SCBC postpone Occupation Tax Ordinance

During the recent Stephens County Board of Commissioner’s meeting, the board held the second public hearing for the Occupation Tax Ordinance.

Though, unlike previous meetings where commissioners discussed this topic, there were several business owners who spoke out against the new tax.

John Smith owner of Gunby Communications, located at 39 Collier Rd, in Toccoa, spoke in opposition to the ordinance, the first reason was due to the commission not publicly publishing the fee schedule.

Smith also found that the tax would be unfair for local businesses if the county failed to tax any business outside of the county that they do business with, he said.

Another issue that was addressed during the meeting is that the business owners in the community feel that the tax is unnecessary, and that they are already taxed enough.

Because of Smith addressing the commissions lack of releasing the fee schedule, the commissioners agreed to take another look at the fee schedule and to release the fee schedule once they decide on an appropriate tax.

Both Commissioner Dennis Bell and Commissioner Dean Scarborough were absent, resulting in a 3-0 vote to postpone the passing of the ordinance.