Friday, December 6, 2002
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Friday, December 6, 2002 |
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Commission sets summit for business tax rates By JOHN
THOMPSON
Business tax rates will stay the same in Coweta County this year, but next year could be different. The Coweta County Commission unanimously approved keeping the rates Tuesday, but said it would be willing to sit down and talk with the municipalities and business community about the issue. The issue set off a firestorm of controversy last year when the commission doubled the rates and raised the cap on the maximum tax bill from $3,000 to $12,000. During Tuesday's meeting, Joe Crain Jr. from the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce addressed the board and asked the commission not to use the business tax money to offset the operation of the government. Crain said he represented 680 business and it was getting tougher and tougher to compete in the economic development field. Commissioner Vernon "Mutt" Hunter agreed there should be some equity in what the cities and county charge, but said that would have to be addressed next year. "We've gone to far in the budget process to do anything this year," he said. Hunter said he would welcome comments from the business community next year when the issue is addressed with the cities. Commissioner Leigh Schlumper said she believed the commission rushed into a decision last year when it doubled the rates, and is anxious to work with the cities and business community next year on a compromise solution.
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