Tate
For the past 10 years, Jim Tate has served as a Macon County Commissioner, representing Highlands. After this year, he will not seek reelection.
“On December 11, 2011, I had the privilege of being sworn into office as a Macon County Commissioner,” Tate said. “Since that day, I have worked extremely hard, and I have dedicated countless hours to ensure that our community would be proud of my service with which they had entrusted me. Macon County has made many, great, calculated strides forward during my time in office; however, as with most things in life, change is inevitable. Thus, I am announcing that I will not be seeking reelection for a fourth term as a Macon County Commissioner.”
Tate said the many years of service as a commissioner have been some of the greatest of his life.
“I can’t explain how extremely humbled and blessed that I have been for the leadership opportunity that my fellow citizens have bestowed upon me,” Tate said. “More importantly, I have had the honor of to meet and work alongside many great people who devote their daily lives for the betterment of our county. And, because of their dedication, we are all truly blessed to be able to call Macon County home. Public service is a calling and one which I have taken very seriously. It has been an honor to represent Macon County as your commissioner.”
While Tate was in office, the fund balance has increased by $8,970,000 from $16,509,000 to $25,476,000. The county debt has also gone down by $30 million from $62 million to $32 million.
Tate said during his time as commissioner the commission was able to deliver massive recreation overhauls including the pool, land acquisitions, Parker Meadows and facility upgrades, at all county school they have accomplished major school renovations and numerous safety upgrades, provided steady pay increases and solved significant benefits challenges for their employees, expanded their landfill to provide enough space for solid waste disposal for the next 30 plus years, and been able to provide the services that all residents expect while maintaining one of the lowest property tax rates in the state.
smile because of the successful journey that I have made,” Tate said. “Personally, I do not believe that you get into politics to find a life of success, but moreover, to find a life of significance. It makes me very proud to know that I have done my best to try and make a difference for our community.”
Moving forward, Tate said he hopes that the commissioners will work together to ensure that Macon County pushes forward in a positive direction.
“I hope they focus on working for the common good instead of airing differences,” Tate said. “That they solve problems instead of criticizing. That they always strive to keep Macon County one of the greatest places in the world to live.”
Town of Highlands mayor Pat Taylor said Tate has always provided steady and consistent leadership.
“Jim has always provided steady and consistent leadership with the guiding principle of what is good for the community,” Taylor said. “I will miss his openness and accessibility. Jim has always been willing to address common concerns and solve problems that really impact people.”
Taylor said Tate has always been an advocate for the Highlands Plateau.
“He has had a vision and understanding of how the county needs to serve citizens in critical areas such as education and essential social services. He has also been a big supporter for economic development. In addition, Commissioner Tate has been an advocate for the Highlands Plateau.”
Moving forward, Taylor said the county needs a commissioner who can understand the necessity to plan for future growth.
“We need a commissioner who can understand the necessity to plan now for future growth and development,” Taylor said. “I hope a commissioner is elected that will know the Highlands Plateau is an essential part of the current and future prosperity of Macon County.”
Tate has held the position of Chairman of the Board of Commissioners since 2016.
- By Christopher Smith