Budget

Budget and Revenue Sources

The annual budget is the foundation for the Town of Kiawah Island’s financial planning and control. All departments and affiliates (e.g., Arts and Cultural Events Council) of the Town submit budget requests to the Mayor and Town Administrator. The Finance Director then prepares a first draft and presents it for review to the Mayor who then recommends it to the Ways and Means Committee. Any necessary revisions are made, and a final draft is submitted to the Town Council at its May meeting. A second reading is scheduled to meet the June 30 adoption deadline. A public hearing is held to receive citizen input prior to final adoption. The budget is prepared with various funds.

The Town of Kiawah Island’s fiscal year runs from July 1st to June 30th. Town Council adopts a budget each year to allocate funds for the many programs, services, and projects provided for residents and visitors.

Revenue Sources

The Town of Kiawah Island strives to be transparent and accountable for its operations and financial allocations, while prioritizing services and projects that are important to the Kiawah community.

The Town does not collect property taxes; property taxes are paid directly to Charleston County. The Town’s revenue primarily comes from service fees, which include business licenses, building permits, and solid waste fees; and accommodation and hospitality taxes. While the Town’s service fees are considered unrestricted fees, which do not require specific uses, the accommodation and hospitality fees are restricted and must be utilized for specific uses, such as tourism expenses. For an overview of the Town's revenue sources, click here. 

Town Revenue Sources

Where does the Town get its Revenues:

Beach - The Town of Kiawah entered into an agreement with Island Beach Services for the right to use the beach to rent beach items, such as umbrellas and chairs. A franchise fee of $330,000 or 30 percent, whichever is greater, is paid by the franchisee annually to the Town. 

Electric - The Town of Kiawah has an agreement with Berkley Electric Cooperative, Inc to provide electricity to the customers within the Town's corporate limits.  The agreement requires Berkley Electric to pay the Town 3% of the total electric revenues from the preceding calendar year from all electrical accounts within the Town's corporate limits.

Other - The Town has entered into agreements with Bell South Telecommunications, Inc. and Comcast Cable for the right to use the public rights of way within its municipal boundaries to construct, maintain, and operate facilities thereon.