Overton Budget Committee To Revisit Pay, Taxes
The Overton County Budget Committee will go back to work on a new county budget after hearing from residents upset with a property tax increase and some of the spending in the budget. Commissioner Geraldine Walker said the main concern she heard from the public about the last proposal was a $3 per hour raise […]
Rodgers: Wheel Tax An Option, But Freed Up Sales Tax Dollars Ideal In Future
A wheel tax could work give Putnam County another revenue source instead of property tax increases in the future. Budget Committee Chair Ben Rodgers said just over half the counties in the state have implemented a wheel tax to help fund a variety of projects. He said the average tax is about $25 per vehicle […]
Comptroller’s Office Said Van Buren Finances In Good Shape
Tennessee Comptroller’s Office Director of Communications said Tuesday’s decision against the Van Buren Wheel tax will not immediately affect the county. Dunn said the county’s property tax will provide enough county revenue for the remainder of the year. “Van Buren County implemented a property tax increase at that time, and it is that revenue that […]
Van Buren Wheel Tax Increase Fails
The wheel tax in Van Buren County has failed to pass. One thousand nine hundred and thirty seven residents voted against the $40 dollar increase with 883 voting in favor. This is the second proposed wheel tax increase to get voted down by voters in the last two years. In February 2019, voters struck down […]
Early Voting Numbers Up Across Upper Cumberland
Voting totals are up across the Upper Cumberland as the early voting period ended Thursday. Jackson, Overton, Van Buren and White Counties have all seen an increase compared to the last presidential election. White County Election Commission Administrator Dorcas Marcum said she’s seen a heavy stream of voters everyday. “Pretty much it’s been over 500 […]
Jackson Co. Receives Restitution For Stolen Money
Jackson County has received about $50,000 in insurance and restitution for the theft of about $25,000 by a former county clerk. Mayor Randy Heady said the majority of the money will go to unpaid monthly wheel tax payments. “Because of the missing money in the clerk’s office, we were unable to pay a month and […]
Teacher Pay Could Benefit From Van Buren Wheel Tax
The Van Buren School System is in need of pay increases to stay competitive in recruiting teachers. Director of Schools Cheryl Cole said Van Buren is struggling to keep teachers from moving to larger school systems in Tennessee. “The county has not provided the teachers with a raise or the support staff with a raise […]
Wheel Tax Heading to Ballot in Van Buren
The Van Buren County Commission approved a resolution 9-1 Monday night to send a Wheel Tax referendum to the November ballot. County voters will have the chance to decide to accept or reject a $40-dollar tax on vehicles. Half of the funds are earmarked for Van Buren County Schools, while the other half goes toward […]
Van Buren Passes Tax Increase; Budget
The Van Buren County Commission passed a balanced budget with a 45-cent property tax increase Monday night. The Commission voted 9-1 to pass the budget and set the new rate at $2.76. Budget Committee Chairman William Maxwell said he felt the Commission made the right decision to raise revenues. “I think we did the right […]
Van Buren Residents Frustrated Over Tax Increases
Van Buren County residents are frustrated about another property tax increase. Last year, commissioners approved a 35-cent increase. Now, county commissioners will vote for a 45-cent increase to try and balance the budget. Long-time Van Buren resident and business owner Laura Wallace said she is against the raise. “We are still broke,” Wallace said. “They […]
