Trigg County property owners will see an increase in their taxes this year that will help bail out Trigg County Hospital. Magistrates approved the ordinance creating an Ambulance Taxing District by a 5 to 2 vote Monday night during a special called Trigg Fiscal Court meeting.
Magistrate Larry Lawrence made the motion to approve the tax, with Magistrate Scotty Hampton providing the second. Magistrates Larry Lawrence, John Gray, Donnie Tyler, Mike Wright and Scotty Hampton voted in favor of the tax increase. Magistrates Jeff Broadbent and Jon Goodwin voted against the increase.
Prior to the vote Magistrate Jeff Broadbent said he would support the tax increase if it could be placed on the ballot to allow a public vote.
Magistrate Jon Goodwin said he could not support adding another tax to the people of Trigg County.
Magistrate Scotty Hampton told fellow court members he would support the tax if the could consider repealing it in one year.
Magistrate Larry Lawrence said the problem lies with the federal government, adding that supporting the tax is the right decision for Trigg County.
Magistrate Mike Wright, who serves as the Trigg Fiscal Court representative on the hospital board, said saving the hospital is essential.
Judge Executive Hollis Alexander told magistrates before the vote this is the only way to make sure the hospital remains open.
Prior to second reading of the ordinance, Magistrate John Gray attempted to make a motion to require the ambulance taxing district be reviewed annually.
Gray withdrew the motion when County Attorney Randy Braboy noted no other motion could be considered because the meeting was called for the purpose of voting on the proposed tax increase. Judge Alexander noted that motion can be considered at a future meeting.
The ordinance will establish an Ambulance Taxing District that will be governed by a three member board. The ordinance will impose an additional 10 cent per hundred tax on all real estate and personal property in Trigg County.
