Oconee County's Controversial $25 Million Bond: A Fight for Fairness or Economic Growth?

In a move that has sparked heated debate, Oconee County, South Carolina, has secured a $25 million bond for various capital projects and sewer expansions, including the construction of a new sewer line along I-85 in the southern part of the county. However, this decision has not gone unchallenged, as some Upstate residents have filed a lawsuit, claiming the use of the bond is unconstitutional.

Uncovering the Divide: Residents Versus County Officials

The Constitutional Conundrum

According to the plaintiffs, the county's decision to use the bond for a sewer line project that primarily benefits a specific geographical area violates Article 10 of the State Constitution. The article states that a bonded indebtedness cannot be used for any sewage or water services that benefit just one part of the county, unless a special assessment, tax, or service charge is imposed on the area or persons receiving the benefit. The plaintiffs argue that the county has failed to adhere to this requirement, making the entire county responsible for a project that primarily serves a specific region."You have to do a special tax district for that area, and they're not doing it that way. They're making the whole county pay for one small section of the county," explained Douglas Muzik, one of the plaintiffs in the case.

Conflicting Perspectives: Growth Versus Fairness

County officials, on the other hand, maintain that the sewer line project is about more than just a single area. They argue that the line is necessary for industry and growth, as the lack of an operational sewer system in the southern part of the county has hindered business development."The sewer line is needed for industry and growth," said Tryler Swain, the president of DiamondT Promotional Gear, a business located near I-85. Swain explained that the new sewer line would encourage other businesses to build nearby, ultimately leading to economic growth across the entire county.However, some residents remain skeptical of the county's claims, questioning the lack of a clear spending plan and the perceived unfairness of the project."There was really no commitment from any businesses or corporations to come in to use what they were building," said Scott Krueger, a resident who is critical of the project.Others, like Sandy Baker, focus on the constitutional concerns. "For me, it's about the constitutionality," she said, echoing the plaintiffs' concerns.

The Sewer Line's Potential Impact: Saving Businesses and Attracting Jobs

Despite the opposition, supporters of the sewer line project argue that it could have significant benefits for businesses in the area. Swain, for instance, explained that the lack of a sewer system has forced him and other businesses to build their own costly treatment facilities, which can be a significant financial burden."As my business has grown, I've had to add more tanks, and the increase of costs of having somebody pump that increases as my business does," Swain said, noting that at one point, it was costing him around $1,000 per month to maintain his own system.The new sewer line, proponents argue, could alleviate this financial strain for businesses and potentially attract new companies to the area, creating much-needed jobs for the local community."The youth have to move to a bigger city to get jobs, so if we're able to create those jobs here, the idea is hopefully they will stay home," Swain added, highlighting the potential for the project to benefit the county's young residents.

The Call for a Referendum: Giving Residents a Voice

Despite the potential economic benefits, some residents feel that the county's decision to use the bond for the sewer line project should have been subject to a public referendum."I just feel this kind of thing requires a referendum. Ask the people if this is what they want," said Debbie Krueger, another resident who is skeptical of the project.This sentiment reflects a desire among some Oconee County residents to have a direct say in how the bond funds are utilized, rather than leaving the decision solely in the hands of the county officials.

The Legal Battle: Awaiting the Next Hearing

As the lawsuit proceeds, the sewer line project has been put on hold, with the next hearing scheduled for November. The outcome of this legal battle will have significant implications for the future of Oconee County's development efforts and the ongoing debate between economic growth and constitutional compliance.