An estimate of what the tax bite could be

Oconee property owners opening their mail likely next month will see their property tax obligation for 2024.  However, a flier will be included in the envelope for a selected number of property owners.  The selected number of property owners inside five Seneca area precincts will also receive an estimate of their bill for next year, in the event the Corinth-Shiloh fire special tax district referendum succeeds, as part of the November 5 General Election.  At a community meeting Saturday, Fire Chief Kevin Christenbury said Oconee voters who live in part of the following five precincts are eligible to vote in the referendum:  Ravenel, Newry-Corinth, New Hope, Seneca, and Shiloh.   A favorable vote will increase those property owners’ tax bills starting next year – the 2025 county tax year.

Christenbury told Saturday’s small gathering at the fire station he takes a positive attitude as to the chances for a successful referendum, though he conceded should the tax district be voted down it’ll be necessary for him and the other officers of the volunteer station to assess what happens going forward.  The chief is hopeful that as many voters and residents from the district will attend any or all of the next three community meetings ahead of the November vote to learn more about why the volunteers believe it’s time to augment the volunteer force with a full-time paid staff to cover a service area where the call volume outstrips other nearby stations.