In a Thursday workshop last week, Rock Hill leaders proposed to increase the city budget by $9.6 million, and include new projects such as free bus service and a sports and events center.
The proposal is an increase of 4.1 percent, less than the city predicted last year. The proposed budget however would not increase property taxes, but does include utility increases, including water, wastewater and commercial sanitation rates.
In a published report, Rock Hill chief financial officer Anne Harty said the difference in the budget is mainly because of the bus service.
The city had budgeted about $6.4 million, but most of the costs will now be covered by a federal grant. The federal grant for the electric bus service, which would be free to ride, would cover 81 percent, or $5,925,250, of the project.
The increased rates would raise the average resident’s monthly bill by $2.45, according to the proposal.