Taxes might increase in Sangaree district

MONCKS CORNER — Residents in the Sangaree Special Tax District could face a tax increase to help shoulder the costs of a new fire substation and increased trash collection costs.

The district's advisory commission on Tuesday approved a recommended budget for next year that would increase taxes by about $83.20 for the average $130,000 owner-occupied home, said Berkeley County Deputy Supervisor Chip Boling.

The $1.6 million budget will be voted on by Berkeley County Council at its meeting June 25.

Boling said part of the increase will go toward building a new fire substation, which has long been on the wish list of many of the estimated 9,000 residents of the sprawling neighborhood across Interstate 26 from Summerville.

Residents have long been concerned by lagging response times, and several fires of late have only intensified those concerns.

Members of the Sangaree Crimewatch program said in a couple of instances volunteer firefighters have had to drive by the fire to pick up the firetruck from the closest station on Royle Road, across the interstate.

Boling said there are no concrete plans yet involving the fire station, but they hope to at least identify a temporary facility to house a firetruck.

Once the station is built, district officials anticipate residents will actually see a net savings as a result of a decrease in their homeowners insurance. Boling said decreasing the ISO rating could save as much as $150 on insurance.

"We're forming some partnerships and trying to be innovative but at the same time they (the commission) realize in order to bring fire protection, they're going to have to raise taxes," Boling said.

April McDevitt, secretary of the Sangaree Crimewatch program, said she was relieved to hear that a fire substation was among the plans. McDevitt sent an e-mail to many of the residents this week about the tax increase.

"I'm happy that they're wanting to bring in more resources to the community, and I'm extremely happy that they're contacting and communicating with us about what's been going on," she said.

Boling said the tax increase also will help absorb growing trash collection costs. The commission recently signed a three-year contract that, because of rising fuel costs, was $100,000 more than the contract that expired earlier this year.

The special tax district is responsible for providing solid-waste collection, recreation and the maintenance of streets and greenways.

There are about 3,000 homes in the neighborhood and more than 30 miles of roadway.

Reach Andy Paras at 745-5891 or aparas@postandcourier.com.