Crossbeam, Carroll EMC ask Haralson County to retool broadband tax abatement to match $22M investment

Representatives from Crossbeam and Carroll EMC asked Haralson County commissioners to amend an existing tax abatement so it reflects roughly $22 million invested in a county‑wide fiber build and provides the full abatement term starting in 2026.

Kyle Williamson of Crossbeam traced the project’s history, saying the partners began pursuing federal and state grants in 2019, were denied several awards, and ultimately self‑funded the build. "We designed it for 100% of the electric meters, day 1," Williamson said, describing a network sized for the county’s long‑term needs. He told the board Carroll EMC and Crossbeam together have invested more than $18.1 million to date and project about $22 million when all invoices are in.

The companies asked the board to "retool" the current abatement—canceling the existing document and writing a new one that covers the larger investment and begins in 2026—so the companies can claim the full period of abatement. Crossbeam representatives said electronics and short‑lifecycle equipment were not part of the requested abatement; the request covers the physical fiber and associated installation.

Commissioners asked for a clearer financial picture of what the abatement means for county tax revenue over 10 to 20 years. One commissioner suggested waiting until the February meeting so county finance staff (Zach Smith) can provide numbers showing residual ad valorem tax at the end of the abatement period. Crossbeam agreed that waiting would not hamper the project timetable.

Next steps: staff will work with the development authority and Crossbeam/Carroll EMC to draft the new abatement language and provide fiscal impact numbers to the commission before final action. The development authority will handle negotiations and the eventual formal agreement will return to the board for a vote.