York County debating new recreation tax. It could create bills for city, town residents
Some York County residents could start paying more money for parks and recreation under a proposed budget that creates a new tax that includes city and town residents in addition to those in unincorporated areas.
County council took a preliminary vote on its 2025-26 fiscal year budget on Monday. It keeps most fees unchanged and included a pay raise for some county employees. A recreation tax took center stage during the council’s discussion, however, as leaders debated who should pay into the parks system, and how much.
Residents in unincorporated areas traditionally shouldered a 1.5-mil recreation tax. The county is considering repealing that in exchange for a new countywide tax of 1.5 mils, which is $6 per year for every $100,000 in home value. If passed, Fort Mill, Rock Hill and other residents in town and city limits would start chipping in.
In addition to funding county parks, the fee intends to neutralize the perceived strain residents from unincorporated areas place on city recreation programs. The new proposal would provide a $75 stipend for every verified unincorporated youth who registers for a municipal sports program.
But York County is at least several weeks away from finalizing its budget.
Council members will hold a public hearing on May 13 for resident feedback, followed by a budget workshop where staff will share more information on how they might tweak the budget. A second reading is planned for May 19, followed by a third reading at a later date. Council can make changes at any time during that process.
The budget will take effect July 1.
How York County funds parks and recreation
Council voted 5-2 against a measure that would have kept the existing recreation tax of 1.5 mils for people who live in unincorporated areas. Councilman Tom Audette made the unsuccessful motion.
Still, the topic of who pays into the county’s parks system remains unsettled. Council members said they want county staff to present more options during the upcoming budget workshop.
Council chair Christi Cox said she’d like county residents to access parks without paying an additional fee. Park admission currently costs $3 for resident adults, while resident children and seniors pay less, and non-residents pay more.
Cox suggested non-residents might pay higher admission fees instead, an idea supported by councilman Andy Litten. He said residents shouldn’t be charged to enter parks if they’re already paying a recreation tax.
“Out-of-county residents, they’re getting by on our backs,” Litten said.
Fees steady, county employees to receive raises
Fees would remain mostly unchanged from last year under the budget proposal, with a few small exceptions that mostly impact parks and recreation services.
Concession fees will increase by $10 per day. Pickleball court reservations will increase by $10 per court per day to a new cost of $70. Renting all courts for a full day will increase by $500 to $800.
Sewer cost per 1,000 gallons would also increase by less than a dollar for residences and businesses. Select solid waste disposal services would increase, too: municipal solid waste by $1, and construction and demolition waste and brush grinding by $2.
County employees would meanwhile receive 3.5% merit-based pay raises. Raises would be based on employee annual evaluation scores.
