FAIRFIELD COUNTY, S.C. — The cost-of-living isn't getting any cheaper these days, and for Fairfield County residents, it could soon be costing them even more to call the county home as council moves forward with a millage increase.
“Of course, I don’t like increases because that’s more money out of my pocket,” Fairfield County resident Jane Boyter said. She isn’t sure how to take the news of a possible increase in the taxes on her home.
Fairfield County Council has given initial approval for an increase of 8 mills.
Officials tell News19 that will mean an increase of $32 a year on a home valued at $100,000 dollars.
We reached out to Fairfield County for comment on the increase.
“Fairfield County did approve a millage increase during the county’s budget process," a spokesperson confirmed. "A presentation on the millage increase was presented at the June 26th council meeting.”
Boyter says it will make her budget tighter, "I do manage, but it makes everything tighter. You just have to rethink your budget and what you're doing.”
The county says the increase is needed to offset the increased costs for supplies, equipment, insurance, and services, a portion of the millage will go towards meeting the county’s $3 million in capital needs.
Boyter says she feels like nothing can be done to stop it. “I pay enough taxes as is, but we don't have a lot of control over it, we just have to smile and go on."
The increase will face its third and final reading Monday night, Sept. 6, at 6 p.m. in the Fairfield County Council chambers.