|
Warren County offers all the advantages for your business success and
these advantages are complimented by an exceptional quality of life.
The Warren County community believes in a cooperative
atmosphere where some of the City and County government responsibilities
have been combined in order to reduce the cost of running the
government. This saves taxpayer's dollars by not duplicating work.
Community
Education
Labor & Manufacturing
Utilities
& Transportation
Government
Incentives
Directory of Manufacturers
Community
Warrenton, the county seat of Warren
County, is the home of the architecturally significant Warren County
Courthouse. It is a friendly business community with historic charm
and Southern hospitality. Camak and Norwood are also incorporated
cities in Warren County.
Frequently
Ask Questions concerning
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To County Economic Profile
Automobile License Tags
Tags can be obtained at the Tag Commissioners office in
Warren County Court House located on Court Square in Warrenton, Georgia. The office phone number is
(706) 465-2231.
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Civic
Organizations
Warren County has a number of civic clubs
that are active in our community, including Kiwanis, Daughters of the
American Revolution, Leadership Warren, Warren County Historical Society, Garden
Clubs, the American Legion, Masonic Lodge, Cancer Society, the Senior Citizens Center and the
Chamber of Commerce. Events and programs,
sponsored by these organizations are held throughout the year.
Churches

Denominations
represented within a 20 minute drive of Warrenton include; African
Methodist Episcopal, Assemblies of God, Baptist, Southern Baptist,
Catholic, Charismatic,
Church of Christ, Church of God, Church of Latter Day Saints, Episcopal,
Holiness, Jehovah's Witness, Methodist, Pentecostal and Presbyterian.
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Driver's Licenses
Georgia driver's licenses can be obtained
at the Community Service Building in Warrenton on the 3rd Thursday of each
month or weekdays at the Georgia State Patrol office in Thomson, (706)
595-2973. The license fee is approximately $15.00 and checks are not
accepted.
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Housing
Real estate for sale and rent is available
locally and in our neighboring communities. Warren County offers an
abundance of land both in town and in the outlying areas for home building
options to suit your needs. Contact the following agencies for
further assistance:
|
Warren County Chamber of Commerce |
706-465-9604 |
|
Timberland Sales, Inc. |
706-465-3241 |
|
Watson & Knox Real Estate |
706-595-4983 |
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Medical Care

Warren County offers excellent physician's
care, dental care, nursing home care and assisted living options.
Hospital needs are met at the McDuffie County Hospital, 15 minutes away,
and several regional hospitals in the area, including the Medical College
of Georgia.
|
Tri-County Family Medical Center |
706-465-3253 (medical and dental) |
|
Warrenton Medical Center |
706-465-3800 (medical) |
|
Warren County Public Health Department |
706-465-2252 (medical) |
|
Dr. William H. Gamble |
706-465-3386 (dental) |
|
McDuffie County Regional Hospital |
706-595-1411 (hospital & emergency) |
|
Warren County EMA |
706-465-3303 (emergency) |
|
Warren Health & Rehabilitation Center |
706-465-3328 (nursing home) |
|
The Evans House |
706-465-1019 (assisted living center) |
Emergency
|
Warren County Emergency Services |
911 Full Service |
This phone number reaches the dispatcher for the County
Sheriff Department, City Police Department, Fire Department and EMS.
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Warren County General Tax Information
Property Taxes
Property taxes are determined by tax rates
and assessment ratios which vary by location. The only realistic way
to compare property taxes for different locations is to use
"effective tax rates" (tax rate multiplied by assessment
ratio). Effective tax rates combine city, county, school and state
tax rates into one convenient figure - the annual tax for each $1,000 of
property at it's fair market value. This rate applies to all
property: land, buildings, machinery, equipment and inventory.
The effective rate for taxes in Warren
County: $29.19 Within the City of Warrenton, the effective rate is: $43.48
Local Sales and Use Tax
The State and local sales and use taxes
that apply to building materials, machinery, installation labor and
equipment is at the rate of 6%.
State Property tax rate
The State of Georgia Property tax rate is
0.25%
Typical local tax rates
The typical local tax rate:
Unincorporated County Rate: 19.698%
Incorporated Rate:
-
Camak -----33.198%
-
Norwood----32.448%
-
Warrenton--43.29%
Industrial Property
The assessment ratio for industrial
property is 40% of the total value.
