Bluffton residents could face higher taxes if firefighters added - WTOC-TV: Savannah, Beaufort, SC, News, Weather & Sports

Added firefighters could mean higher taxes in Bluffton

Posted: Updated:
BLUFFTON, SC (WTOC) -

Taxes could be going up in Bluffton if the fire district gets to hire 24 new firefighters to protect the Colleton River Plantation and Palmetto Bluff.

The district's proposal aims to keep home insurance rates from increase for some property owners after the insurance services office risk ratings fell, according to an Island Packet report.  

Chief Barry Turner told WTOC he was asked to come up with a plan to bring those rating back up. He has proposed hiring 12 new firefighters at each of the two stations by July 1.

The cost would be about $1.3 million a year in salary and benefits and $335,000 to train them.

Now the Beaufort County Council must approve the plan.

Copyright 2013 WTOC. All rights reserved.