Freeport Tax Exemption "A Clear Win" For Fulton: Hausmann

Editor's note: the following letter to the editor was submitted by Fulton County Commission Vice-Chair Liz Hausmann.

Shall Fulton County, Georgia be authorized to grant a Freeport Exemption to E- Commerce goods stored in fulfillment centers from taxation?

_____ Yes _______ No

What does this ballot question mean for Fulton County? Attracting companies of the future!

Georgia law allows for Freeport Tax Exemption for inventory held in warehouses for less than 12 months. As the online shopping industry has evolved, e-commerce fulfillment facilities are more and more common and come with good jobs. Currently, inventory at these facilities does not qualify for the tax exemption as the inventory in a standard warehouse does qualify.

Recognizing this inequity, and the growing e-commerce business, the Georgia legislature passed into law this addition to the Freeport Tax Exemption. This change requires each local jurisdiction to ask for voter approval. Fulton is one of the very few to have it on the ballot this year, and if approved, will give Fulton a clear advantage in attracting these companies to Fulton County.

The high value of the typical equipment in these facilities can lessen the impact of any taxes not generated from Freeport Exemption.

E-commerce fulfillment centers are locations used to pack, ship, store, or otherwise process tangible personal property sold by electronic, internet, or other remote means. These locations typically employ 300 to 500 skilled workers.

With growing demand for same-day service in our dense area, we expect these fulfillment centers to create hundreds of jobs for our residents and help grow other existing industries such as logistics, manufacturing, as well as entrepreneurs, innovators, and creators who are growing local internet-based businesses.

A "yes" vote will result in encouraging more fulfillment centers to relocate to Fulton and provide jobs in our community.

Expanding the Freeport Exemption is good for business, focuses on future investment and economic growth in Fulton County. It’s a clear win!

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