Duke’s new assessment to mean millions more to Oconee

The 2015 tax assessment covering Duke Energy holdings in Oconee County should translate to an extra $2.9 million in the coffers of county government.  Ken Nix, county auditor, says he received word Friday from the state Department of Revenue that the rate for which he calculates Duke’s obligation is to be based on an assessment of $143.9 million.  Nix takes that assessment and calculates what the utility will owe based on this year’s tax millage to be set by the Oconee County Council.  He will make a recommendation at Tuesday’s council meeting.  If council holds millage to last year’s level, Nix estimates, Duke’s obligation this year will amount to $29.9 million—an increase of $2.9 million from 2014.