Jamie Gilbert says Oconee County is "top shelf for business" as budget review continues
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Summary
Jamie Gilbert, representing the county's economic development team, told the Oconee County Budget, Finance and Administration Committee on April 7 that the county's geographic setting, low unincorporated millage (214.9 mills) and a strong manufacturing workforce make it "top shelf for business," framing priorities for FY26-27 budget discussions.
Jamie Gilbert, an economic development representative, told the Oconee County Budget, Finance and Administration Committee on April 7 that the county's combination of scenic location, low unincorporated tax rate and a concentrated manufacturing workforce make it "top shelf for business" as the committee continues its fiscal year 2026-27 budget review.
Gilbert told the committee the county markets two advantages to prospective businesses: its geographic assets in the Blue Ridge Mountain area and its business climate. "Top shelf for business" means "items or people or experiences that are of the highest quality," he said, adding the county emphasizes those qualities when meeting with prospects.
The presentation included specific local metrics Gilbert said support recruitment efforts. He said Oconee County's unincorporated millage is 214.9 mills and described that rate as the third-lowest in South Carolina for unincorporated areas. He also highlighted the county's manufacturing concentration, saying it ranks sixth-highest in the state by percentage of manufacturing jobs and tenth by total manufacturing jobs.
Gilbert listed major local employers and manufacturers, saying they help attract additional industry. "We are very blessed to have the companies we have here in the county," he said, naming BorgWarner, Itron, US Engine Valve and Sandvik as examples of firms that anchor the local manufacturing base.
He also noted the county's classification as a micropolitan area and that it has been ranked among the top 30 U.S. micropolitan areas for three straight years, which he characterized as evidence of strong business activity.
Gilbert attributed attraction successes to coordinated local support: sites, infrastructure, incentives, utility partners and county departments that the economic development team can present to prospects. He said the county and its partners "can put in front of any business prospect" a unified team to make the case for relocation or expansion.
The committee had earlier approved the March 11, 2026 special meeting minutes by voice vote. The meeting continued with the economic development overview and other departments scheduled to present as the board proceeds with the FY26-27 budget review.
The committee did not take additional formal actions on budget items during the portion of the meeting captured in the transcript; presentations and department briefings were the primary activity recorded.
