Oconee Council approves county budget, directs $70,000 one-time Walhalla fire allocation and raises quarry prices

Oconee County Council approved Ordinance 2025-01 on second reading May 20 and directed county staff to identify $70,000 in funding, with the City of Walhalla providing a $30,000 match, as a one-time allocation to support fire and emergency response for county and Walhalla residents and businesses.

The motion to identify the $70,000 allocation was made by Chairman Matthew Durham, seconded by Councilman John Elliott and passed 4–0. Council members John Elliott and Thomas James reiterated that the $70,000 county payment is a one-time allocation for one year only.

Council also approved a separate motion to increase out-of-county sales prices at the Oconee County Rock Quarry by $5.00 per ton for 57 stone, number 3 surge and Class A rip rap. The motion, made by Elliott and seconded by Don Mize, passed 4–0.

The second-reading approval of Ordinance 2025-01, with the above amendments and allocations, carried 4–0. During discussion, Chairman Durham provided comments related to the county’s decision not to renew the fire contract with the City of Walhalla; the motion adopted tonight supplies a one-year, bridge allocation while further service arrangements are clarified.

Votes at a glance: Ordinance 2025-01 (county budget) — amended and approved on second reading, 4–0; Walhalla one-time allocation motion — passed, 4–0; quarry price increase — passed, 4–0.

What happens next: The ordinance was advanced on second reading with the stated amendments. The County Administrator was directed to identify the $70,000 funding; Council members noted the City of Walhalla’s $30,000 match. No further timeline for a renewed fire contract was recorded in the meeting minutes.