Members of Oconee County Council meet in regular session Tuesday night to conduct the taxpayers’ business, and they would really like to know what you think.

The board’s five members make decisions at their twice monthly meetings that affect every resident in the county. Though members might at times get fatigued with answering constituent phone calls, or being unable to eat a meal out without having to talk business, they crave your feedback. Without input from residents, council representatives can’t feel the pulse of the county and know how folks feel about issues. Communication between members and those they represent is essential.

The current group of councilmen is seemingly faced with a daunting list of hot topics at each meeting. Among the items sure to be discussed Nov. 3 are a zoning request, options regarding the relief of critical jail overcrowding, selection of a search firm to help find a new county administrator, and questions surrounding the county’s budget situation, both current and past.

Council has moved wisely to seek professional help in finding a new administrator. It should follow the same course in getting to the bottom of questions regarding over-taxation and a surplus of county taxpayer dollars. Conduct an outside audit.

Oconee residents want answers as to why money they earned has been collected by the county and allowed to lay around unused. They rightfully believe that those dollars should have remained in their pockets, and that now at least a portion of that over-taxed amount should be returned in the form of a credit.

We hope and want to believe that members of Council intend to do the right thing by their constituents and make good on the over-taxation. They may need some prodding to do so, however.

Come to County Council chambers on Pine Street in Walhalla at 7 p.m. Tuesday for the meeting to show how you feel. Call a member ahead of time and express your opinions. They’ll never know unless you tell them.