State of the City of Dillon 2026
It is with great honor and gratitude that I share this annual update as the Mayor of Dillon. Serving the wonderful people of our vibrant community is a privilege and an honor. I am delighted to report that Dillon continues to flourish both financially and physically. As we approach the end 2025 and eagerly look forward to 2026, it feels like the perfect moment to reflect on our achievements and outline our vision for the future.
Financial Overview
The City of Dillon is committed to operating within a balanced budget of approximately $12 million, effective from July 1, 2025. I am pleased to announce that we are currently on track to meet or stay under our projected budget. Achieving this goal is becoming increasingly challenging, as inflation rates are rising faster than our capacity or willingness to tax. Therefore, we must remain diligent and mindful of every dollar spent.
In the past, Dillon has successfully contributed to our depreciation and reserves, which can sustain city operations for about 225 days. This is an accomplishment we can all take pride in, especially in today’s economic climate. At the end of the year, we will once again initiate an external audit, which I can confidently say the City of Dillon has always passed.
City Employees
Dillon is proudly managed by nearly 100 exceptional employees. These dedicated individuals work tirelessly to ensure our community remains vibrant and secure. We believe that Dillon is an excellent workplace, and we strive to create the best possible environment for our team. This past year marked the retirement of two individuals: Chief David Lane, who served for 27 years, and Donnie Grimsley, who dedicated 36 years to our city. We wish them both success in their future endeavors and deeply appreciate their remarkable service and commitment. We are also thrilled to announce that Monroe Herring, who has been with the Police Department for over 16 years, has agreed to step into the role of the City of Dillon Police Chief. We extend our gratitude to Chief Herring, knowing that our Police Department is in capable hands.
Infrastructure and Development
Investing in infrastructure remains one of our top priorities. As our systems age, ongoing maintenance and modernization are essential to support the city’s growth. Much of this work is funded not by Dillon taxpayers, but through competitive grants that we actively pursue and manage. Seeking out and managing these grants requires considerable time and effort, and we receive valuable assistance from our local Pee Dee Council of Governments, the Municipal Association, and our State Representative, Jackie Hayes.
Pump stations are a significant focus of our infrastructure projects. We will continue modernizing our pump stations with planned upgrades at Cannon Court and Maple Swamp.
Dillon has secured a $10 million grant from the Rural Infrastructure Authority to enhance the Little Pee Dee Wastewater Facility. However, this amount fell short of covering all necessary repairs, prompting us to secure a small loan to complete the upgrades. Recognizing the potential for additional repairs in the future, we are proactively pursuing another substantial grant from RIA for the Little Pee Dee Wastewater Facility to ensure its ongoing viability. These improvements are crucial for the effective operation of the facility and the essential services it provides to our residents.
Downtown Revitalization and Business Development
For over 100 years, our beautiful downtown has served as the backdrop for culture, entertainment, and commerce. We take the revitalization of downtown very seriously, and our efforts are gaining momentum. Over the past year, we’ve seen a noticeable increase in property activity and growing interest in establishing new businesses in our historic downtown district.
To enhance the area’s charm and appeal, we’re refreshing our corner planters with new trees and plants. You may have noticed some older trees being removed this week. These new corner planters will make our downtown even more inviting for residents and visitors alike.
The new Festival Market, located directly behind the new City of Dillon Police Station next to the Visitor Center, has quickly become the focal point of our downtown. This venue will host our popular First Fridays, farmers markets, and family gatherings. With lush landscaping and an open design, it promises to be a welcoming spot for community engagement. This project was funded through grants secured via the PDCOG, DCA, and a Legislative Grant obtained by Representative Jackie Hayes.
Parks and Recreation
Parks and recreation play a vital role in enhancing and maintaining the quality of life in Dillon. Our sports programs continue to grow as we reinvest in equipment and facilities. Notably, we have recently purchased new youth football gear. As we prepare for spring sports, we are also looking to upgrade the facilities at the sports fields and refresh the area.
The City of Dillon Wellness Center is also experiencing significant growth. This facility is frequently utilized, especially with our busy youth basketball programs. Each year, we gradually upgrade the available equipment.
Our parks are another focus area that will receive attention. The City of Dillon has secured a grant from the Tree Infrastructure group, which has challenged us to increase our tree canopy by 1%. We will be adding and replacing many trees in our parks and city-owned areas, with plans to hold tree giveaways later this winter.
Water Mitigation
The $9 million water mitigation project, funded by the South Carolina Office of Resilience, has nearly completed its first phase. This ambitious initiative is the largest water mitigation effort in Dillon’s history and will address the some of the chronic flooding issues that have long affected our community. It stands as a remarkable example of successful collaboration between local and state agencies.
Looking Ahead: Future Growth and Infrastructure
We are currently meeting with county, state, and federal leaders regarding the need for a higher-capacity wastewater treatment facility as Dillon grows. Though this will require a significant financial investment, it is vital to support future industrial development and expand our tax base.
The City of Dillon has also been coordinating with the SC Department of Commerce to conduct an in-depth study of the needs for downtown Dillon and the Radford Boulevard area. Upon completion, Commerce has agreed to fund a shovel-ready project of their choosing to benefit the citizens of Dillon.
Leadership and Appreciation
None of this progress would be possible without exceptional leadership and teamwork. I want to acknowledge City Manager Burt Rogers for his outstanding guidance and dedication, along with our department heads and city employees who work tirelessly on behalf of our citizens.
Our City Council members also deserve recognition for their vision and commitment. Every decision and discussion is centered around a singular goal: to enhance the quality of life for the people of Dillon.
Conclusion
The City of Dillon is on solid financial ground and continues to make meaningful strides toward a brighter future. Through thoughtful planning, strategic investments, and unwavering leadership, we are cultivating a thriving, resilient, and welcoming community.
Thank you for your ongoing support. The future of Dillon is bright, and together, we will build on our momentum to create an even stronger city for generations to come.
Respectfully,
N. Tally McColl
City of Dillon Mayor
