2. COUNCIL APPROVES $113.6M FY2027 BUDGET

COUNCIL APPROVES $113.6M FY2027 BUDGET

Monday, March 16, 2026 - 20:00

(Charleston, W.Va.) – Charleston City Council approved a $113.6M Fiscal Year 2027 budget this evening, advancing a financial plan that continues the City’s focus on long-term stability, investments in employees, and improvements to infrastructure and neighborhoods—without increasing taxes or fees.  

“Charleston is in a stronger financial position than it has been in decades, and that’s the result of careful planning, disciplined budgeting, and a team committed to responsible financial management,” said Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin. “This budget allows us to continue investing in our employees, infrastructure, and neighborhoods while maintaining the financial stability our community depends on.”

Strong Financial Position

The adopted budget builds on several years of measurable financial progress for the City, including:  

  • $54M improvement in the City’s overall financial position
  • $18.3M in the Rainy Day Fund
  • $26.3M in the Employee Health Reserve

Continued strengthening of police and fire pension funding—increasing from under 20% funded in 2021 to nearly 40% funded today

Investing in Employees

The FY2027 budget maintains all essential city services while continuing investments in the City’s workforce, including:

  • Completing the City’s phased plan to raise the minimum hourly wage to $15 per hour.
  • Providing all city employees with a $1,040 pay increase.    

To support recruitment and retention in the Police and Fire Departments, the budget also includes:

  • A continuation of current recruitment incentives.  
  • A phased, multi-year milestone retention incentive for the Police Department.  

These measures are designed to strengthen workforce stability and support long-term staffing needs.

Infrastructure & Capital Investment

The adopted budget continues strategic investments in infrastructure and neighborhood revitalization.

  • Paving will maintain a base of $3M, with plans to supplement through additional funding sources—including WVDOH—for a total of $5M+ in road improvements.
  • The budget includes $7.8M in Capital Outlay to support major equipment purchases, facility improvements, and long-term infrastructure needs across departments.  
  • The City will also continue strategic investments in demolitions and revitalization efforts that support neighborhood stability and redevelopment.  
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