Each year the Georgia Department of Community Affairs ranks all 159 counties based on certain economic factors outlined in Georgia statute. For 2023, Bartow County’s status rose from a tier 3 to a tier 4 ranking.
The DCA assigns each county an annual tier ranking to determine eligibility for job tax credits against Georgia income taxes for any business engaged in manufacturing, warehousing and distribution, processing, telecommunications, broadcasting, tourism, research and development industries, or services for the elderly or persons with disabilities that create and maintain sufficient numbers of new full-time jobs.
When Bartow County was a Tier 3 community, manufacturers needed only 15 net new jobs to be eligible for a credit of $1,250 per job. Now as a Tier 4 community, manufacturers need at least 25 net new jobs to qualify for a credit of $750 per job.
Cartersville-Bartow County Department of Economic Development Executive Director Melinda Lemmon says the existing companies in Bartow County that think that 15 new jobs or more are on their horizon need to file a notice of intent with the state to lock into Tier 3 benefits before March 31st.
Her deputy director, Lori Dowdy, is available to help businesses lock into Tier 3 benefits. Her phone number is 770-607-1198.