Warren County Approves 28-Cent Property Tax Increase

Warren County Citizens will see a 28-cent property tax increase this fiscal year.

County Executive Jimmy Haley said the county commission approved the increase to make up for a lack of revenue.

“The revenues were needed in order to fund some extra employees at the jails, sixteen new jailers and staff members,” Haley said. “And a pay increase for teachers to keep the pay salary commensurate with state averages. Then to pay for computers and laptops for the testing of students.”

Haley said the county discussed several options including a $30 wheel tax increase.

“This budget was very transparent, more transparent than we had done in years. Giving input, having input from professionals and from others,” Haley said. “And full discussion of pretty much every line item and every increase or decrease that we were facing.”

Haley said the commission might revisit the wheel tax before 2022 when the current tax rolls-off.

Haley said he hopes the county will enter an Energy Services Group contract for performance-based savings. Haley said the savings could build capital funding within the budget.

“I always tell people we are not about fluff, we are trying to meet our needs first and we will look at the extras later. There are some critical things we need to address in our buildings with leaking roofs and failing HVAC systems,” Haley said. “And several things across the county that have been delayed or postponed because the revenue wasn’t there.”

Haley said the new budget will allow the county to continue with the day-to-day work.

“We are rolling up our sleeves and moving forward. We can get down to business now and do what we are tasked to do, being public servants and being public purpose-driven,” Haley said. “So there is lots of progress being made in Warren County and we will continue to move forward.”

The Warren County Commission approved the 2019-2020 fiscal budget Monday.