economic development, resiliency, recreation, and public safety.

The $129.95 million proposed consolidated budget is comprised of six funds:

• General Fund
• Capital Improvements Program Fund
• Stormwater Utility Fund
• Debt Service Fund
• Gullah Geechee Historic Neighborhoods Community Development Corporation
• Housing Fund

The Gullah Geechee Historic Neighborhoods Community Development Corporation and Housing Funds are new for FY 2024.

"The Town of Hilton Head Island benefits from ongoing economic strength and growth that underpins our healthy tax base," said Town Manager Marc Orlando. "The proposed consolidated budget totals $129,950,293, is aligned with our proposed Strategic Action Plan, and focuses our resources on community priorities."

Residents will benefit from enhanced services in the coming fiscal year while enjoying a low tax rate. "We continue to focus on utilizing resources generated by tourism to support our budgetary needs while holding the line on taxes for our residents. This focused budget allows the Town to be innovative as we implement our priorities and invest in impactful community infrastructure," said Mayor Alan Perry.

In addition to the two new funds, the proposed budget:

• Includes no increase in the property tax millage rate, which remains at 23.10 mills.


• Provides continued funding for workforce housing and land acquisition priorities.


• Provides continued funding for Sewer Connection and Home Safety and Repair Programs.


• Provides a targeted investment of nearly $40 million for the Town's comprehensive Capital Improvement Program (CIP), including:
  • Beach Program - $4.6 million
  • Pathway Program - $4.8 million
  • Park Program - $9.1 million
  • Roadway Program - $6.2 million
  • Facility and Equipment Program - $6.6 million
  • Fleet Program - $8.3 million
  • Land Acquisition Administration - $400,000
• Provides funding support to maintain the Town's strategic partnerships with external/affiliated agencies in cultural heritage, recreation, economic development, criminal prosecution, transportation, and public outreach.


• Funds the hiring of a marketing and engagement director, an assistant finance director, two construction project managers, a stormwater maintenance administrator, a stormwater inspector, a beach facilities technician, and a grounds crew position. It also funds the hiring of two firefighters, a fire inspector, one emergency medical services lieutenant, a mechanic and a communications and marketing administrator in the Town's Fire Rescue Department.


• Includes a merit increase of up to 4% as part of a benefit package for Town employees.


• Funds the hiring of several part-time positions and seasonal staff supportive of beach operations.

Follow the Town's Budget Process

Tuesday's presentation was the first in the FY2024 budget public review process. The proposed consolidated budget executive summary and presentation are available on the Town's website at hiltonheadislandsc.gov. In addition, the public is encouraged to follow the Town on Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn for additional budget updates.

The Town Council will have budget workshops at 1 pm on Tuesday, May 9, and Thursday, May 11. A public hearing and second reading of the proposed budget is scheduled for 3 pm on Tuesday, June 6. At these sessions, residents and stakeholders may share feedback on the budget during the public comment portion of the meeting. The public can view the meetings on the Town's Facebook page or YouTube channel, the Beaufort County Channel and Spectrum Channel 1304.