Business Inventory Tax Rate
Freeport Tax
Exemption
Workers Compensation Tax Rate
Companies that participate in the Warren
County Chamber of Commerce's Drug Don't Work Program receive a 7 1/2%
discount on their workers compensation premiums.
State Income Tax Rate
The State of Georgia income tax rate is 6%.
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Voter
Registration
Register to vote in Georgia and Warren
County at the Warren County Board of Registrar's Office at the Warren
County Community Services Building located on Warren Street behind
Citizens Bank. Registration
requires identification such as a driver's license, birth certificate or
Social Security card.
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Education
Offering educational opportunities to all
residents is a priority of the leaders in Warren County. They have
demonstrated this commitment to excellence in our public and private
school options. Construction of the new public high school and
middle school will be completed in 2002. Several
higher
education options are within a 60-minute drive.

The Warren County School System
has undertaken a comprehensive school improvement planning initiative that
is designed to ensure excellent educational opportunities in both our
elementary and high schools.
Warren County Head start is a
readiness program for 3 and 4 year-olds. This program is housed in
the newly built Warrenton Learning Center next to Warrenton City Hall.
Mildred E. Freeman Elementary School
serves
approximately 600 students in kindergarten through 5th grade.
The average class size is around 20 students. Each class is equipped
with computers connected to a central network and software programs are
used as an integral part of the curriculum. The Chamber of
Commerce/M. E. Freeman Mentoring Program brings community citizens into
the school to mentor individual students or classes. This program
began in 1997 and has grown each year.
Warren County High School
serves approximately 500 students in grades 6 through 12. College
preparatory and vocational/applied technology paths are offered.
Sandersville Regional Technical College offers Customer Service classes as
part of the daily curriculum for the high school students. A Service
Learning class allows student to work in local businesses two days per
week to apply academic learning to real world work experiences.
There is also opportunity to participate in a wide variety of
extra-curricular activities from literary to athletics.
Briarwood Academy is a fully
accredited private school serving pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, and
has students from Warren, McDuffie, Wilkes, Lincoln, Columbia and
Taliaferro Counties. Briarwood Academy provides an accelerated curriculum for the
college bound in an atmosphere emphasizing Christian family values.
The Academy includes a well-rounded program along with academics,
including music, athletics, literary and other extra-curricular
activities.
Registration for public school is accepted
at each school. Requirements for registration are: a report card or
other proof of grade placement, a birth certificate, Social Security card,
and proof of required Immunizations.
Adult Education is housed in
the Warrenton Learning Center beside Warrenton City Hall and is provided
by Sandersville Regional Technical College. Classes provided range
from adult literacy and preparing for the GED exam to computer training
continuing education classes.
Higher
Education Opportunities including 2 and 4-year colleges, universities and technical colleges are
available in the area.
Education in the Warren County Area
(location, phone number & distance from Warrenton/Warren County)
Mildred E. Freeman Elementary School
706-465-3342 Warrenton, Georgia
Warren County High School 706-465-3383 Warrenton, Georgia
Briarwood Academy
706-595-5641 Warrenton, Georgia
Augusta Technical College
706-771-4000 Augusta, Georgia - 50 min. drive
Augusta Technical College, Thomson
Campus 706-595-0166 Thomson, Georgia - 15 min. drive
Sandersville Regional Technical
College
912-553-2050 Sandersville, Georgia - 45 min. drive
University of Georgia 706-542-3000 Athens, Georgia - 70 min. drive
Augusta State University 706-737-1400 Augusta, Georgia - 50 min. drive
Georgia College & State University 912-453-5151 Milledgeville, Georgia - 50 min. drive
Medical College of Georgia 706-722-9011 Augusta, Georgia - 50 min. drive
Paine College
706-795-7151 Augusta, Georgia - 50 min. drive
Georgia Military College 706-793-8577 Augusta, Georgia - 50 min. drive
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Labor
& Manufacturing
Lumber and Wood Products
|
|
|
City |
Employees |
|
The Timberman, Inc |
Wooden Pallets |
Camak |
150 |
|
Georgia-Pacific Corp |
Rough Pine Lumber |
Warrenton |
110 |
|
Canal Wood Corp |
Hardwood Lumber |
Camak |
20 |
Textile Products
|
|
|
City |
Employees |
|
Zorlu USA, Inc |
Home Textiles |
Warrenton |
100 |
Stone, Clay and Glass Products
|
|
|
City |
Employees |
|
Martin Marietta Aggregates |
Crushed Granite |
Camak |
60 |
|
Martin Marietta Aggregates |
Crushed Stone |
Warrenton |
21 |
|
Thiele Kaolin |
Kaolin |
Warren |
150 |
|
J.M. Huber |
Kaolin |
Warren |
190 |
Primary Metal Industries
Fabricated Metal Products
|
|
|
City |
Employees |
|
Jebco, Inc. |
Fabricated Metal Pdts. |
Warrenton |
140 |
Transportation
|
|
|
City |
Employees |
|
CSX Railroad |
Railroad |
Camak |
40 |
|
United Parcel Service |
Package Delivery |
Warren |
45 |
Medical and Health Care
|
|
|
City |
Employees |
|
Warrenton Medical and Rehabilitation
Center |
Warrenton |
115 |
|
Tri-County Medical Center |
Warrenton |
25 |
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To County Economic Profile
Utilities
Commerce is best served by a competitive array of
necessary services. With a nearby airport, rail service and
immediate interstate access, Warren County offers an ideal setting for the
manufacture and transport of goods.
