Salem works toward new budget

The Oconee County town of Salem proposes to hold the line on its tax rate for another 12 months, but intends to raise water rates. The town council last night gave the first of two readings to a $1.4 million dollar budget for 2918-19. According to Dave Poulson, who has taken on a dual role of police chief and town administrator, Salem’s elected leaders project a 6.5% water rate increase that will likely show up on bills in about three months.