The Cannon County Commission moved forward to finding revenue sources not depending on increasing property tax rate. The on-going review from the Barrett Group includes, but is not limited to, a review of collections of various current taxes / revenue streams as well as identifying local and state opportunities and recoveries of past under collections or allocations.
Completed review of 7 tax streams, now have 4 completely implemented 3 needed action by county commission. Commissioners reviewed those items in their recent meeting.
Jail and Courthouse Litigation Fee is collected by both county and circuit court clerks. Currently $60 is collected, of which $50 General Debt Service Fund and $10 General Fund for Courthouse Security needs. Commissioners considered and approved a resolution increased General Debt Service fund would gain from the increase and the increase could be used (for example) for a Jail expansion. $85,000 annually would be conservative revenue increase could be budgeted.
Since 1990, the compensation of general sessions judges has risen significantly due to population growth and annual salary adjustments based on inflation which are provided for in the law.
County currently funds these increases from general fund. Proposed increase to $25.00. TCA 16-15-5006 specifically authorizes counties to levy an additional local litigation tax in general sessions court for the purpose of helping to fund general sessions judges’ salaries.
Schools Adequate Facilities Fee The fund fuels capital expenditures for the public school system. The amount of monies currently transferred from county general debt fund to school debt fund (approximately $100,000 annually based on last year’s building permits) could go back to the general debt fund.
Resolution calls for ninety cents per square foot (heated and/or cooled) on new residential development. New homes, new apartments and new mobile homes
½ due at permit issuance; ½ due before occupancy certificate. Occupancy certificates are issued by State Fire Marshall and/or Middle Tennessee Electric. Can increase 10% at 4 year increments. Public buildings, place of worship, ag bldgs., disaster repair, 501 C (3), blight, distressed, urban renewal zone exempt. $40,000 conservative annual revenue estimate could be budgeted.
Also, the approved .90 per square foot fee will annually generate approximately the following and is dedicated to school capital projects:
$89,100 – if building permits for future years mirror 2018 permits (66 new residential constructions)
$54,450 – if county averages 40 new residential building permits for future years (this is the 2010-2018 average).
Commissioners conditionally approved the facilities fee. Barrett will review concerns for some of the commissioners and have answers prior to the next meeting.