LOW TAXES AND INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT Tennessee’s reputation for fiscal responsibility creates a foundation for Huntsville’s economic appeal. The state operates without income tax, providing an immediate advantage for residents and businesses considering relocation. Huntsville builds on this foundation with locally focused policies that emphasize both growth and sustainability. “Tennessee as a whole is run really well financially,” Mayor Jeffers states. “We are very independent as a state, the county as well, and the city. Our tax rates are low. We have no state tax here.That really draws people into the state. When they look at some of the smaller counties that have all kinds of potential, they start seeing our tax rate and how user-friendly we are, and apparently they like what they see.” The town approaches annexation with a resident centered philosophy, expanding only when property owners request incorporation. This measured approach ensures infrastructure can support growth while respecting property rights and community preferences. “Our infrastructure is one of our strengths,” explains Mayor Jeffers. “When we first started talking about getting bigger, I said the only way we annex is when people request it. We have people who want to come into the city limits because we offer services, and we do things right.” Infrastructure maintenance represents an ongoing priority for the small municipality. Huntsville operates two of the three wastewater systems in Scott County, including a system transferred from county control. Additionally, the town successfully leverages Community Development Block Grants and other funding sources to maintain and improve infrastructure without overburdening local taxpayers. Recently, Mayor Jeffers secured a $50,000 tourism enhancement grant from Tennessee to restore the historic Scott County Jail, built in 1904 from locally 122 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 06
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