Oconee mulls tax increase

Tax increases are unheard of in election years.  Perhaps not in Oconee County.  The county council, meeting as the budget committee, agreed to entertain the idea of a 2-point-2 tax mill increase as a way to generate revenue to help the county administrator deliver a balanced budget.  At this point, the county is looking at a potential new budget calling for $44.7 million in expenses.  Scott Moulder, the administrator, presented a pair of scenarios—one in which the 2016-17 budget would fall $2 million in the hole; the other, in which the deficit would amount to $1.1 million.  Moulder told the council that saying no to certain requests and raising property taxes are a way out.  Councilman Joel Thrift reacted, saying the last thing the council wants to do is to raise taxes, but an incremental increase would give Moulder “wiggle room” as the county anticipates that new economic development eventually will raise the county’s revenues.  Council Chairman Paul Cain quickly agreed, and the council voted 4 to 1 to pursue raising taxes as part of the new budget.  Councilman Wayne McCall voted no.  The council budget committee will next take up the proposed budget during an April 14 meeting.