Prosperity’s budget that begins next month shows an overall increase of less than 1 percent, and has passed first vote.

After two workshops combing through the numbers, the town’s council voted unanimously on Wednesday night to approve the $2,159,310 budget.

Although electric and garbage collection rates will remain steady, a 5 percent water and sewer increase from the Newberry Water and Sewer Authority will be passed through to Prosperity citizens. Tax rates are static.

One area that will see a heavy increase, percentage-wise, in funding is the town’s police department.

With a budget boost of 30 percent, funding was added for a third officer. The town continues to pursue a COPS grant to fund what would be a fourth officer for the town.

Currently, the police department staff consists of its chief, the police administrator, two on-duty officers. The funding changes will allow for a third officer, and the possibility of a fourth.

Payroll for town employees overall is also boosted with a 2 percent salary increase for all. Some employees with new certifications and training received 5 percent increases.

Priority shifting for the town was also reflected in how some money is labeled. A separate grant matching/capital additions line item was created and added to the annual budget writing.

Also, growing town reserves have been set as a priority and funded.