Cherokee County commissioners vote 3–2 to advertise 6.348‑mill M&O rate

The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners voted 3–2 on July 7 to advertise a proposed county maintenance and operations (M&O) millage rate of 6.348 mills, setting that figure as the maximum the county may consider when it holds public hearings before finalizing the rate.

Chair Harry Johnston opened the discussion by explaining that the advertised rate is a ceiling that cannot be increased after notice is published and that the county will hold multiple hearings, including evening and noon sessions, before final adoption. “We are required to advertise the county M and O rate before we hold the hearings,” Johnston said.

Commissioner Carter moved to advertise the 6.348 rate; Commissioner Wetherbee seconded the motion. Commissioner Ragsdale argued earlier that the county’s usual practice of advertising the highest plausible rate (6.505 mills) preserves flexibility and allows staff to budget conservatively while trying to reduce the final rate. “I would advocate for the 6.505,” Ragsdale said, adding that advertising high gives staff room to trim later. Carter and other supporters said 6.348 is a realistic, achievable level that uses some reserves but avoids larger increases.

Commissioners split along those lines in the roll call. Chair Harry Johnston, Commissioner Carter and Commissioner Wetherbee voted yes; Commissioners Cagle and Ragsdale voted no. The motion passed by a 3–2 vote and the county will now publish notice for hearings and solicit public comment before setting a final rate.

What the advertised rate would fund: county staff said 6.348 would cover certain planned expenses while excluding broad personnel expansions beyond recently authorized deputies. The budget assumptions discussed included computer upgrades, overtime, some quick‑response fire vehicles and a 2.5% cost‑of‑living increase for staff; larger departmental requests were not fully funded at that level. Johnston noted the county does not yet have a path to return to the current 5.153‑mill rate.

Next steps: The board scheduled at least two public hearings (including a noon hearing at the second August meeting) to gather input before final action. Residents who wish to comment were told they may attend the hearings or submit feedback by email ahead of the meetings.

Votes at a glance: Motion to advertise M&O at 6.348 mills — mover: Commissioner Carter; second: Commissioner Wetherbee; outcome: approved, 3 yes (Harry Johnston, Carter, Wetherbee), 2 no (Cagle, Ragsdale).