Electricity
Georgia has one of the lowest industrial
electrical rates in the United States. Georgia has a modern
integrated electrical transmission system. Warren County has
excellent ability to supply industrial demands. Compared to 47% for
the U. S., coal accounts for 84% of fuel used by the state's power
generating plants. This assures long-term continuity.
Warren County gives you a choice of Electric and Gas companies
to chose from;
Electric Companies:
If a new customer requires over 900 kw
connected load, according to state law, there is customer choice of
supplier.
Natural Gas
Natural gas is available in industrial
quantities on both a firm and an interruptible basis.
Gas Companies:
Water
Plant capacity: 850,000 gal/day.
Consumption: 400,000 gal/day average, 550,000 gal/day maximum.
Source: Warrenton City Pond.
Commercial Services
Communications
One local newspaper, weekly, five TV
channels received (cable available). Two local radio stations.
Industrial Support services
Electric motor repair. Fabricating,
casting, finishing, forming, machining, tool and die shop at Augusta (37
miles).
Public Accommodations
Four restaurants, one
motel, one Plantation Lodge with overnight accommodations, three meeting
facilities.
Telephone Service
Local telephone service is provided by
Southern Bell
Telephone Company (780-2355) with all the various options for long distance available
as the customer chooses.
Contact the Warrenton City Hall for water, sewer and
cable information. Cable for television is available
in the city and town limits and in some of the county.
Garbage
Service provided by the city.
Zoning
City has zoning ordinance.
Transportation
With a 260-year tradition of leadership
in transportation, Georgia is committed to maintaining its
position. Continued improvements in the air, highway, water and
rail systems will preserve the state's ability to move people and
products efficiently and safely.
As Georgia's leaders look toward the 21st
century, they will explore exciting technological opportunities for
keeping its transportation systems the most comprehensive in the region.
If your business depends on the efficient
movement of products as well as people, Georgia offers an ideal
combination of location and facilities - in the heart of the nation's
fastest growing region and within easy reach on national and international
markets. Our economic development professionals are ready to show
you firsthand how easily you can get there from here.
Warren County's location is a key factor in its
growth. Access to Interstate 20 is made convenient by having
access roads. Atlanta is within 90 minutes west on Interstate 20,
Athens is within one hour and Augusta is within 40 minutes.
With a nearby airport, rail service and
immediate interstate access, Warren County offers an ideal setting for
the manufacture and transport of goods. Commercial air service is provided through Atlantic
Southeast, Delta and US Air Express in and out of Augusta (within 48
miles)
Commercial Airports
Georgia's commercial airports put a huge
segment of the nation's consumer and industrial markets within easy reach.
The nearest commercial air service is
Augusta Regional Airport (formerly Bush
Field) located in Augusta, 50 miles east of Warrenton/Warren County.
Airlines servicing this terminal are: Atlantic Southeast, Delta, US Airways, US Airways Express.
Atlanta's Hartsfield International located
100 miles west of Warren County, is a two hour or less from:
-
80% of the U.S. population
-
79% of the nation's 150 largest
metropolitan areas
-
77% of the nation's metro buying income
-
76% of retail sales in the nation's top
metro markets.
