The decision was unanimous Tuesday for Oconee County Board of Commissioners to approve the proposed $36.4 million budget for FY13, including a general fund of $20.2 million.

The following are FY13 budget highlights, as presented by Finance Director Jeff Benko:

• General Fund budget down 2 percent in FY13, following 16 percent reduction over three years
• SPLOST Expenditures up 45 percent
• Reduction in Personnel and Base Operating Costs
• No Capital Expenditures (Public Safety on hold for six months)
• Emphasis remains with Public Safety at 42 percent and Public Works at 12 percent
• Maintained 6.68 Millage Rate for sixth consecutive year

Departments with fee increases (see the attached pdf for more details and to compare fees from FY12):

• Water and sewer rates
• Animal Control, most notably annual fees for owning potentially dangerous or dangerous dogs
• Oconee County Civic Center