Oconee County Council debates school budget and potential tax increase

During the Oconee County Council meeting held on May 6, 2025, several key ordinances were discussed, reflecting ongoing efforts to address community needs and budgetary concerns.

The meeting began with public hearings on three ordinances, including Ordinance 2025-08, which proposes amendments to the county code regarding the placement of retaining walls in lot setback areas. This ordinance aims to provide more flexibility for property owners while maintaining community standards. However, no public comments were made during the hearing.

Another significant ordinance, 2025-09, seeks to rezone specific parcels to align them with the community commercial district. This change is expected to facilitate local business development, although it also drew no public input.

The council also reviewed Ordinance 2025-10, which authorizes a sublease agreement between the West Union Volunteer Fire Department and Oconee County. This agreement is intended to enhance emergency services in the area, but again, no public comments were recorded.

As the meeting progressed to the third reading of these ordinances, all were approved unanimously by the council, indicating strong support for these initiatives.

A major topic of discussion was the proposed budget for the Oconee County School District for the fiscal year 2025-2026. The council expressed concerns over a potential tax increase of 4.9 mills, which would be in addition to a previous increase of 1.4 mills that had been absorbed by the county to avoid passing costs onto citizens. Council members highlighted the school district's substantial fund balance of $37 million, which exceeds the policy threshold of 20%. This raised questions about the necessity of further tax increases when the district appears to be financially stable.

One council member proposed an amendment to the budget ordinance, suggesting that the school district maintain its millage rate while utilizing its reserve funds for capital projects. This proposal aims to alleviate the tax burden on residents while ensuring that the school district can still fund necessary improvements.

The discussions during this meeting underscore the council's commitment to balancing community needs with fiscal responsibility. As the council prepares to finalize the budget, ongoing dialogue with the school district will be crucial to address these financial concerns and ensure that the interests of Oconee County residents are prioritized.