Friday, July 19, 2002
|
Friday, July 19, 2002 |
|
County wants more equitable tax distribution By JOHN
THOMPSON
Coweta County met with leaders from its cities last week to discuss a proposed distribution of sales tax dollars. The county contends that some city dwellers are receiving a much larger benefit than residents in the county and wants to correct the problem. Representatives from Grantville, Senoia, Haralson and Palmetto met with the county last week to discuss the new distribution plan. County administrator Theron Gay said Newnan did not send a representative because of a scheduling conflict. In 2000, the county received slightly over $12.8 million in sales tax revenues. One of the problems the county has is how the money is divided under a 1994 agreement. While unincorporated Coweta County has 78 percent of the population, it only received 66 percent of the funds. Conversely, Newnan had 18 percent of the county's population, yet received nearly 28 percent of the sales tax dollars. Gay said the county doesn't want to cause any of the municipalities budget problems, but is suggesting the percentages be changed in the next few years. "As the tax dollars grow, the cities will be getting a comparable dollar amount, but it will be more fair to the unincorporated residents," said Gay. He said the cities would take the proposal back to their councils for discussion. He also added that Newnan will be urged to attend the next meeting so an agreement can be reached before the end of the year.
|
||