GOOSE CREEK, S.C.—On Tuesday night, Goose Creek City Council passed first reading of an ordinance that would increase property taxes by five mills beginning next year.
According to Goose Creek Finance Director Ron Faretra, the millage increase amounts to $619,605.
“Someone living in a $150,000 house who paid $243 in city property taxes this year would pay $273 next year,” he stated.
City leaders say the increase is needed to pay for the city’s 12 new firefighters and two new fire stations.
This move comes less than a year after city council passed the first property tax increase in 34 years. Prior to October 2014, the last time voters saw a tax hike was in 1980.
Along with an increase in property taxes, Goose Creek residents will likely see their water bills increase by approximately 14 percent. This means, the average bill will go up by about three dollars per month.
“The water increase is needed to fund the water line improvements that the city has to complete. Those improvements are estimated to be in excess of $8 million. The city is adding a third hydropillar and connecting all three together which will improve the water pressure,” stated Councilman Jerry Tekac.
While Tekac says the increase in fees are necessary, he says it confirms the need for city leaders to work together to further attract more businesses to the area.
“These increases heighten the need for the city to become much more involved in economic development instead of placing the burden on the taxpayers,” stated Tekac.
Final reading on the budget and water rate increase will take place at the next council meeting on October 13th.
