OC Councilman discusses Budget and Millage Increase

Its budgeting time and discussion about a millage increase in Oconee County seems to be on everyone’ lips. District 3 Councilman Paul Cain, who serves the Seneca area, shared these thoughts on the budget. “This budget season has been especially difficult. Scott Moulder has done an excellent job as our Administrator in finding ways to cut expenditures on the cost side. Councilwoman Edda Cammick, as the chairperson of the County Council Budget Committee, has done a great job in trying to find ways to cut spending. Unfortunately, what has happened is when we starting looking at opening the new jail, which I believe will be open sometime in July to begin training. The Department of Corrections has said we have to hire a number of new employees and I believe the number right now is ten just to open the jail. Looking forward into this next fiscal year upcoming that ends June 30, 2016, we had to find $750,000 in new money that is going to be a recurring cost going forward every year and it may go up depending on what the Department of Corrections says as far as staffing for the jail. So, that is a mill and half of new revenue that without a millage increase we won’t have. So, I don’t think it is necessary this year and this is my personal opinion, but unless revenue comes up next year, we’re going to have to look at a millage increase. I believe it could possibly be necessary.” Councilman Cain said the county must continue to invest in things like economic development and tourism as well. The Oconee County Council holds a special public hearing on the budget on Tuesday, June 9 at 6pm in Council Chambers of the Oconee County Administrative Offices, which are located at 415 South Pine Street in Walhalla.