RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - Rutherford County Mayor Joe Carr said that we continue to struggle with the means to pay for growth... Carr said that other municipalities have the ability to levy impact fees and/or development taxes on new growth... 

State Representative Tim Rudd of Murfreesboro voted down Rutherford County's proposal this past legislative session... The state representative said that Realtor's, developers and members of the state delegation will  further discuss legislation to possibly allow the county to charge an impact fee later this summer. After different groups and residents weigh the pros and cons, Rudd said he'd consider a new bill during the next legislative session.

Even if Rutherford County were allowed to charge a $5,000 impact fee, Rudd said it would not be enough to help the county fund growth... Keep in mind that if the county were allowed to charge up to $5,000 in impact fees on new construction, then new developments in the City of Murfreesboro would quickly be hit with both the city's NEW impact fee AND a possible county impact fee. 

Carr said the only way that Rutherford County can pay for growth is through the property tax... County Mayor Carr suggested that Rutherford County is held to a much different standard than other counties... As for now, the county will not be allowed to charge an impact fee on new construction, but that could be revisited by state legislators in the next legislative session. 

HEAR MORE - Hear more from Rutherford County Mayor Joe Carr in this interview by WGNS' Bart Walker that was aired LIVE on Wednesday, May 31, 2023...

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