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On May 4, the citizens of Greenville voted to create a new 4A corporation which will give the Greenville Board of Development more funding for economic growth. Proposition One called for the reallocation of sales tax revenue toward economic development and was passed by a landslide vote of better than two-to-one. With the additional 4A funding, the Board of Development foresees a brighter future for Greenville citizens as the vote will help the Board accomplish its goals.
"The community has spoken and we are pleased with the result," said Lowell Lawson, chairman of the Greenville Board of Development. "Now it's time to deliver the results to our citizens who expect our community to create more jobs and build a broader tax base." Greenville voters had defeated similar propositions in 1994 and 1998, but now believe the additional sales tax revenue generated through new businesses will offset the need for property taxes.
"Clearly, Greenville citizens are looking for controlled growth as a way to reduce their tax burden," added Lawson. "And Greenville residents are looking for us to create opportunities for our youth, both in the form of better jobs and better training. With 4A funds, much of which will be derived from non-Greenville residents when they shop here, we will be in a much better position to broaden the job base and give our youth the bright future they deserve.
In Texas, communities with 4A designation can use sales tax revenues to develop technology parks and industrial parks; acquire land and properties; train or retrain workers; or offer cash incentives to cover relocation costs.
Lawson summed up the election by thanking Greenville citizens. "It's really just great to live in a community that cares about its future."
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