Despite its standing as one of the world's busiest
airports for both passengers and aircraft, Atlanta's Hartsfield
International is user friendly.
Local Aviation
A regional airport with a 5,000-foot runway
and an I.L.S. is a 15--minute drive from Warrenton in McDuffie County.
Motor Freight Carriers
Warren County is served by 3 interstate and
24 Interstate/Intrastate carriers.
Georgia's highway system has made it one of
the nation's major trucking hubs. Motor freight services provide
efficient point-to-point shipping as well as vital links with the state's
air, rail and water transportation systems.
Motor Freight Carriers Warren County
Carrier Summary
|
Inter/Intrastate Carriers |
Location of Terminal |
|
|
|
|
AAA Cooper Transportation |
Augusta |
|
American Freightways, Inc |
Augusta |
|
Atlanta Motor Lines, Inc |
Augusta |
|
Averitt Express |
Macon |
|
Carolina Freight Carriers Corp |
Thomaston |
|
Challenger Motor Freight, Inc |
N/A |
|
Consolidated Freightways Corp of Delaware |
Augusta |
|
Con-Way Southern Express |
Augusta |
|
Estes Express Lines |
Columbia, SC |
|
Floyd & Beasley Transfer Co., Inc |
Augusta |
|
Humboldt Express, Inc |
N/A |
|
Jones Truck Lines, Inc |
Atlanta |
|
New York Carolina Express |
N/A |
|
Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc |
Columbus |
|
Overnite Transportation Co |
Augusta |
|
RCA Truck Lines, Inc |
Augusta |
|
Reliable Shippers, Inc |
N/A |
|
Roadway Express, Inc |
Augusta |
|
Smalley Transportation Co |
Augusta |
|
Southeastern Freight Lines |
N.Augusta, SC |
|
Spartan Express, Inc |
Augusta |
|
TNT Overland Express, Inc |
Augusta |
|
TSC Express |
Augusta |
|
Transus Freight, inc |
N/A |
|
Yellow Freight System, Inc |
Augusta |
|
|
|
|
Interstate Only |
|
|
|
|
|
ABF Freight System, Inc |
Augusta |
|
Fredrickson Motor Express Corp |
Augusta |
|
Priority Freight System, Inc |
Winston-Salem, NC |
Rail Services
Georgia's 5,200-mile rail system, which
provides direct rail service to approximately 500 Georgia communities, is
the most extensive in the Southeast.
The CSX System provides rail service
locally with piggyback service at Atlanta. Additionally, Warren
County is also serviced by Norfolk Southern piggyback service at Atlanta.
Ports
Georgia's deepwater ports at Savannah and
Brunswick lead the region in technology and volume. The Georgia
Ports Authority (GPA) who, despite periodic downturns in worldwide
economic conditions, has posted record volumes in nearly every year since
1972.
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Government
Void of the stifling realm of politicking, Warren County
and its municipalities are proactively governed. Unprecedented
cooperation from progressive governmental agencies has resulted in a
community that is planning for the future to provide for all citizens.
County Government
Warren County is governed by a three seat
Commission. The Commission Chairman is elected at large from the
County. The other two commission seats are elected one from each
of two districts. The County Commissioner's office number is (706)
465-2171.
Sheriff
The Warren County Sheriff Department serves
and protects all citizens of unincorporated areas of Warren County and the
incorporated areas of Norwood and Camak. The Sheriff's Department has four
deputies.
Police
The Warrenton Police Department has six (6)
employees, five (5) patrol cars. They have a centralized dispatch center to dispatch all
emergency service
within Warren County.
Fire Protection
The Warren County Volunteer Fire Department
has 21 volunteer personnel providing fire protection, emergency medical
first responder services, hazardous material response, rescue operations,
fire safety education, and fire cause investigation. The Insurance Service
Office Fire Defense Classification for the City of Warrenton is Class 6,
City of Norwood is Class 7, City of Camak is Class 9 and Warren County is
Class 9.
Water and Sewage
Water and sewage is supplied by the City of
Warrenton and managed by OMI,Inc. They supervise and maintain two oxidation ponds and four
water storage tanks and the water treatment plant. Even in times of
drought, there is no water shortage in Warren County.
Library
The Warren County Library System has a
total print and non-print collection including
books, books on cassette, large print books, over Thirty-six magazines and newspapers, census
records, genealogy, and the Georgia Code. There is a separate Children's
Department.
