Warren County Georgia Economic Profile

 

 

State of Georgia Economic Profile

Georgia Department of Labor

Georgia Department of Community Affairs

Georgia Department of Industry, Trade and Tourism

Location

 

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.

County Economic Profile

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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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

 

Tri-County Health System, Inc.

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%

  • State ---0.25%
    County--13.50%
    School--13.915%
    School Bond - 1.533%

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.

Construction site of the new Warren County High School and Middle School

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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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:

  • Georgia Power Company  706-465-3341

  • Jefferson Energy Cooperative  706-547-5002

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:

  • Atlanta Gas Light Company 1-800-850-4159

  • Wilhoit Gas Company 706-465-2243

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

  • 25 Inter/Intrastate Carriers

  • 3 Interstate Only

  • 0 Intrastate Only

  • 1 Local Terminal

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.

  1. 90% of the increase in tax liability in the current year over that in the base year, or

  2. 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:

  1. Enhance the skills of employees otherwise unable to function efficiently on new equipment.

  2. Be approved by the Department of Technical and Adult Education; and

  3. 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:

  1. 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

  2. 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.

  3. Machinery used directly in the remanufacture of aircraft engines, parts and components.

  4. 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

Kitty Hawkins

Proprietor

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

Andy Crabb

Plant Manager

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

Donna Newsome

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

 

Return to County Economic Profile

 


 

 

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