May 24, 2013
Some local communities are opting to keep their share of a sales tax on energy used in manufacturing even as Georgia's government gradually eliminates its part of the tax.
Gov. Nathan Deal signed a tax package this year that gradually phases out a 4 percent sales tax on the energy manufacturers use to produce their goods. But local leaders are deciding to effectively keep their portion of the tax, meaning producers will get less of a tax cut.
Republican Rep. Mickey Channell, the bill sponsor, said he thinks local governments will attract more manufacturing jobs if they cut the tax.
Crisp County Commissioner Wallace Mathis, a Republican, said local governments need that money to fund infrastructure projects, some of which help local manufacturers.