The Library sponsors programs for children
and adults, story times for preschoolers, participates in the statewide
Summer Reading Program, provides Inter-Library Loan services, computers
for public use, sponsors art and special collections exhibits; has a
meeting room for use by community groups. Access to the Internet is
now available.
A free library card is available to any
resident of Warren County with identification showing their current
address. There is an age limit of five years of age to obtain a card;
and, a parent's
or legal guardian's signature is required for persons under 18 years of
age. A card is required before checking out materials.
Funding for the Library is provided by Warren
County, the City of Warrenton, the Warren County Board of Education, and
the East Central Georgia Library Association.
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Incentives
The inviting stability of Warren County's strong economic
infrastructure is driven by the diversity & magnitude of its
commercial activity and the ensuring retain growth.
So self-prosperous is the community, its three most
prominent financial centers with assets totaling more than $330,000,000
are locally held.
Employee Training
A benefit offered without charge to new and expanding
companies is Quick Start. Quick Start is a Georgia Department of
Education's innovative employee training program. When your business
uses Quick Start, you can expect;
-
Time and money saved during the crucial start-up
period
-
Employees who know their work and what is expected of
them
-
Lower labor turnover rates
-
Higher productivity
Here is how Quick Start works
Consultation and Analysis
When a company selects a Georgia plant site, an industrial
training team from Georgia visits the home plant to consult with key
company officials. Together they determine the company's manpower
needs, job requirements and start-up schedule.
The Training Plan
A training plan designed by Georgia's training
coordinators is submitted to the company for approval. The plan
spells out each course's content, goals, start and completion dates,
location and methods to be used in recruiting and selecting trainees.
Training Facilities and Equipment
Training facilities are set up in the area
vocational/technical school, or if more convenient to the plant site, in
special facilities rented by the State of Georgia. such facilities
are equipped with production machinery comparable to the machinery used by
the company. Quick Start programs can draw on$1.5 million in
equipment holdings. Many Quick start programs use both state and
company equipment.
Instruction
Competent, qualified instructors are identified and paid
by the State of Georgia to conduct the training classes. In most
cases, company personnel are borrowed to teach highly specialized skills.
Trainees
Through the local office of the Georgia Department of
Labor and the area vocational/technical school, prospective employees are
recruited, tested and screened in accordance with company
specification. Trainees attend training sessions on their own time,
without any training allowance or other compensation.
Pre-Employment Training
Pre-employment instruction is given company-approved
applicants at the training facility in the school or near the plant
site. Designed to give trainees a predetermined proficiency, the
first phase permits them to move directly onto the newly set up production
lines and into phase two: on-the-job training. when depth of
skill requires it, on-the-job training begins as soon as the company
selects the trainees that it desires for employment. Already
sufficiently skilled to make an important contribution to plant
operations, these employees continue to sharpen their skills under the
guidance of alert, state paid instructors. Alternately, if the
process totally precludes pre-hire training, a suitable on-the-job program
will be provided.
Build-up Training
During the entire build-up period, Quick Start's two phase
sequence of pre-employment training and on-the-job training continues
until maximum employment levels are reached. After the company has
become established, Georgia's vocational/technical schools provide other
low cost training services that assist in keeping the company supplied
with qualified manpower.
Attitude Training
A built-in feature of every Quick Start program, attitude
training introduces newly enrolled trainees to their potential
employer. Lectures and slide presentations encourage interest in
company history, products, place in the industry, and prospects for future
company growth. Attitude training's objective is to create
confident, able employees who take pride in their work and in their
company.
INCOME TAX CREDITS
Job Tax Credit
Provides for a statewide job tax credit for business or
headquarters of a business engaged in manufacturing,
warehousing/distribution, processing, telecommunications, tourism, and
research and development industries, but does not include retail
businesses. However, job tax credits are available to any business
of any nature, including retail businesses, in Tier 1 counties recognized
and designate as the 71 least developed counties (Effective January 2000).
The Business Support Act provides for three tiers of
credit. Counties and certain census tracts in the state are ranked
using the following factors:
-
Average unemployment rate for the most recent 36 month
period;
-
Average per capita income for the most recent 36 month
period;
-
Percentage of residents whose income are below the
poverty level according to the most recent data available; and
-
Average weekly manufacturing wage according to the
most recent data available.
