A self-storage operator in La Vergne, Tenn., irate over steep tax increases is part of group looking to dissolve the local government.
Stan Glasgow, owner of LaVergne Mini Storage, is among a group of business owners who began circulating a petition last week. To hold a special election, the group must present a petition with more than 5,000 signatures of registered La Vergne voters. If the group is successful, the La Vergne government would be absorbed into Rutherford Countys government.
The city will require business owners to pay the city $1 for every $100 of their propertys assessed value annually, doubling a tax rate that had been untouched for 18 years. The rise comes shortly after other business-expense increases, including a 40 percent increase in the water utility rate and a 60 percent increase on the citys sewage rate. La Vergne residents also pay a $2.46 tax rate to Rutherford County.
City officials said the tax increase was necessary due to the growing city population, which jumped 74 percent between 2000 and 2010. The city also has a $30 million debt.
