Residents and volunteers oppose appointments; council opens study of dissolving Shiloh special-purpose fire tax district

Dozens of residents, volunteer firefighters and district leaders addressed the Oconee County Council about proposed ordinance changes affecting the Corn/Shiloh Special Purpose Tax District, airing deep disagreement over governance, transparency and property rights.

Residents and volunteers repeatedly said they were surprised to learn commission composition changes were on the agenda and accused the commission and council of undermining a promise that commissioners would be elected in November 2026. "We were appalled to learn that an ordinance has going forward that removes our ability to vote and elect commissioners," said Lisa Eister, a longtime resident. Several speakers expressed concern the change would allow future commissions or councils to raise millage beyond the 25-mill figure voters were told when approving the district. "That is taxation without representation," Eister said.

Wayne Smith, who identified himself as chairman of the special-purpose tax district commission, told the council the commission delivered two budgets under 25 mills and denied any intent to raise millage without a referendum. "This is simply untrue," he said, responding to social-media claims that the commission intended to increase taxes above 25 mills; he told council that the ordinance already provides for a referendum if the commission proposes more than 25 mills.

Other speakers described strained relations between the volunteer department and the newly formed district, allegations that volunteers were locked out of meetings and that qualified personnel were turned down for the new organization. Bill Box, a former volunteer leader, warned that the volunteer corporation still holds a mortgage (he cited $290,000) and roughly $1 million in assets and cautioned council that forcing transfer of property could constitute an unlawful taking. "Forcing the taking of property by moving this ordinance forward will only force the corporation to liquidate our assets," Box said.

In response to the public comments and apparent operational stalemate, a council member moved and the council seconded a study directing the county administrator, in consultation with the county attorney, the fire chief and the emergency director, to examine the feasibility and legality of dissolving the Corn/Shiloh Special Purpose Tax District and returning fire protection responsibilities to the county, and to return a proposed plan with cost analysis within 90 days. The chair also directed the county attorney to review potential ordinance amendments to require a taxpayer referendum for any millage above 25 mills ahead of third reading. Council members emphasized that ensuring continuity of fire protection and public safety is paramount while negotiations and any litigation continue.