City of Charleston Ad Hoc Budget Committee 9/16/26

The City of Charleston Ad Hoc Budget Committee convened on September 16, 2026, to review budget requests primarily from the Fire Department and the Planning and Preservation Department. The Fire Department presented eight program requests totaling approximately $2.8 million, including funding for firefighter health and wellness initiatives, emergency management staffing and equipment, fire marshal positions, a potential SAFER grant for firefighter staffing, a mobile training program, administrative support roles, and special operations compensation and staffing. The Planning and Preservation Department requested budget increases to upgrade staff positions, add an office manager, and establish a new archaeological program including a staff archaeologist position. They also proposed funding for multi-year historic architectural surveys and a new hosting service for the zoning ordinance, with associated fee amendments to offset costs. Additionally, the Planning, Permitting, and Engineering section requested new positions including an assistant manager for the Permit Center, an urban designer for the Civic Design Center, and a city vehicle for the section chief. The committee did not record any questions or votes during the presentations but acknowledged the thoroughness of the proposals.