Low tax rate when compared

‘Tis the season in Oconee for governments to write budgets for next year. Dr. Mike Lucas, Oconee superintendent of education, calls attention today to a ranking that shows of the state’s 46 counties, Oconee taxes seventh lowest in the state. On his blog, Lucas displays a ranking of figures provided to his office by Oconee Auditor Ken Nix. Currently, Oconee public schools accrue funding from 31 mills for capital projects and 110.1 mills for operations. Will it change in 2013-14? “What the board has directed us to do, as we are working on our budget, is to try to keep it as balanced as possible. In other words, looking for cuts, trying to keep the millage where it currently is…, Lucas said.