Residents and firefighters urge council to reconsider single-person daytime staffing at volunteer stations Public commenters warned that a planned policy to station a single full-time firefighter at volunteer stations during daytime hours, set to take effect in early March, risks safety, may conflict with OSHA and county safety manuals, and has already prompted resignations, a speaker said.

Oconee County residents and firefighters are raising alarms over a controversial policy that could put lives at risk by stationing a lone firefighter at volunteer stations during the day.

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#OconeeCounty #SC #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #EmergencyResponse #PublicSafety

Resident asks Oconee County to issue proclamation honoring Reverend Jesse Jackson Wanda Sheehan asked the council to issue a proclamation honoring civil-rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson, summarizing his South Carolina roots and role in desegregation efforts.

Wanda Sheehan's heartfelt plea to honor Reverend Jesse Jackson highlights his monumental impact on civil rights and the legacy he leaves behind.

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#OconeeCounty #SC #CommunityLeadership #CitizenPortal #OconeeCountyCivilRights #SocialJustice #HistoricalAwareness

Board approves $143,475 VOCA grant allocation for victim services The board approved a FY2026 VOCA continuation grant for the Western Judicial Circuit's district attorney's office totaling $143,475 to fund three victim service advocate positions and benefits for the Oct. 1, 2025–Sept. 30, 2026 grant year; the typical 25% match was waived.

Oconee County just approved a vital $143,475 VOCA grant to enhance victim services, ensuring continued support for those in need!

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#OconeeCounty #GA #CommunitySupport #VictimServices #FederalGrant #CitizenPortal

Oconee commissioners approve SPLOST 2027 IGA and call referendum The Oconee County Board approved a final intergovernmental agreement for the proposed SPLOST 2027 renewal and adopted a resolution calling the referendum; the IGA would permit a six-year collection period and includes signatures and project lists from participating municipalities.

Oconee County is set to enhance its infrastructure and community projects with a groundbreaking six-year SPLOST 2027 renewal, thanks to a recent unanimous vote by the Board of Commissioners!

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#OconeeCounty #GA #LocalTaxation #PublicFunding #CommunityInvestment #CitizenPortal

Oconee County discloses $5.7 million shortfall tied to millage-rate miscalculation; insurance talks underway County Administrator Mister Jones told Oconee County Council that a millage-rate miscalculation dating back to 2019 has produced an estimated $5.7 million shortfall; council authorized staff to pursue PEBA insurance coverage and signaled possible budget freezes for fiscal 2627.

Oconee County has uncovered a shocking $5.7 million shortfall due to a years-old miscalculation in millage revenue—what does this mean for taxpayers and future budgets?

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#OconeeCounty #SC #PublicTrust #CitizenPortal #BudgetReform

Period products are a basic need — not a luxury. ❤️
Join tonight’s Dignity Project info meeting as we tackle period poverty in Oconee County through donation drives & distribution points
🗓 Jan 26 | 🕕 6 PM | 💻 Zoom
RSVP & contact Marsha if you need the link
#DignityProject #PeriodPoverty #OconeeCounty

Commission accepts $500,000 from GDOT for SR‑53 roundabout design; caps contract modification at $500,000 After reporting $544,657 in aggregate design change costs for two SR‑53 roundabout projects, commissioners accepted a GDOT reimbursement of $500,000 and approved a contract modification not to exceed $500,000 to complete design work.

Oconee County commissioners just secured $500,000 from GDOT to move forward with crucial roundabout designs on State Route 53, keeping the projects on track for summer completion!

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#OconeeCounty #GA #CommunityPlanning #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureDevelopment

Oconee County approves multiple rezones and variances, including 119‑lot Malcolm Bridge Estates phase The county commission approved several rezoning requests and special‑exception variances Jan. 6, 2026, including a 242.27‑acre rezone (Townley Family Partnership) to allow up to 119 R‑1 lots with conditions, and a commercial rezone and three variances for a proposed 19,500 sq ft neighborhood grocery on Experiment Station Road.

Oconee County is set for a transformative change with the approval of new residential and commercial developments, including a 119-lot estate and a neighborhood grocery that promises to highlight local vendors.

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#OconeeCounty #GA #TrafficImpact #CommunityGrowth

Planning commission votes to align RV-park thresholds with residential traffic rules The commission voted to change RV-park definitions (minor: 4–10; major: 11+) and to incorporate Chapter 26 traffic-study language so the county engineer determines study scope; the changes will be drafted by the county attorney for review.

Oconee County is redefining RV park classifications, shifting the threshold from 20 to just 10 spaces, paving the way for more flexible traffic studies!

