From the Madison Courier:
The Carroll County Fiscal Court discussed a decrease in county tax rates during a meeting Tuesday.
Carroll County Judge-Executive Harold "Shorty" Tomlinson told magistrates current tax rates were set at 4.5 percent, but could be lowered again this year. Magistrates discussed a decrease to 3.9 percent for the new county tax rate.
"The rest of our revenues are up," Tomlinson said, so a savings could be passed along to county residents.
This marks the 10th year for the tax rate decrease, down from a county tax rate of 13.3 percent in 2003.
Even though magistrates plan to decrease county taxes, other special taxing districts in the county may increase their tax rates, Tomlinson said. In the end, county residents may still see a slight increase in their tax bills.
Magistrates have nearly a month to approve the decreased tax rates. County tax rates must be submitted to the state by Aug. 26.
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Carrollton City Council members discussed the first tax rate increase in three years during a meeting Monday.
Mayor Gene McMurry said council members could choose to not increase the current tax rate or raise the tax rate up to 4 percent to match the compensating rate. The city lost about $27,000 in tax revenue over the last two years while choosing not to increase the rates because of the economic recession.
"I just regret we haven't done it the last two years," which creates a seemingly larger increase at one time, councilwoman Ann Deatherage said.
Council members agreed that a 4 percent tax rate increase is needed to keep up with providing the city's services. The increase will cost an additional $10 per $100,000 of appraised value, Councilman Robb Adams said, or 1 cent per $100 of appraised value. The increase will create an estimated $13,000 in additional revenue.
Councilman Mike Gordon said the increase will help pay for the 3 percent pay increase that was approved for city employees as well as other city services, such as the fire department.
McMurry plans to draft an ordinance and hold the first reading during the next city council meeting on Aug. 12.
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