Credits are allowed for each full-time employee job for
five years beginning with years two through six after the creation of the
job. The total credit amount can be used to offset up to 100% of the
taxpayer's state income tax liability for a taxable year. Any
credits not used may then be applied to the company's payroll withholding
tax.
A credit
claimed but not used in any taxable year may be carried forward for 10
years from the close of the taxable year in which the qualified jobs were
established.
Job Tax Credit for Joint Development Authorities
Provides for additional $500 job tax credit for a business
locating within the jurisdiction of a joint authority of two or more
contiguous counties.
Warren County
Warren County is a Tier 1 county which qualifies
industrial expansions for a $4,000 per employee tax credit under Georgia's tax incentive program. A minimum of 5 new employees to
quality for this incentive is required.
Investment Tax Credit
Based on the same tiers as Job Tax Credit program.
This allows a taxpayer that has operated an existing manufacturing or
telecommunications facility or support facility in the state for the
previous three years to obtain a credit against income tax liability.
Companies expanding in Tier 1 counties must invest $50,000
to receive a 5% credit. That credit increases to 8% for recycling,
pollution control and defense conversion activities.
Companies expanding in Tier 2 counties must invest $50,000
to receive a 3% credit. That credit increases to 5% for recycling,
pollution control and defense conversion activities.
Companies expanding in Tier 3 counties must invest $50,000
to receive a 1% credit. That credit increases to 3% for recycling,
pollution control and defense conversion activities.
The credit is a percentage of the total value of all
qualified investment property and cannot be more that 50% of the
taxpayer's total state income tax liability for that taxable year.
Any credit claimed but not used in any taxable year may be carried forward
for ten years from when the qualified investment was acquired.
Option Investment Tax Credit
Taxpayers qualifying for the investment tax credit may
choose an optional investment tax credit with the following threshold
criteria:
|
Designated Area |
Minimum Investment |
% Tax Credit |
|
|
|
|
|
Tier 1 |
$5 Million |
10% |
|
Tier 2 |
$10 Million |
8% |
|
Tier 3 |
$20 Million |
6% |
The credit may be claimed for 10 years, provided the
qualifying property remains in service throughout that period. A
taxpayer must choose either the regular or optional investment tax
credit. Once this election is made, it is irrevocable.
The optional investment tax credit is calculated based
upon a three-year tax liability average. The annual credits are then
determined using this base year average. The credit available to the
taxpayer in any given year is the lesser of the following amounts.
-
90% of the increase in tax liability in the current
year over that in the base year, or
-
The excess of the aggregate amount of the credit
allowed over the sum of the amounts of credit already used in the
years following the base year.
Retraining Tax Credit
Employers who provide retraining for employees are eligible
for a tax credit equal to 50% of the costs of retraining each full-time
employee up to $500. The training must:
-
Enhance the skills of employees otherwise unable to
function efficiently on new equipment.
-
Be approved by the Department of Technical and Adult
Education; and
-
Be provided at no cost to the employee.
The credit cannot be more that 50% of the taxpayer's total
state income tax liability for that taxable year. Any credit claimed
for any taxable year beginning on or after January 1, 1998 but not used in
any such taxable year may be carried forward for ten years from the close
of the taxable year in which the tax credit was granted.
Child Care Credit
Employers who provide or sponsor child care employees are
eligible for a tax credit of up to 50% of the employer's direct
cost. The credit cannot be more than 50% of the taxpayer's total
sale income tax liability for that taxable year. Any credit claimed
but not used in any taxable year may be carried forward for five years
from the close of the taxable year in which the cost of the operation was
incurred.
Research and Development Tax Credit
A tax credit is allowed for research expenses for research
conducted within Georgia for any business or headquarters of any such
business engaged in manufacturing, warehousing and distribution,
processing, telecommunications, tourism and research and development
industries. the credit shall be 10% of the additional research
expense over the "base amount," provided that the business
enterprise for the same taxable year claims and is allowed a research
credit under Section 41 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. The
tax credit may be carried forward ten years but may not exceed 50% of the
business net tax liability in any one year. (Effective January 1998)
Small Business Growth Companies Tax Credit
A tax credit is granted for any business or headquarters
of any such business engaged in manufacturing, warehousing, and
distribution, processing, telecommunications, tourism, and research and
development industries having sate net taxable income which is 20% or more
above that of the previous year if its net taxable income in each of the
two preceding years was also 20% or more. The credit shall be the
excess over 20% of the liability. The credit is available to
companies whose total tax liability does not exceed $1.5 million.
