Saying a good word for paying an extra penny

The first of two forums to draw attention to the November Capital Project Sales Tax Referendum in Oconee County was described by a chamber of commerce leader as a way to provide unbiased information about the proposition. In front of the crowd that gathered at Walhalla Civic Auditorium, the Oconee Chamber of Commerce assembled a panel six speakers to address the seven projects that would benefit by an extra penny on the sales tax. Also participating was Scott Moulder, the Oconee County administrator who talked about county government’s part in the event the voters say yes on November 4. Fair Play resident Tim Mays represents his community’s hopes for 1-cent sales tax money to build a Golden Corner Community Center, which is to have a library component. Mays, a power company worker, said Oconee County won’t always have a nuclear plant that provides millions of dollars in annual property taxes, so it makes sense to put things in motion “that’ll fill that void.” According to Mays, the Golden Corner Community Center can provide services that can help attract new employers to the area. Another one-cent project designed to create economic development is a water line project on north highway 11. Salem Clerk-Treasurer Kim Alexander believes the infrastructure project can help attract jobs and strengthen the tax base in an area of the county often neglected.