In Cherokee County, South Carolina, property owners are set to experience a 3.5% rise in their property taxes this autumn after the county council approved it with a divided vote of 4-3.
Marvin Bishop, the administrator for Cherokee County, stated that this represents the first hike in three years and occurs as the county’s reserve funds are becoming depleted.
So we've had access to unrestricted funds which we have gradually used each year to help maintain our balanced budget. This year was no different—we allocated an additional $4.1 million for the same purpose. If we continue to use up these funds, we will run out of resources in future years," explained Bishop.
The rise, effective from September 30, means homeowners with properties valued at $100,000 would pay about an additional $48 yearly in property tax, those with houses worth $200,000 would see their taxes go up by roughly $96 annually, and owners of homes appraised at $300,000 can expect to contribute around $144 extra each year.
Bishop estimates the increase will generate approximately $2.9 million in additional revenue. He said the money is needed to replace outdated equipment and fund ongoing county needs.
“A lot of equipment that we have is just end of life when it comes to patrol cars, excavators. We’re purchasing an incinerator for the landfill,” Bishop said.
He also noted the added funds will support projects such as road maintenance, county employee salaries, allocations to volunteer fire departments, and two new animal control officers.
Although the rise has caused worry among locals, others believe they grasp the necessity for it.
"Everything is expensive enough right now, and this just adds to the cost, making things even harder for us financially. Let's hope it goes towards what really matters instead of being wasted," stated Patti Jackson, who lives in the county.
“In the economy, it’s very difficult. People are struggling as it is, but unfortunately, I think as more people move into this area the county needs more resources,” said Michelle Lewicki, who lives in Blacksburg.
Authorities stated that every volunteer fire department within Cherokee County would be granted an extra $10,000 as a component of the new taxation strategy.
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