During its Dec. 19 special meeting, the Oconee County Council considered and moved to accept a recommendation to add two Casto-related entities as sponsor affiliates under an existing fee-in-lieu and tax agreement.

The chair introduced an action item to add Casto Southeast CCM Realty Investments LLC and Columbus Realty Investments Ltd. to the fee agreement dated 06/02/2015 between Oconee County and Casto Oconee, LLC. David Root explained the change reflects the fact that Casto has created multiple LLCs tied to the project; these spin-off entities seek to receive the standard benefits under the county's fee agreement. Root said the entities would receive the same provisions, including a 6% assessment ratio and a fixed millage rate at 215. He also noted the project's special-source reimbursement for infrastructure has already been paid back.

A motion and second were recorded to accept Mr. Root's recommendation and to authorize the interim county administrator to sign the amended agreement; the transcript records a voice affirmative to the chair's "all in favor" call but does not include a roll-call tally. The transcript does not provide additional contract language or the amended agreement text.

Next steps: execution of the amended fee agreement by the interim county administrator, as authorized by council.