Editor:
The notion that Oconee County residents are over-taxed does not compute.
By any definition, South Carolina ranks in the lowest one-third in taxes in the country. For the past 20 or more years the county growth has, in large measure, been fueled by the influx of retired people. A main attraction bringing retirees to Oconee County is the low property tax rate. Just ask any of them.
In our own situation, our property tax, adjusted for school taxes not included in Oconee County, are about a third of what we would pay in Illinois for a lesser house. And Illinois is not high compared to most northern states.
The county faces major capital expenses that cannot be put off. The courthouse has to be fixed to comply with federal law (Where was the county engineer when it was built?). The deplorable condition of the county jail is well known, and it too must be resolved. I personally believe the county is long overdue for a new, updated library. On the operating side, the Planning Commission is understaffed and the budget for road maintenance is inadequate. I’m sure there are other pressing needs.
Nothing stays the same. The county either progresses or goes backward. To return tax money and lower taxes is the road to a backwater county. The citizens of Oconee County expect and deserve more.
Bill Nelson
Seneca
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October 31, 2009
6:29 a.m.Report inappropriate content
letter writter hits nail on the head
October 31, 2009
11:25 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Mr. Nelson...With all these projects lingering do you think you could influence the powers to be to get on with the program instead of sitting there counting nichols & noses?
October 31, 2009
12:34 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Absolutely! Let's move forward!!
November 2, 2009
4:16 p.m.Report inappropriate content
You're blame misses the target when it comes to the courthouse. The county engineer answers to County Council. So, the question should be: Where was County Council when the new courthouse was being built?