Multiple sources indicate that local official’s plan to seek tax relief for South Knoxville businesses from Nashville faces many hurdles in our state’s capitol. State lawmakers fear that allowing a tax break might set a precedent that could cost the state untold millions for years to come. The concern is that any time a state project is delayed, which happens quite often, then that area will refer to the tax breaks that South Knoxville received and expect the same type of assistance.
Another question being raised by state lawmakers is: “Why should the state provided tax breaks when the county and city have not?” A Focus source said the following of the situation: ” if the city and the county had led by example that would be one thing. They’ve had a long time to provide tax breaks and have not.”
Dan Andrews reporting…