By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–With an amendment added to the resolution to act on the levy of a county-wide wheel tax, it will be July before the wheel tax is voted upon by the Henry County Commission.
At a busy and well-attended meeting Monday evening, the commission approved adding an amendment to the wheel tax resolution that would reduce the fee to $15 for off-road vehicles such as golf carts and ATVs. The amendment was suggested by Commissioner Patrick Burns. Voting ‘no’ on adding the amendment were Tater Hayes, Gatlin Primrose, Marty Visser and Ralph Wiles.
The wheel tax resolution had been slated for a vote on its second reading Monday night, but with the addition of the amendment, it will now be voted upon at the July regular meeting.
As discussed at previous meetings, the wheel tax resolution specifies that the tax would be used to finance four projects: construction of new county services building on Hwy. 79S; renovation of county building located at 311 E. Wood St., renovation of county building located at 1108 Tyson Ave., and restoration of courthouse bell tower and belfry.
The resolution also states that the tax would be placed in the county general fund and used for construction, capital improvements, repairs and maintenance to buildings and grounds owned by Henry Co.
Commissioner Monte Starks objected to the inclusion of the word ‘maintenance’ in the resolution and said it should stick to the four projects. County Attorney Rob Whitfield said he did not see a problem with the ‘broad language’ used in the resolution. Starks’ motion to delete the word ‘maintenance’ did not pass.
As the wheel tax resolution reads, the commission ‘has determined that it is in the best interests of the county that an additional motor vehicle privilege tax in the amount of $30 be levied in Henry County so that the total motor vehicle privilege tax will be $45.50 after June 30, 2026.
In other business:
–The commission unanimously approved consolidating the 911 dispatch. According to the resolution, the Henry County government believes it to be in the best interests of citizens of the city and county that 911 emergency services of the city police, county sheriff, and emergency medical services be consolidated. The city of Paris has already approved the same resolution.
Sheriff Josh Frey wrote a letter of support for consolidating the dispatch services. Frey said in the letter, “I feel by consolidating dispatch that the citizens of Henry County will receive a better service than what they already receive…Central dispatch has been discussed for many years and funding has always been a problem. With the grant that has been secured to help with the funding, I feel the time is right to make central dispatch happen for a better service to the citizens of Paris/Henry County.”
–Commissioners approved the list of non-profit or civic organizations that will receive appropriations on second reading. The resolution is an annual action by the commission and has been discussed at length at previous meetings.
–The commission authorized the sale of delinquent tax properties at a reduced price
–The commission approved a resolution delegating the County Mayor authority to execute certain contracts. Mayor Randy Geiger said the contracts would be those that are not over a year in duration and which do not obligate the county to pay sums exceeding $50,000.
–Monday’s meeting was recessed until 5 p.m. June 30 to consider adopting the 2025-2026 budget.
–Commissioner Dell Carter thanked everyone for the prayers during his illness due to back surgery and said he will try to fill out his current term. Geiger thanked Carter for his years of service. “I’m glad you’re on the mend,” he said.
Photo: Commissioners look over agenda items. Shannon McFarlin photo.