Deferring taxes so the government doesn’t receive any revenue for 15 years means that the money to operate the government has to come from somewhere else. If the government TIF’s every project then where does new operating capital come from? It comes from you the taxpayer.

TIF’s are a subsidy. They should only be used when a project absolutely requires them. Overuse of TIF’s means more taxes for taxpayers. Both the taxpayers of the City of Knoxville and the taxpayers of Knox County are looking at significant property tax increases. Yet tens of millions of dollars of TIF’s have been awarded in the past six years. Will our property taxes go down in 15 years? Don’t hold your breath.

Why should one developer get a TIF when another developer doesn’t? How do you know there is not favoritism as to who gets a TIF and who does not?

No. They cant. If you don’t like TIFs, then you are anti-Capitalism. Its invetment in the community and payback for taxes paid. You can’t deny that. What are you a commie?

When will it end?

I work for the City and I can tell you they ain’t waisting it on our pay or health care. When I see the squandering I oft say I wish they would waste it on me instead.