The cost for Keowee fire protection headed upward

The tax that Keowee Key residents and others who live in nearby lake developments pay for fire protection is headed higher.  County Council last night gave first reading to an ordinance that raises the millage in the Keowee Fire District from 14.5 mills to 17.5 mills.  Chief Brandon Shirley told the council that the tax increase had been discussed and planned since last summer and has met with no real opposition inside the district.  If approved, this increase will be the first in the district since the county’s only special tax district was created 17 years ago.