Fields tells commission to anticipate budget without sales tax

Commissioner Jim Fields told the County Commission this morning that after one- on-one discussions with Chattanooga Councilwoman Deborah Scott, the commission should anticipate a budget without money from the city-county sales tax agreement.

Fields said he has asked County Attorney Rheubin Taylor to compile a list of jointly funded agencies that the county is obligated by law to fund. He also asked for a list of services the county feels is for the betterment of the community and a list of services that are not required.

"As it stands right now, I think what we're looking at is the mayor's office presenting us a budget without the sales tax in it," Fields said.

After Fields made his comments, Chairman Larry Henry called on commissioners to pass a resolution to approve renewal of the sales tax agreement at its first meeting in April. He also called on the Chattanooga City Council to pass the same resolution.

"The sales tax agreement has worked well for 45 years and now it seems some of our local leaders have failed to learn their lesson from history," Henry said.

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