Oconee County Council Advances Major Economic Project and Tourism Funding

On Tuesday in Walhalla, the Oconee County Council swiftly granted first-reading approval to economic development incentives for Project Deer, a competitive proposal from a well-respected international manufacturer of metal parts in a strategically important and growing sector, which is estimated to invest at least $40 million and create at least 100 jobs in Oconee County—one of several finalist locations.

The proposed incentives, recommended by the Oconee Economic Alliance, include allowing the project’s new real and personal property to qualify for South Carolina’s 5-year Manufacturers Abatement, along with 30-year Special Source Revenue Credits that would reduce the assessed value to 6 percent and provide tiered property tax abatements (75% for years 1-7, 60% for years 8-20, and 30% for years 21-30). No discussion occurred on the project.

Council also unanimously approved a resolution distributing Accommodations Tax (ATAX) funds, following recommendations from the Parks, Recreation and Tourism Committee, despite concerns raised by Councilman Glenn Hart about the allocations appearing “very liberal” and questions over certain expenditures like the City of Seneca’s $5,000 for Independence Day advertising (which he previously criticized in relation to fireworks costs).

The approved ATAX allocations include:

  • City of Seneca ($5,000 for Independence Day advertising),
  • City of Walhalla ($2,000 for power extension and vending machine),
  • City of Westminster ($600 for William Bartram Statue website),
  • Discover Upcountry SC ($7,500 for advertising),
  • Eagles Nest Art Center ($4,000 for advertising and upgrades),
  • Lake Hartwell Country ($5,000 for advertising),
  • South Carolina Apple Festival ($4,000 for advertising),
  • The FARM Center ($3,600 for digital sign and signage),
  • Upstate Heritage Quilt Trail ($1,000 for advertising, equipment, and digital marketing),
  • Walhalla Performing Arts Center ($6,650 for 2026 season advertising),
  • Westminster Music Center ($6,650 for 2026 Music on Main),
  • Wild Hearts Equine Therapeutic Center ($4,000 for RV sites construction and advertising),
  • plus, internal PRT projects such as South Cove County Park pavilion repair ($30,000) and maintenance ($7,000), Chau Ram County Park mower ($12,100), Granicus short-term rental software contract ($33,374), and Horton Complex sign ($10,000).
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