CLEVELAND, Tenn. — Bradley County commissioners say they want nothing to do with raising the local option sales tax here.

They passed a resolution Monday saying just that. In fact, one commissioner said he wishes the city of Cleveland would back away from the idea as well.

Commissioner Jeff Yarber said he’s talked to state legislators and they’re not interested in taking the last half-cent of sales tax available under state law.

“I hope the city slows down on this,” Mr. Yarber said.

And Tuesday, Gov. Phil Bredesen said he doesn’t want to raise any kind of taxes.

At a recent planning retreat, Cleveland City Council members discussed holding a tax referendum to capture that last half-cent. The state maximum local sales tax is 2.75 percent. The local rate in Cleveland and Bradley County now is 2.25 percent.

City officials say they fear if they don’t raise the local rate, the cash-strapped state government will raise it and take the money to Nashville.

Last week the council agreed to advertise its intent to hold a tax referendum.

The county could trump the city and hold a countywide vote, but commissioners are reluctant.

“We shouldn’t have anything to do with this,” said Commissioner Howard Thompson

If the referendum were only in the city, election costs would be borne by city taxpayers, some said.

“I don’t see why we would want to foot the bill for something that probably won’t pass anyway,” Commissioner Jim Smith said .

“Now is not the time to be raising taxes of any kind,” Commissioner Roy Smith added.

County Mayor D. Gary Davis and Commissioner Lisa Stanbery said they believe the state and county can manage their way out of the financial bind.

“I think it’s part of our job in the county to tighten our belts and ride this out,” Ms. Stanbery said.

Comments