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#OconeeCounty #SC #TrafficSafety #RecreationalVehicles #PlanningCommission #CitizenPortal #OconeeCountyRVparks

Fire chiefs tell commission staffing, coverage and dispatch remain challenges; county pursuing radio repeater on Pioneer Water Tower District chiefs reported recruiting and retention problems, coverage gaps and communication difficulties with dispatch and radio frequencies; commissioners said the sheriff’s department is coordinating placement of a radio repeater on the Pioneer Water Tower to improve coverage.

Oconee County fire chiefs reveal alarming staffing and communication challenges that threaten emergency response across districts.

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#OconeeCounty #SC #EmergencyResponse #CommunityCommunication #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal

Kemper Sports pitches Dawson Park expansion; consultants estimate $26.5M direct impact and year‑5 hotel demand Kemper Sports presented a feasibility study for a large, phased sports complex at Dawson Park in Oconee County, projecting up to 62 events, about 55,000 nonlocal room nights at year five under its largest synthetic‑turf scenario, and material operating subsidy needs in early years. Commissioners pressed for clearer estimates of taxpayer cost and hotel capacity.

Kemper Sports has unveiled an ambitious plan for Dawson Park that could bring in $26.5 million and 55,000 hotel nights to Oconee County by year five!

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#OconeeCounty #GA #CommunityDevelopment #EconomicImpact #OconeeCountySports #FacilityPlanning #CitizenPortal

Kemper Sports says Dawson Park could draw sports tourism but models show operating subsidy; commissioners press for taxpayer cost details Kemper Sports presented a feasibility study for Dawson Park recommending a Phase 1 with 10 outdoor multipurpose fields (about 92 acres) and potential indoor expansion; consultants projected up to 62 events and about $26.5 million in direct annual economic impact at maturity but said an operating subsidy is expected in early years. Commissioners pressed for clearer estimates of taxpayer cost, hotel-room capacity and phasing.

Kemper Sports unveiled an ambitious plan for Dawson Park that could transform Oconee County into a sports tourism hotspot, but concerns about taxpayer costs and operational subsidies linger.

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#OconeeCounty #GA #CommunityDevelopment #CitizenPortal #EconomicImpact

Commissioners award roundabout construction contract, hear FY26 Q1 financial update and outline SPLOST 27 proposal The board awarded a construction contract for the Cullum Ferry/Astondale roundabout to the lowest responsive bidder, heard the first‑quarter FY26 financial report showing steady sales‑tax growth, and reviewed a preliminary SPLOST 27 referendum package and schedule targeting a May 2026 election.

Oconee County is gearing up for major infrastructure improvements and financial growth with a new roundabout, promising SPLOST 27 initiatives, and a positive first-quarter financial report!

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#OconeeCounty #GA #CitizenPortal #CommunityOutreach #FiscalResponsibility

County presents updated FEMA‑approved pre‑disaster hazard mitigation plan for adoption Staff presented an updated pre‑disaster hazard mitigation plan that has FEMA approval and asked the board to adopt a resolution; staff highlighted Chapter 4 (mitigation items) as the implementation focus.

Oconee County's new FEMA-approved hazard mitigation plan could transform how we prepare for disasters and protect our community!

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#OconeeCounty #GA #CitizenPortal #DisasterResilience #EmergencyManagement

Oconee County details FY25 year‑end budget amendments, $3.4M transfer to capital County finance staff presented a slate of fiscal year 2025 budget amendments to finalize year‑end entries and prepare audited financial statements, including revenue adjustments, transfers to capital of $3,402,165, water‑and‑sewer adjustments, and carryforward project budgets.

Oconee County's finance team just revealed a stunning $3.4 million transfer to capital funds, reshaping the future of local projects and services!

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#OconeeCounty #GA #CitizenPortal #OconeeCountyBudget #FiscalTransparency #CapitalProjects #RevenueAdjustments

Oconee County planners approve rezoning, special-use permit for proposed Kwik Trip gas station near Monroe Highway The Oconee County Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of a rezoning (P250043) and a companion special-use permit (P250044) for a proposed Kwik Trip gasoline station and convenience store on parcels along Hogmount Road and U.S. 78; staff conditions include architectural standards, landscaping, a traffic-impact analysis and a

Oconee County is one step closer to welcoming a new Kwik Trip gas station and convenience store, but strict conditions for traffic and design will shape its future.

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#OconeeCounty #GA #CitizenPortal #UrbanPlanning #CommunityDevelopment #TrafficManagement

📣 Meet the Candidates – Oconee County!
Mon, Oct 13 | 6 PM @ Blue Ridge Community Center, Seneca. Hear from local candidates ahead of 2025 elections. Stay informed & engaged!
#OconeeDemocrats #MeetTheCandidates #SCDems #OconeeCounty

Oconee County Considers Volleyball Courts To Boost Youth Sports Opportunities County leaders advocate for new volleyball courts to enhance community sports programs.

