Fighting taxation without representation with annexation. Blount County residents are looking to annex into the neighboring town of Hayden. It's an issue they discussed with Hayden Council members Tuesday night. The move comes after the Jefferson County City of Warrior recently passed a new sales tax in its police jurisdiction, which extends into west Blount County. Warrior's attorney says it's perfectly legal and constitutional but Blount County residents say it's morally wrong and say they don't want or need the police and fire protection.

Annexation into Hayden would nullify Warrior's tax ordinance because legal experts say cities can't tax another municipality.
Some Blount County residents see it as a win-win-win situation: Hayden's sales tax is lower than Warrior's, residents get a vote in Hayden and all revenue stays in Blount County.

"I am for doing anything to stop the city of Warrior for taking my customers money and furnishing no service to them," says Bill Logan, Blount County business owner.

Blount County residents are also battling this tax with a boycott. Right now, many residents, who feel they've been duped and invaded, are not spending a dime in Warrior. And many businesses are feeling the pinch. Owners of Piggly Wiggly, K and K Rental, Ace Hardware, NAPA Auto Parts, Warrior Pharmacy, the White House Restaurant and more have noticed a major decrease in traffic. They say the Warrior needs to rescind the ordinance ASAP.

"Business-wise, I hope they resolve this so we can get back to business and all our people come back. I don't blame them because they're doing something they believe in but we do miss the business," says Sharon Corley, manager of White House Restaurant.

Last week, majority of Warrior's council members voted 'no' to rescind the tax ordinance. However, the council plans to revisit the tax ordinance on Tuesday, Jan 19th.

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