CHEROKEE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) – Property owners in Cherokee County will see a 3.5% property tax increase this fall following a split 4-3 vote by the Cherokee County Council.
Cherokee County Administrator, Marvin Bishop said this marks the first increase in three years and comes as the county’s reserve funds are dwindling.
“So we have unrestricted funds that we’ve been dipping into year after year to help offset our balanced budget. So this year we’ve done it again — another $4.1 million to balance the budget. If we keep depleting those, we’re not going to have any funds available in the years to come,” said Bishop.
The increase, which goes into effect September 30, will translate to approximately $48 more in annual taxes for homes assessed at $100,000, $96 more for $200,000 homes, and $144 more for those assessed at $300,000.
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 He said the money is needed to replace outdated equipment and fund ongoing county needs.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.
While the increase has drawn concern from residents, some say they understand the need.
“Things are already high enough as it is and this makes it even more, you know, more out of our pockets. Hopefully, it’s going to go where we need it and not just blown somewhere,” said Patti Jackson, a county resident.
“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.
Officials said each volunteer fire department in Cherokee County will receive an additional $10,000 as part of the tax plan.
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