News Summary
Florence School District 1 has approved a nearly $209 million budget that includes a tax increase aimed at supporting teacher salaries and enhancing school safety measures. The budget, determined during a recent board meeting, will impact business owners and residents with more than 5 acres of land. Although taxes will rise slightly, officials claim that the overall tax rate will still be lower than last fiscal year. The budget also intends to address the annual costs for school resource officers, with a focus on maintaining a secure learning environment for students.
Florence, South Carolina – Florence School District 1 Approves Budget with Tax Increase
Florence School District 1 has officially approved a budget of nearly $209 million for the 2025-26 fiscal year during a board meeting held on June 12, 2025. This budget incorporates a modest tax hike aimed primarily at sustaining teacher salaries and enhancing safety measures in schools.
The tax increase will impact both business owners and residents who own more than 5 acres of land. Specifically, those who own primary residences that exceed this threshold will only face taxation on the property beyond the 5 acres. For instance, a property consisting of 10 acres will only incur taxes on the additional 5 acres.
This budgetary decision is in response to the necessity of raising teachers’ salaries to comply with state minimum requirements, which necessitates raising approximately $30 million through local taxes. The added tax burden is estimated to result in an increase of about $7 on the business tax bill for properties valued between $200,000 and $300,000.
Despite this tax increase, officials noted that the overall tax rate remains lower than it was during the 2023-24 fiscal year. The school district had previously managed to reduce taxes after successfully passing an 8 percent bond resolution.
Costs for Safety Measures
Additionally, the budget increase addresses the growing costs associated with school resource officers (SROs), which the district estimates to be around $1.6 million annually. The district has renewed contracts with the Defender Services of Columbia and the Florence County Sheriff’s Office to ensure the continued presence of SROs in schools.
It’s important to note that a state grant program designed to fund SRO positions excludes districts that already use local resources for these staffing needs. This restriction greatly impacts Florence School District 1’s ability to manage costs effectively, leaving the community to absorb most of the financial burden.
The anticipated tax hike is expected to generate approximately $1.5 million; however, it still falls short of fully covering the annual expenses associated with the SRO positions.
Board’s Perspective
Board members, including Vice Chair Trisha Caulder, have highlighted that proactive funding for SROs has directly influenced the district’s financial requirements and its eligibility for state funding. This prioritization of funding for safety personnel reflects the district’s commitment to maintaining a secure learning environment for students.
In summary, Florence School District 1’s new budget addresses crucial areas in teacher pay and safety, despite the tax increases. The adjustments made during the board meeting aim to enhance educational standards and ensure students’ wellbeing while navigating financial challenges posed by state regulations and safety needs.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Florence School District 1 Tax Increase
- ESP: New Jersey Schools Tax Loophole
- NJ 101.5: NJ Towns Property Tax Increases
- SC Now: Local Government Politics
- Colorado Sun: Canon City Public Swimming Pool
- Wikipedia: Taxation in the United States
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
