Heady And Other UC Mayors Asked Bill Lee For Recurring Funding

Jackson County Mayor Randy Heady among six Upper Cumberland Mayors who met with Governor Bill Lee to request recurring county funding.

Heady said state government has always been open to offering the Upper Cumberland funding when available. He said he appreciates Lee advocating for rural communities, and long-term revenue commitment is another way for him to do that.

“One-time money’s great, but recurring revenues is what leaves a legacy,” Heady said. “That’s what we’re looking for for our kids and our grandkids in the future is an impact that will not be an impact just for us today, but will be an impact for them moving forward in years to come.”

During the meeting ahead of Monday’s State Of The State address, Heady said the mayors discussed state-shared sales tax and single-article sales tax increases. He said they also focused on funding for schools and roads.

“It’s easy to get forgotten,” Heady said. “When you have counties like Davidson and Shelby and Knox with their tourism dollars that come in and boost their economic development alone. Think of all of the things going on in downtown Nashville. They can get the bulk.”

He said he learned at the meeting that Nashville accounts for more than half of Tennessee’s liquor tax. He said when contending for funds with a city of that size and economic prowess, it is important to get face-to-face with state representatives anytime there is a chance.

“For one thing, to strengthen our relationship,” Heady said. “It’s always good to do that and build that ability to go down and not be worried about asking questions and finding out what’s going on.”

Heady said these meetings strengthen the connection between rural communities and state government. He said these conversations give him leeway to inquire and potentially push back on legislation when he feels necessary.

“They understand what’s going on in local communities,” Heady said. “They came from these communities, and so they’re really good to listen to us.”

He said funding mechanisms and adjusted tax systems are crucial for growth in Jackson County and the rest of the Upper Cumberland. He said whenever he has a chance to speak with state representatives and try to ease the burden of county taxpayers, he wants to do so.