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Essential utilities are available throughout Rutherford County and are competitively priced for small business, and for high-volume commercial and industrial users. In addition, Rutherford County currently has excess capacity in both current water and sewer treatment, with both designed to be expandable to meet the needs of a growing industrial base.
Electricity:
Depending on the location, Duke Power, Rutherford Electric Membership Corporation and Forest City supply electricity to area residents and businesses. All have solid reputations for quality and dependable service. Costs fluctuate with demand and location, however in 2006, industrial customers paid an average of 4 cents to 7 cents/KWH, well below national averages.
Gas:
Public Service of North Carolina (PSNC) provides natural gas to the area at or below the national average cost. Prices for this utility are negotiated with PSNC depending on a variety of factors.
Water & Sewer:
Water is a plentiful natural resource in the area. With access to the Broad River and several natural and manmade reservoirs, as well as ample storage, the area's water and sewer systems are designed to meet growing demand. Depending on the location, water is provided to businesses and residents from one of three providers: the Broad River Water Authority; the Town of Forest City; or The Town of Lake Lure. Sewer providers include the towns of Forest City, Spindale, Rutherfordton and Lake Lure. Capacities in each area vary and are designed to be expandable.
The County's newest business park, Riverstone Business Park, is supplied with water from the Town of Forest City via a 16" waterline. Flow capability is in excess of 2,600 gpm at 78 psi residual pressure. The capacity of this particular system is 8 mgd with a current average utilization of 5 mgd. The average rate per 1,000 gallons of water is $4. Wastewater service is also provided by the town via a new facility and 12" line. Capacity is 50,000 gpd at an average rate of $4 per 1,000 gallons. The facility is permitted for double its current capacity.
Telecommunications:
Telecommunications services in the area are provided by AT&T, which provides telephone and fiber optic services. Facilities include major digital switching equipment and high-speed digital access. Cellular providers include AT&T, US Cellular and Verizon Wireless. 
Rutherford County offers a very favorable environment for expansion of existing business and to attract new business to the area. Tax advantages coupled with a variety of state and county incentive programs make good sense for business.
County Taxes:
The current tax rate for Rutherford County is $0.53 per $100 of valuation (2007.) There is no county payroll tax.
Municipal Taxes:
All municipal taxes are per $100 of appraised evaluation
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Forest City |
$0.29 |
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Spindale |
$0.51 |
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Rutherfordton |
$0.52 |
State Taxes:
During the last several years, North Carolina has created a more favorable tax environment for business by eliminating the inventory tax, accelerating depreciation of equipment and reducing workers compensation taxes.
- State and Federal withholding determined from appropriate tax tables.
- State Corporate Income Tax 6.9%
- Personal Income Tax maximum rate: 8%
- Sales Tax on machinery/equipment: 1% with a maximum of $80/unit or piece of machinery that is used for manufacturing
- Inventory Tax: None
For complete information on North Carolina business taxes check the taxes section on the NC Department of Commerce website.
Rutherford County
In order to promote the growth and diversity of business and industry in the area, the Rutherford County Economic Development Investment Program was created to provide support for new and expanding industries. For additional information, contact the Rutherford County Economic Development Commission at 828-248-1716. |
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