Lake Waccamaw Council Adopts Tightened Budget for New Fiscal Year

June 4, 2026 BC News Staff Columbus County, Government, News 0

Town leaders approve a spending plan that reins in costs while protecting essential services.

LAKE WACCAMAW, NC — The Town Council on Tuesday, June 2, adopted a new fiscal‑year budget that tightens spending and maintains core public services without raising the tax rate.

The vote concludes the town’s annual budget process and reflects a continued emphasis on conservative financial management heading into FY 2026–27.

Town officials said the spending plan keeps funding stable for police, fire protection, water and sewer operations, sanitation, streets, and recreation. Rising costs for fuel, equipment, insurance, and personnel have pushed many small towns to scale back or delay projects, but Lake Waccamaw’s approach focuses on holding expenses in check while preserving service levels.

The adopted budget aligns with the framework of the town’s broader $11.6 million proposed FY 2026–27 plan, which maintains the current property‑tax rate and includes restructuring of certain services, including the transition away from town‑operated EMS.

The new budget takes effect July 1.