Image Credit: Goodlettsville Chamber of Commerce & Canva.
Article by the Tennessee Conservative News Staff –
Goodlettsville shoppers could potentially be subjected to the highest sales tax rate in the state if the Goodlettsville Investment Act passes in November.
Voters will have the opportunity to vote on the resolution on the November ballot, which would increase the sales tax rate by 0.5%. This would be an additional 50 cents on every $100 spent. Tax rates on the Davidson County side would rise to 10.25% while the Sumner County side would see a new rate of 9.75%.
The proposal was approved by the Goodlettsville Board of Commissioners because they say funding is needed to cover the costs of planned infrastructure initiatives such as improved sidewalks and beautification of public spaces, along with additional staff and equipment for public safety.
Supporters estimate that the increase will generate around $3 million per year. No language is included in the proposal, however, to mandate how that money is spent.
According to City Manager Julie High, city leaders prefer a sales tax increase over a property tax increase because they would like to see that additional money come from people other than just city residents, although the sales tax increase does not mean property taxes will not be increased in the future.
“The cost of providing services and the demand for our services has increased at a greater rate than our revenues have,” High said. “We think that this option for an increase in sales tax is better for our citizens because it’s shared by more than our citizens. It’s shared by everyone who shops and dines in our city.”
Sources:
WSMV.
KLTV.
