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Oconee County Council outlines FY 2026–27 priorities at strategic planning retreat
Summary
At a Feb. 20 strategic planning retreat, Oconee County Council reviewed departmental updates and identified FY 2026–27 priorities including budget forecasting, a proposed deputy administrator and internal audit function, restructuring of administration and emergency services, pursuit of an in-house paving crew, and potential ATAX-funded bicentennial events.
Oconee County Council met Feb. 20, 2026, at an off-site strategic planning retreat in Westminster to review departmental updates and set broad priorities for the 2026–27 fiscal year. Chairman Matthew Durham called the meeting to order at 9:02 a.m.; the session concluded at 10:01 a.m. with a unanimous motion to adjourn.
County Administrator Stewart Jones opened the retreat with a PowerPoint overview titled “Oconee County Strategic Planning Retreat February 20, 2026” and identified five administrative focus areas for FY 2026–27: budget FY25/26 projections; efforts to identify, standardize and implement processes; strengthening controls including insurance and continuity planning; restructuring in areas such as building codes, planning and emergency services; and greater transparency across county operations.
Council members followed with brief statements of priorities. Councilman John Elliott said the county should consider hiring a deputy administrator and establishing an internal audit unit to improve oversight and efficiency. Councilman Don Mize urged a comprehensive restructure of County Administration, asked that municipal fire contracts be addressed, and proposed beginning a municipal overlay project with the City of Seneca to coordinate local planning. Councilman Thomas James called for revisions to county ordinances and better customer service from departments.
Chairman Matthew Durham reiterated support for an internal audit capability and said he wants county leaders and the Fire Service Advisory Commission to develop a long-range plan for county fire services. Durham also expressed interest in creating an in-house paving crew and said the council should align priorities with the FY 2026–27 budget projections. Councilman Glenn Hart likewise backed an in-house paving crew and reported that the Sewer South construction at Exit 4 is progressing.
Durham proposed using accommodations tax (ATAX) funds to help sponsor county events commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary; Phil Shirley, director of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, said a local committee is compiling a calendar of possible events. Grants Administrator Brittney Martin briefed the council on FEMA reimbursement related to Hurricane Helene; members discussed the status of those reimbursements but no financial action was taken at the retreat.
Durham also said he would like to revise the county’s emergency ordinance governing emergency declarations; the retreat recorded the desire to review the ordinance but no specific changes were proposed or adopted. Durham reminded the council that County Auditor Christy Hubbard has scheduled a millage workshop for March 4, 2026; County Assessor Kevin Robinson explained how the ongoing property reassessment ties into millage-setting and the FY 2025/26 budget.
No formal policy votes or ordinance changes were taken at the retreat. Councilman Glenn Hart moved to adjourn at 10:01 a.m.; the motion passed unanimously. The retreat materials referenced during the presentation (including the administrator’s PowerPoint) were filed in the meeting backup. An audio recording of the meeting is available from the council clerk.
