Public may sound off on proposed budgets

Mr. and Mrs. Oconee are invited next week to let their county leaders know what they think about the millions of dollars it will take to run county government for a new year. An announcement by Joel Thrift, council chairman, schedules the hearing for 6 o’clock Tuesday, June 11 in council chambers at Walhalla. At that time, the council will entertain comments and questions about three budgets: the county general budget, the school district budget, and the Keowee special tax district budget. Much of the clamor about a new year of spending centers on a proposed three mill tax increase. The council agreed to raise property taxes in place of a $15 dollar vehicle road maintenance fee. In a budget-related matter at last night’s council meeting, reporters were handed a release from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada. It states that Oconee has received the group’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. To be so recognized, budget documents must be rated “proficient” as a policy document, as a financial plan, as an operations guide, and as a communications device.