Politics & Government
Oconee County Commissioners Told They Should Consider Increasing Property Taxes This Year
Finance Director Wes Geddings said the rate has been the same for eight years, and it may be time to raise it to meet future needs.
Given the costs of paying for the enticements to bring Caterpillar to the area, the need for new judicial facilities, and the plans to build new roads and maintain the existing ones, Oconee County commissioners should consider an increase in the county’s property tax rate.
That was the message of Wes Geddings, county finance director, in the opening session of a day-long planning meeting held by the Oconee Board of Commissioners at a conference venue in Athens-Clarke County today.
Commissioner Jim Luke responded by saying he would support an increase in property taxes if the money were earmarked for specific needs, such as for road construction and improvements.
None of the other four commissioners spoke in favor of a tax increase, but none of them spoke against it.
The commissioners heard a long list of needs and wants as the day progressed, and they are likely to hear more tomorrow, as the planning session goes into its second and final day.
For more on the meeting, go to Oconee County Observations.
Pictured: Wes Geddings