(Effective January 1998)
Ports Activity Job Tax and Investment Tax Credits
Companies that increase their port traffic tonnage - net
tons, containers, or 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) - through Georgia
ports by more than 10% over 1997 base year port traffic, or 75 net tons, 5
containers, or 10 TEUs, whichever is greater during the previous 12 month
period and meet BEST criteria for the county in which they arte located,
are qualified for increase job tax credits and investment tax credits.
The Job Tax and Investment Tax Credits are as follows:
|
Tier 1 Company |
$3,500 per job, 5% Investment tax credit and 10%
optional investment tax credit |
|
Tier 2 Company |
$3,000 per job, 5% Investment tax credit and 10%
optional investment tax credit |
|
Tier 3 Company |
$2,500 per job, 5% Investment tax credit and 10%
optional investment tax credit |
Companies that create 400 or more new jobs, invest $20
million or more in new and expanded facilities, and increase their port
traffic by more that 20% above its base year port traffic may take both
job tax credits and investment tax credits.
Sales Tax Exemption
Manufacturing Machinery Sales Tax Exemption
Provides for an exemption from the sales and use tax for:
-
Machinery used directly in the manufacture of tangible
personal property when the machinery is brought to replace or upgrade
machinery in a manufacturing plant presently exiting in the state, and
-
Machinery used directly in the manufacture of tangible
personal property when the machinery is incorporated as additional
machinery for the first time into a manufacturing plant presently
existing in the state.
-
Machinery used directly in the remanufacture of
aircraft engines, parts and components.
-
Overhead materials by a government defense contractor
for DOD or NASA (phased in).
Primary Material Handling Sales Tax Exemption
Provides for and exemption from the sales and use tax on
purchase of primary material handling equipment which is used directly for
the storage, handling and movement of tangible personal property in a new
expanding warehouse or distribution facility when such new facility or
expansion is valued at $5 million or more and does not engage in direct
retail sales.
Electricity Exemption
Electricity purchased that interacts directly with a
product being manufactured is exempt from sales taxes when the total cost
of the electricity exceeds 50% of the cost of all materials, including
electricity, used in making the product. This exemption is being
phased in over five years beginning in 1995. It allows
20-40-60-80-100 percent exemptions on the sales tax and is available for
new and existing firms.
Taxable Bond Financing
When you have a Taxable Bond financing and go through a
Development Authority in the State of Georgia, the bonds are exempt from
state taxes. Plus, there's no ceiling on the amount of funds
available.
Benefits
-
Save money through rates that are below prime
(although the bonds are not exempt from federal income tax, they are
exempt from Georgia income tax; therefore, the Georgia investor is
willing to buy bonds at lower rates.)
-
No "cap" on taxable bond issues
-
Floating rates track unsecured high grade commercial
paper rates
-
Fixed rates are priced slightly over the Treasury
Coupon rate
-
Terms up to 20 years
-
Can be used as part of a lease agreement
-
Availability of funds not limited to areas with high
degrees of economic need
Requirements
-
Bank letter of credit usually required to access the
lower rates
-
Issuance through the local Development Authority
required to access lower rates
-
Processing/approval time greater than that for
conventional loans
Farmers Home Administration (FmHA Business &
Industry Loan Guarantees)
The farmers Home Administration (FmHA) offers various
programs including the Business and Industrial Loan Program that can
guarantee up to $10 million to any one borrower. Applicants apply
for these loans through private lenders.
Benefits
-
FmHA regulations allow up to 90% guarantee; however,
the normal guarantee issued is 80% or less of the funds provided to a
project by a bank
-
Up to $10 million may be guaranteed to any one
borrower
-
Loans may be used for;
-
Real estate - term: up to 30 years
-
Building construction term: up to 30 years
-
Machinery and equipment term: up to 15 years
-
Small proportions of the loans may also be used
for working capital, inventory and accounts receivable financing
with terms up to seven years
-
Eligibility not restricted by size of business
Requirements
-
Program is available statewide except in towns with
populations of 50,000 or more
-
Interest rates are variable, typically with the
maximum rate of prime plus 1 - 2%
-
Personal guarantees and/or adequate collateral are
required
-
Not all banks participate in the FmHA program
-
Only for-profit businesses qualify
FmHA Intermediary Relending Program
The FmHA Intermediary Relending Program offers you up to
$150,000 and terms up to 15 years. These are not available in all
areas because one of the criteria is that you locate your business in a
rural area.
