The Taxman Stayeth Where He Hath Been

The Hardeman County Commission voted 9-6 to keep the county tax rate at $2.55 for another year at their meeting on June 20 in the Hardeman County Courthouse.
Voting against keeping the tax rate at $2.55 were Anthony Pulse, Bobby Doyle, Elvis White, Major Wilburn, Connie Young, and Chandra Lake.
The 9-6 margin was more decisive than the vote on the first reading. In May, Hardeman County Mayor Jimmy Sain broke an 8-all tie to pass the 2017-2018 Hardeman County Budget.
Mayor Sain broke the May 16 tie after the debate that centered on the county schools funding. Sain wanted to shave four cents off last year’s school budget due to a decrease in students in the county, but the schools asked that the county only cut two cents to bring the rate back to $1.48 from $1.50. The commission eventually voted to reduce the schools down to $1.46, a four cent cut as well.
“I’m very pleased that our county has passed a budget for the third year with no tax increase. The County General Fund took a four cent cut and will be operating on 39.6% of the revenue, but our conservative elected officials balanced their budgets as requested. I’m very proud to serve with them,” said Sain.
Breaking down the $2.55 tax rate, it gives the County General Fund $1.01 (39.6%), Debt Service receives $0.08 (3.1%), and the School Fund gets $1.46 (57.3%) of the total monies that are expected to be collected.
The School Fund balance as of June 20 stood at $9,870,102.82, while the county reported $3,685,577.06 in their coffers.
The Hardeman County Budget Committee consists of chairperson Jerry Watkins, Junior Jimmerson, and three county commissioners: Elmer Cobb, Jackie Sain and Jim Daniel.