Spartanburg Locals Give Thumbs Up to Property Tax Hike and $2.5 Million Bond Referendum to Improve Fire Department
SPARTANBURG, S.C.
In a recent vote residents within the Hilltop Fire District’s coverage area have expressed strong support for two special items on the ballot – a rise in property tax and a hefty $2.5 million bond referendum. Both initiatives aim to fund substantial upgrades to the local fire department, whose aging facilities have been due for an overhaul.
The voting has surely brought some cheer to the district’s Fire Chief, Donald Millis. “The two things passed was a big, big help to the fire district.” he shared. “We are happy to know that we are supported by our tax payers. They represented us well in the election.”
Budgeting Through Property Tax Increase
The first of the two referendums saw nearly 60% of voters agreeing to a 10 millage property tax hike, a decision expected to significantly boost the department’s financial resources. “We were sitting at 45 mills and were looking to get to 55 mills. Not saying we are going to bill 55 mills straight off but that will give us some inflation protection if something comes up down the road.” Millis explained.
$2.5 Million Bond Referendum Comes Through
Another key measure that passed with a whopping 73% of the votes was a $2.5 million bond referendum. With this approval, the fire department can look forward to its first major updates in decades.
“We aim to modernize our station to improve conditions for our firemen and staff.” Millis told us. “We have a pretty outdated building here. The front part of the station was set up in 1957, the basement area in ’94, and haven’t seen any significant changes since then.”
Some of the purchases in the pipeline include a brand-new fire truck and essential repairs. The chief added, “We have to repair our leaking roofs and install new AC units. There’s a good deal of work that needs to be done to bring the place up to par.”
Tying in with the City’s Beautification Project
Millis assured that the facility’s facelift would be in line with the city’s ongoing Gateway Beautification Project. He hopes these changes will not only make the taxpayers proud but also improve visibility of the fire department.
“Visitors driving into the city should know they have a fire department here.” Millis said. “Currently, we only have signs on the building’s front and on a wall upstairs. Our plan is to put up a large sign outside so that everyone can easily locate the fire department.”
The Hilltop Fire District is now in the process of drafting up renovation plans. Surely, this is great news for the residents of Spartanburg, who will soon see their beloved fire department don a new look while getting the vital upgrades it sorely needs.
