KERSHAW COUNTY, S.C. — Kershaw County residents might soon see an increase in their property taxes as the county considers raising the millage rate to fund the Sheriff's Department.
"I think your average citizens, when an emergency takes place, they don’t check the economy before they call 9-1-1," said Kershaw County Sheriff Lee Boan. "They call 9-1-1, they want me to send a deputy to them."
"When I know that I need to compete with the state to keep deputies on board so somebody can respond to those 9-1-1 calls, I have to do what it takes to be competitive," Boan said.
Kershaw County Council Member Derek Shoemake says this would be the first millage increase in almost two years.
"They are taking the Sheriff’s Department and spinning the sheriff's department off on its own millage," Shoemake said.
This change would separate the Sheriff's Department from the county’s general fund budget.
"We’re gonna see growth over the next several years, and the Sheriff, by having his own millage, will not have to come to the county and ask for a specific amount of his budget," Shoemake said. "His tax rate will be dedicated to him, so as the county grows, the Sheriff will grow."
How much will this actually cost you? Shoemake says if you have a $235,000 home, you will pay approximately 78 cents a month for one mill, totaling $9.40 more for the year.
"Basically, provide a far more robust Sheriff's Department for only 78 cents a month. That’s the primary reason for the millage increase," Shoemake said.
The increase would fund a new deputy, salary increases, and equipment upgrades.
Third and final reading will take place at the county council meeting on Tuesday, June 25th, at 6:30 p.m.