COVINGTON, Ga. — Mayor Fleeta Baggett has introduced her intent to ultimately get rid of property taxes for Covington residents.
In response to Baggett by way of a Monday afternoon press launch, the elimination of property taxes could be made attainable by the “substantial” tax income town expects the incoming Amazon information heart to generate.
“That is precisely the form of financial progress we’ve been working towards—progress that instantly advantages the individuals who name Covington residence,” Baggett mentioned within the launch. “Due to the income generated by the Amazon information heart, we now have an actual alternative to get rid of metropolis property taxes for particular person householders.”
The discharge states that on the subsequent metropolis council assembly, which is slated for Tuesday, Jan. 20, Baggett plans to formally request that the council move a decision “supporting the elimination of metropolis property taxes for particular person householders with a 100% homestead exemption.”
“My aim is straightforward,” Baggett mentioned. “I wish to take away this burden from our metropolis residents whereas persevering with to ship high-quality metropolis providers. This funding permits us to do each responsibly and sustainably.”
If the Covington Metropolis Council have been to move such a decision, it could be despatched to the Common Meeting for consideration. If the state’s lawmakers permitted the decision, it could require one last seal of approval: that of Covington’s voters.
“That is about equity,” Baggett mentioned. “Once we efficiently appeal to main employers and funding to Covington, our residents ought to see actual, tangible advantages. Eliminating metropolis property taxes for householders ensures that financial improvement works for our households.”
The discharge notes that extra particulars shall be revealed on the Jan. 20 metropolis council assembly.
“I look ahead to working intently with the Metropolis Council and our state legislators to make this imaginative and prescient a actuality,” Baggett mentioned. “Collectively, we are able to make Covington an excellent stronger and extra reasonably priced place to reside.”
Whereas it’s unclear how town council feels in regards to the proposal, Council Member Travis Moore voiced his assist.
“I totally assist this proposal and shall be voting YES,” Moore wrote on a Monday afternoon Fb submit.
