Public hearing at Tryon Fire Dept. tomorrow at 7 p.m.
Lake Lanier and Greenville County areas covered by the Foothills Fire Service area may be looking at a millage increase in next year’s budget.
The Foothills Fire Service Area will hold a public hearing on the proposal Tuesday, July 26 at 7 p.m. at the Tryon Fire Department.
The proposal is for the tax rate to increase from a millage rate of 10 mills to 12 mills, according to Foothills Fire Service Area Commissioner Richard Locke. One mill equals 1/10 of a cent.
The Foothills Fire Service area includes properties of Lake Lanier and the Greenville sections from the state line along U.S. 176, Hearthstone Ridge and other areas in the northeastern corner of Greenville County near Landrum and Tryon. The fire departments of Landrum and Tryon cover the areas and are paid annual taxes from Greenville County.
Tryon Fire Chief Joey Davis said Tryon covers approximately 70 percent of the Foothills Fire Service area and receives approximately $25,000 per year in tax revenue from Greenville County. The fire departments also provide first responder service in these areas.
The Foothills Fire Service Commission proposes the annual tax rate with the Greenville County Council approving the final budget. Greenville County’s new budget year will begin Oct. 1.