Dell Could Lose Wilson County Tax Break, Gain from Metro

Wilson County officials have notified Dell that it could lose local tax breaks for moving 300 jobs to a facility in Nashville.

As part of an incentive package, the computer maker hasn’t paid property taxes since it moved to Lebanon ten years ago.

Last week, Dell announced it would cease production of desktop computers in Wilson County, while keeping its refurbishing operation there.

Attorney Bob Rochelle represents the Wilson County Industrial Development Board. He says the company’s tax breaks are in jeopardy.

“The stipulation is that Dell has to keep 1,000 full-time equivalent jobs located at the Lebanon facility. We know now that they’re not going to have that, probably have not had it for the last year.”

Rochelle says the Development Board will meet in the coming months to consider ending the tax break. He says, however, Dell will not have to repay anything.

On the Nashville end, Dell will likely receive additional money from Metro Government, which annually pays $500 per full-time job. Law director Sue Cain says the agreement doesn’t exclude jobs that move in from another county.