Oconee County is on the brink of transforming youth sports with a groundbreaking proposal for a new 16-court volleyball complex that promises to elevate local programs and attract regional tournaments.

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#OconeeCounty #GA #CitizenPortal #HistoricalPreservation #YouthSports

County Officials Prepare SPLOST Renewal Vote for May 2026 Primary Election County budget plans include funding for public safety and preservation projects through SPLOST.

Oconee County is gearing up for a pivotal vote in May 2026 that could shape the future of public safety and infrastructure—are you ready to make your voice heard?

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#OconeeCounty #GA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #InfrastructureImprovements

County Commissioners Approve FY 26 Budget of $83.7 Million with Tax Reductions Commissioners adopt budget emphasizing public safety and increased homestead exemptions.

Oconee County's new budget of $83.7 million prioritizes public safety while offering significant tax relief for residents—find out how it impacts you!

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#OconeeCounty #GA #BudgetTransparency #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #TaxRelief

City Plans Upgrades for Heritage Park and New Gym at Dawson Park City discusses significant enhancements for Heritage Park and a new gymnasium at Dawson Park.

Exciting upgrades are coming to Oconee County parks, including a new gymnasium and enhanced trails to elevate community recreation!

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#OconeeCounty #GA #CitizenPortal #CommunityRecreation #InfrastructureImprovements #PublicSpaces

Local IDA Meeting Highlights USCA Tennis Grant and Sport Tourism Focus IDA meeting emphasizes the importance of the USCA Tennis Grant for sport tourism.

Oconee County just scored big with the USCA Tennis Grant, paving the way for enhanced sports tourism and community engagement!

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#OconeeCounty #GA #CitizenPortal #SportsTourism #EconomicGrowth #OconeeCountySports

Utility Relocation Begins for New Roundabouts and GDOT Projects in Oconee County Utilities are relocating for multiple road projects, including roundabouts and signal replacements.

Oconee County is gearing up for major infrastructure upgrades, including new roundabouts and improved traffic management to enhance safety and accommodate community growth.

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#OconeeCounty #GA #CitizenPortal #TransportationSafety #InfrastructureDevelopment

Local Officials Discuss Sport Tourism Funding and Safety at Bishops Crossing Intersection Officials advocate for sport tourism oversight and improved safety at local intersections.

Oconee County is on the brink of transforming into a sports tourism hub while tackling urgent pedestrian safety concerns—community voices are shaping the future!

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#OconeeCounty #GA #CitizenPortal #SportTourism #PedestrianSafety

Commission Approves Bogart LLC Rezoning for Expanded Senior Living Community Bogart LLC seeks to increase building size to 138,422 square feet for senior living.

Oconee County is considering a bold expansion of its senior living community, aiming to enhance quality of life for residents with a substantial increase in building size!

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#OconeeCounty #GA #SeniorLiving #CitizenPortal #CommunityDevelopment #OconeeCountySeniors

School Board Approves Special Education Contract and Electric Boom Lift Purchase Board approves significant financial contracts and discusses personnel matters in executive session.

The Oconee County Board of Education is navigating financial challenges and strategic planning, ensuring stability and growth as they prepare for the academic year ahead.

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#GA #CitizenPortal #EducationFinance #OconeeCounty #FiscalResponsibility #ResourceAllocation

School District Introduces New Career Pathway Courses to Enhance Student Opportunities District expands course offerings to include digital marketing, teaching, and government pathways.

Oconee County students are about to unlock exciting new career pathways, from digital marketing to teaching and beyond, all designed to enhance their educational experience without extra costs!

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#GA #CitizenPortal #OconeeCounty #CareerPathways #EducationInnovation

Oconee County Schools to Approve Charter Policy and Host Flu Vaccine Clinics Board discusses school improvement plans, new charter policy, and upcoming flu vaccine clinics.

Oconee County Schools are making strides in educational equity and student health with new charter policies and upcoming flu vaccine clinics!

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#GA #CitizenPortal #OconeeCounty #PublicHealth #EducationReform

Oconee County Schools Board to Approve Technology and Policy Updates on September 15 Board to discuss classroom audio systems and internet policy revisions at upcoming meeting.

Oconee County Schools are on the brink of transformative changes, from cutting-edge classroom technology to vital policy updates aimed at enhancing student safety and engagement.

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#GA #CitizenPortal #TechnologyAccess #OconeeCounty #StudentInclusion #EducationInnovation

Oconee County Board discusses ELOST growth and community investment strategies Board members acknowledge community contributions and project priorities linked to ELOST funding.

The Oconee County Board of Education is gearing up for a game-changing ELOST referendum that promises to boost funding without burdening local taxpayers.

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#GA #CitizenPortal #OconeeCounty #FiscalResponsibility #EducationReform