Published 7/30/25 (updated 8/20/25):
We DO NOT NEED to discuss a WHEEL TAX any time soon,
unless it is a component of re-evaluating and lessening the tax burden on property owners!
- Low-Hanging Fruit - Cut, delay, re-think or reschedule non-returning capital projects and focus on infrastructure and expenditures that actually PRODUCE REVENUE.
- Tourism / SALES TAX - We must fully capitalize on sales tax & hotel/ motel tax. Commercially Develop/ Invest all of our INTERSTATE EXITS - ESPECIALLY EXIT 14. Promote & Invest in ALL of our municipalities and their ability to draw in Tourism and address infrastructure needs. Grab more dollars from those travelling through our county and less from those living in it!
- Infrastructure - Water, Roads, Building Sites for Homes and Industry must be made available and brought up to 21st century standards. Money spent on pre-development will go far towards SMART development.
- Re-Assessment of Strategic Plan - Between now and 2030, we have the opportunity to capitalize on real growth. According to a recent housing study, Giles county needs over 700 new housing units to support the expected population growth. UTS is expected to grow to 1520/ 1600 students, TCAT will continue to build it's foundation and impact our community, and as much as 50% of out-of-county workers will consider living in Giles County as suitable and affordable housing is available. More Housing means more property tax dollars, but better than that, MORE SALES TAX DOLLARS!
- Quality of Life - Invest in the services that NEW FAMILIES see desirable and want for their future: Education, Health & Safety are key to recruiting new "investors" to our community as well as retaining our current "investors."
- Recruit New Industry - Our Economic Development Committee is speaking with new Industrial Partners, hoping to land industrial commitments which will lead to economic and employment growth. Again, we need affordable and suitable housing as part of the recruiting plan.
- Residential Housing - New affordable housing will keep property tax and sales tax dollars in Giles County. We need to foster SMART rural development while keeping our farmlands in tact and reduce environmental impacts.
NOTE: Our Property Tax Rate will have a forced reduction in 2027 when we are mandated to re-assess all County Property... maybe we can look at our revenue gains between now and then and discuss a potential break beyond that.
- ADDITIONAL RESOURCES -