The Bradley County Republican Party Executive Committee unanimously passed a resolution opposing the efforts by some county commissioners to seek a property tax rate hike.
Adam Lewis, BCRP chairman said, “After last fall’s election we were very proud of the fact that 100% of the commissioners were now Republicans. The party was very active in a number of campaigns to help get self-proclaimed fiscal conservatives elected. I am certainly disappointed that less than a year later the discussion of a tax increase has built considerable support among the all Republican commission.”
The resolution acknowledges the Republican party’s long held belief in smaller government and less taxes, and encourages Bradley County commissioners to vote against any property tax increase.
The topic of a property tax increase has been brought before the commission numerous times in the last few months, and failed by only one vote it its most recent attempt.
The next fiscal budget will be approved at Monday's commission meeting, where the issue of tax increase in not on the official agenda. This meeting is the last opportunity for proponents of a tax increase to bring it up. A substitute motion can be made and voted on with no notice to the public, essentially increasing property taxes at the 11th hour.
The Bradley County Republican party maintains that all viable options have not been explored, including ways to cut and or prioritize spending.
Mr. Lewis said, "There is no doubt that our county has needs that must be met, But is not fair to kick the can down the street year after year, show a lack of planning and fiscal responsibility and then place the burden on taxpayers. We do not have a revenue problem, we have a spending problem. The voters have been clear in the past, they do not want higher taxes in Bradley County. I wish the commissioners would listen to the overwhelming majority of their constituents on this.”
Text of the resolution follows:
WHEREAS, the Republican Party Platform clearly states individual citizens should keep more of what they earn because individuals know best how to make their own economic decisions and government should tax only to raise money for its essential functions; and
WHEREAS, the Republican Party has always stood firm in supporting low taxes, recognizing that low taxes and economic prosperity go hand in hand; and
WHEREAS, Republicans across this great nation are fighting against liberal economic ideology, higher taxes, and out of control spending at all levels of our government: and
WHEREAS, the estimated generated revenue from the property tax dollars will simply be a revenue stream used to “borrow” and place a huge debt upon future generations; and
WHEREAS, the County Mayor is on record stating future projects can be funded without a tax increase of any kind.
WHEREAS, it is the opinion of the Bradley County Republican Party that an implementation of a property tax increase is premature; and all viable alternatives must be adequately explored, and expenditures prioritized and deemed as essential.
WHEREAS, the voters of Bradley County have soundly rejected a proposed wheel tax.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Bradley County Republican Party strongly opposes any efforts by our Republican County Commission to raise property taxes and asks other Republicans to stand in opposition to higher taxes and massive amounts of debt for future generations of our county.
Proponents of a tax increase will say this is the only way to fund a much needed project at Lake Forrest Middle School, and will paint those in opposition to the tax as being “Against schools and our kids.”
Mr. Lewis said, “The County Commission has said yes to every project and departmental proposal that has come across their desk, leaving the school system and the kids at Lake Forrest with an empty wallet. That’s not the burden of the taxpayers, and we shouldn’t be left holding the check.”