Court Opinion

ID: 9586873
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-21 23:16:02.501148+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T17:32:54.555903
License: Public Domain

Clarke, Justice,
dissenting.
I am unable to agree with the majority in this case because of what I perceive to be the clear meaning of the words of the constitutional amendment creating the Hart County Industrial Development Authority. In dealing with the question of taxability of the property, the amendment provides that the “property, obligations and the interest on the obligations of the Authority” is immune from taxation. In my view, this simply means that the county cannot levy ad valorem taxes upon such property interest as the Authority holds. Should the Authority convey real estate to another party, no one would dispute the liability of the new owner for ad valorem tax. The only difference in that situation and this case is that *484the conveyance to Dunlop was not in fee simple but rather of a leasehold nature. I read the constitutional amendment to allow an immunity of the property interest held by the Authority but I see nothing in the amendment to extend immunity from taxation to others who may hold a property interest. It is my view that the leasehold interest held by Dunlop is subject to ad valorem taxation and for this reason I must respectfully dissent.