Walker County announces its plan to lower property tax

LAFAYETTE — When property owners in Walker County receive their tax notices later this year, they will see a slight decrease in the county’s portion of the millage (property tax) rate.

Commissioner Shannon Whitfield plans to reduce the rate for residents in both the unincorporated and incorporated areas of the county.

The new rate of 9.822 mills for Walker County residents in unincorporated locations represents a 0.16% reduction in county taxes.

City residents will experience a 0.28% decrease, as the tax rate for property owners in incorporated areas will be set at 13.293 mills.

The lower tax rate comes on the heels of Walker County government ending the “Public Health Facilities and Services District,” aka the Erlanger fee, for this upcoming tax cycle. These two developments mean those with property valued at $100,000 will save over $140 from the county’s portion of the tax bill this year, although changes made by other taxing authorities may impact an individual taxpayers overall savings.

“The days of leases and loans are behind us,” said Commissioner Whitfield. “We continue to reduce debt, operate on a fiscally responsible budget and explore creative options to enhance revenue, so we can hold the line on property taxes. The sacrifices endured over the past two and a half years have positioned Walker County to grow and prosper as we progress into the next decade.”

Walker County Messenger

Ringgold eyes stormwater study after flooding at businesses

RINGGOLD — Ringgold council members have agreed to bring in a hydrology engineer to look at stormwater issues that caused several businesses to flood along Cleburne Street recently.

During the July 22 meeting, City Council members discussed trouble spots they would like to have evaluated, and also considered the opinion of local attorney Mccracken Poston, who owns one of the buildings that suffered flood damage.

Poston believes the recent flooding issues are a result of a new building and parking lot construction that have taken place between Cleburne and Mountain streets near City Hall.

During the citizen’s comments portion of the night’s agenda, Poston questioned the materials used to construct the parking lot and whether a retention pond should have been required for the property.

“The building I have and a lot of those buildings down there, nobody can remember when they flooded into the backs. The backs of the buildings are higher than the fronts,” Poston said. “I appreciate y’all looking into this, but we do have a problem and we can’t deny it.”

As far as the new construction goes, the city contends that the site’s parking lot was to be constructed with pervious materials, meaning the lot should allow water to percolate through in an attempt to slow down stormwater runoff and promote infiltration.

The use of pervious materials creates a scenario where a retention pond or reservoir isn’t mandated.

Poston contends that perhaps construction crews didn’t use the proper material, which is causing some of the flooding issues.

After discussion of the issue, Franks motioned to bring in an engineer in to evaluate, a motion that was unanimously approved 5-0.

Moving forward, city officials agreed with Poston’s request that the affected business owners be a part of the conversation regarding potential solutions.

Adam Cook, The Catoosa County News