Hardin County to see sales tax increase
SAVANNAH, Tenn. — Voters turned out Thursday in Savannah to approve an increase in the local sales tax. Half is for the city of Savannah, and the other half is for Hardin County. New funds will benefit departments such as the county’s schools, medical center, and some of the city’s projects. “Our school system really needs the money. We’re always short on money and this will help us considerably,” Hardin County School Board member Jeanelle Dennis said. The local sales tax currently sits at 2.5 percent and the vote approved to increase it at 2.75 percent. Combined with the state sales tax, Hardin County residents and visitors will be taxed 9.75% on every dollar they spend. Officials say many of the spenders will be from out of town. “45 percent of the dollars we’re talking about are citizens that do not even live in Hardin County. It’s such a good way to address our schools and the Hardin Medical Center,” Hardin County Mayor Kevin Davis explained. Hardin County Superintendent Michael Davis said the school system projects about $350,000 will be gained through the increase, and the money will be put toward capital expenditures. The city of Savannah said it will use an estimated $250,000 each year to eventually build a marina and sportsplex, but those projects won’t be under construction too soon. With Savannah now in the position to receive only half of the revenue that was anticipated with a city-only referendum, the economic development plan of immediately pursuing a marina and sportsplex will be reevaluated and the funds from Thursday’s referendum will now go the city’s general fund. The sales tax will go into effect after it is approved by the County Commission and is approved by the state.