Benefits
-
Up to $150,000 loans available for fixed asset
financing
-
Save money through fixed rates that are keyed to U. S.
Treasury Bonds
-
Terms are up to 30 years
-
Eligibility not restricted by business size
Requirements
-
Not available in all areas of Georgia: six of
Georgia's 18 Regional Development Centers have established loan funds
-
Personal guarantees and adequate collateral required
-
Only for-profit businesses qualify
Employment Incentive Programs Loans
With Employment Incentive Program loans, you may qualify
for a loan of up to $500,000 at a low rate. Of course, the main
stipulation is that you recreated jobs in the community.
Benefits
-
Up to $500,000 loans are available for fixed asset gap
financing
-
Save money through rates that are typically 5% to 7%
-
Terms are generally longer than conventional loans:
for example, loans on equipment which has a useful life of seven years
can be extended for the full seven years of useful life rather than
five years as would be common with conventional loans.
-
Since loan funds are paid back to the community (the
funds originate in the form of a federal grant to the community),
communities which have previously loaned these funds may have funds
more readily available (they do not have to compete for new funds) and
have less restrictions on use of funds. Example: funds may be
loaned for working capital
-
Counties and/or cities have established loan funds
which offer this increased flexibility
Requirements
-
Designated for non-metropolitan areas
-
At least 51% of the jobs created must go to low and
moderate income persons - the more jobs that will be created by a
project, the more likely it is to be funded; business that provide job
training, work place education and other employee benefits receive
extra consideration
-
Loans are generally designated for needs not covered
by private sector financing
-
Personal guarantees and adequate collateral are
required
-
Only for-profit businesses qualify
Return
to County Economic Profile
Directory
of Manufacturers
Canal Wood Corporation P. O. Box 254 Warrenton, Georgia 30828 (706) 465-2639 Contact:
|
Jesse Reese |
Plant Manager |
20 employees
Georgia Pacific P. O. Box 349 Warrenton, Georgia 30828 (706) 465-3236 Contact:
|
Bobby Newsome |
Plant Manager |
|
Cheryl Stowe |
Human Resources |
110 employees
J. M. Huber, Co. P. O. Box 528 Wrens, Georgia 30833 (706) 547-2551 Contact
|
Ginger Johnston |
Human Resources |
190 employees
Jebco, Inc. P. O. Box 112 Warrenton, Georgia 30828 (706) 465-3378 Contact
|
P. H. Giddens |
Plant Manager |
|
Randy Thrift |
Human Resources |
140 employees
Hawkins Logging Company Macon Hwy Warrenton, Georgia 30828 (706) 465-3515 Contact
Martin-Marietta Aggregates, Inc. - Warrenton Quarry
1471 Quaker Road, SE Warrenton, Georgia 30828 (706) 465-3361 Contact
|
Olin (Woody) Johnson |
Plant Manager |
21 employees
Thiele Kaolin Company P. O. Box 337 Wrens, Georgia 30833 (706) 547-2593 Contact
150 employees
The Timbermen P. O. Box 107 Camak, Georgia 30807 (706) 465-3506 Contact
|
Jim Hicks, Jr. |
Plant Manager |
|
Steve Cooper |
Operations Manager |
|
Sammy McCorkle |
Operations Manager |
150 employees
Tri-County Medical Center 140 Norwood Road Warrenton, Georgia 30828 (706) 465-3252 Contact
25 employees
UPS 3831 Washington Road Warrenton, Georgia 30828 (706) 465-2080 Contact:
|
Jeff Joyner |
Plant Manager |
45 employees
Warrenton Health & Rehabilitation Center Hwy 278, Norwood Road Warrenton, Georgia 30828 (706) 465-3328 Contact:
|
Amy Stewart |
Administrator |
115 employees
Wheland Automotive Industries 1117 Thomson Hwy. Warrenton, Georgia 30828 (706) 465-0210 Contact:
|
Scott Bleeks |
Plant Manager |
|
|
|
5 employees
Zorlu USA, Inc. 710 Macon Hwy. Warrenton, Georgia 30828 (706)465-3220 Contact:
|
Max Christner |
Plant Manager |
|
Nena Mayo |
Consultant |
100 employees
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