Thursday, May 30, 2019

Oconee County Water Rates To Increase Only Slightly in Proposed 2020 Fiscal Year Budget

***Sewer Rates Unchanged***

Oconee County Water rates will increase only by pennies and sewer rates not at all as part of the $52.3 million Fiscal Year 2020 budget released to the public last week at the front of the usual Board of Commissioners meeting.

The occasion was the first formal public hearing on the budget, and only one citizen spoke in response.

Monday, May 27, 2019

Congressman Tells Oconee County Gathering That Memorial Day Is Day Of National Commitment Not To Forget

***Comments Made At Veterans Memorial***

Memorial Day is a day of national commitment not to forget those who lost their lives in defense of the country, Rep. Jody Hice told a crowd gathered today at the Oconee Veterans Memorial in Oconee Veterans Park.

Hice thanked those who turned out to honor “those who have given their lives” and their families who have suffered the loss as well.

Sunday, May 26, 2019

Oconee County Planning Commission Recommends Against Impound Lot in Farmington

***Approves Expansion of Oconee Health Campus***

When Ben Hanley made his pitch last Monday before the Oconee County Planning Commission for an impound lot in Farmington, he had a nearly full room of citizens seated behind him.

Hanley said the county needs a second tow operator and impound lot, and he proposed expanding his Madison County business into Oconee County to meet that need.

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Oconee County Commission Chair Proposes Moving Forward With Roundabouts At Malcom Bridge Middle School Entrances

***Cites Safety And Traffic Concerns***

Oconee County will go forward with construction of three roundabouts on Malcom Bridge Road, two at entrances to Malcom Bridge Middle School, if the Board of Commissioners next month approves plans put forward at the Commission meeting Tuesday night.

Construction of two of those roundabouts–at Mars Hill Road and Malcom Bridge Road and at the bus entrances to Malcom Bridge Middle School–could begin this summer.

Saturday, May 18, 2019

Oconee County School Board Blocks County Plans To Build Roundabouts At Malcom Bridge Middle School Entrances

***Board Of Commissioners To Consider Options***

The Oconee County Board of Education on Monday refused to grant the county the rights of way and easements for construction of roundabouts at the two entrances to Malcom Bridge Middle School.

The inaction is an attempt by the Board of Education to thwart the efforts by the county Board of Commissioners to build the roundabouts.

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Three Stores In Oconee County’s Epps Bridge Centre Closed Or Closing Since January, Reflecting National Retail Trends

***Costco Not On Horizon***

LifeWay Christian Store in Epps Bridge Centre currently is holding a going-out-of-business sale and will be the third store in the Oconee County shopping center to close this year.

Gap closed in January, and Kinnucan’s last month.

Thursday, May 09, 2019

Oconee County School Board To Consider Reducing Property Tax As Part Of Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Proposal

***Board Discusses Roundabouts***

Oconee County School administrators are asking the Board of Education to approve a $82 million Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Budget that is based on a reduction of the millage rate to 16.5, the lowest rate for county schools since 2003.

The proposal received a positive response from the Board at its work session on Monday and is scheduled to be adopted as a tentative budget at the Board’s meeting on this coming Monday.